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Plan to participate in person to learn more about the ways that agricultural and urban partners are working together to prepare for extreme weather events and improve water quality around Minnesota. This fourth annual event will focus on extreme weather resiliency, with keynote speaker, Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership at the University of Minnesota.

Who should attend?

Agricultural, government, local, and urban partners looking for ideas on how to develop and strengthen their relationships while improving the water quality of Minnesota lakes and streams are encouraged to attend.

Tentative agenda

9:00 a.m.  Welcome

9:15 a.m.  Keynote presentation: Coordination and collaboration for effective climate risk management in Minnesota (Heidi Roop, Ph.D., director, University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership)

• Learn more about the observed and projected impacts of climate change in Minnesota and how to leverage partnerships and collaborate to respond to a range of climate risks challenging Minnesota communities, ecosystems and economy.

10:00 a.m.  Break

10:15 a.m.  Successful partnership perspectives

• Municipal weatherproofing. Learn more from the City of Albany and Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District about their water-based infiltration and wetland restoration project that is helping to manage heavy rain events and prevent flooding.
• Building resiliency through soil health. Wilkin County Soil & Water Conservation District is undergoing an extensive soil health study related tillage treatments and adapting to weather changes. Farmer Vance Johnson will share what he’s learned 2 years into the 5 year project, and how soils, water and economics are all being monitored through crop rotations.
• Water communities tackling climate change. Hear how Minnesota watersheds are using their local water management plans to build resiliency to climate change, and their ideas for working with local partners.

11:45 a.m.  Closing

"Become the Seeds of Change"... this year's gathering celebrates the resilient schoolyard gardens community and will explore how schoolyard gardens can be seeds of change. Twin Cities digital artist and invited Keynote Speaker Marlena Myles will share her vision to “restore connection to the land” and how to use land as a teacher.

Sign up to be refueled and re-energized through the healing power of nature and to hear speakers behind a variety of successful programming. Topics include Food Safety in the Garden, the Harvest of the Month program, Cultivating Student Growth with Minnesota Ag in the Classroom, and more!

Our New Markets Program coordinates a Minnesota Pavilion at this "world's largest" annual business-to-business natural and healthy products tradeshow that attracts clean label and natural food and beverage buyers from around the world.

Contact us for more information.

Our New Markets Program coordinates a Minnesota Pavilion at this business-to-business food and beverage tradeshow that attracts institutional buyers from around the world.

At the "largest foodservice and hospitality marketplace in the Western Hemisphere," we'll be in NASDA's (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture) Taste of the States Pavilion. Contact us for more information.

Our New Markets Program coordinates a Minnesota Pavilion at this annual business-to-business food and beverage tradeshow that attracts candy and snack buyers from around the world. Hosted by the National Confectioners Association.

Contact us for more information.

The FEAST! spring tradeshow includes a Buyers' Expo, lunch, industry expert-led breakout sessions, and a tour of Cannon Falls food businesses.

During their breakout session, Brian Erickson and Jennifer Alexander from our New Markets Program will field business development questions and share state resources that can help food entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

The Minnesota Irrigator Program is a 3-day program on the first three Wednesdays in March (March 1st, 8th, and 15th).

• Are you an irrigator concerned about matching your irrigation with crop water use? 
• Are you wondering how to improve water use efficiency and reduce water costs?

The Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP), is a great opportunity to learn more about irrigation scheduling for your soil and crops, how to incorporate nutrient management and irrigation best management practices (BMPs), how to select the right sprinkler packages for you, and special topics like drip irrigation and remote sensing. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will talk about the well permitting process and the Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Services will talk about available funding opportunities. This is a great opportunity to learn about the available tools for irrigators.

MIP is one of the requirements to attain the Irrigation Endorsement to the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. If you are interested in being recognized for the great stewardship you do on your farm, this is a great program.

10.5 CEUs will also be offered, so this is a great program for crop advisors and conservation staff as well.

Breakfast and lunch are provided. Cost for the 3-day program is $75.