May 11-15, 2020

Dylan Barth serves on the agronomy team, focusing on helping growers produce the most profitable crop possible. They use technology and data to recommend fertilizer, seed and crop protection products from the most reputable sources that will have the greatest impact on their growers’ bottom line.

Dr. Candace Born is a clinic partner. Dr. Candace received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1999. Her professional interests include dentistry and ultrasonography, where she has received extensive training. She belongs to the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medication Association. Outside her profession, Dr. Candace enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, and her children, Drew, Christian and Ethan. She and her husband are also proud to be carrying on the family farm where they implement conservation tillage practices.

Steve Irland is President of Bushel Boy Farms. He’s been at Bushel Boy for almost 5 years, after a long career as a supermarket executive that took him across the Midwest in various positions in store operations, marketing and merchandising. On a year round basis, Bushel Boy grows tomatoes and strawberries in 32.5 acres of greenhouses right here in Owatonna. To overcome the hurdles presented by Mother Nature, Bushel Boy blends the use of technology, utilization of a dedicated and skilled workforce, and employment of sophisticated agricultural strategies to grow red, ripe and delicious tomatoes and berries for consumers across the Upper Midwest. Steve will talk about what they do, how they do it, and what kinds of skills are needed to be successful in the greenhouse agricultural sector.

Willy Mekeel: Began his teaching career at various community colleges in Minnesota. Since then, he has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level in online and face-to-face courses in geography, GIS, remote sensing, and agricultural sciences.

Nick Schiltz: An Agricultural Instructor at Riverland Community College. He has extensive experience teaching various concepts in agriculture to students and promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. He received the Outstanding Early Career Ag Teacher award by the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators. He lives in Albert Lea and farms with his father in Freeborn County.