Farmers are expert jugglers.
Between the business, agronomy, and mechanical aspects of their operations, the number of variables that impact their day-to-day can be overwhelming.
That’s why the 2026 MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop, which will be held January 19-21, 2026, is returning for its third year. The workshop aims to help producers early in their careers build a strong foundation of knowledge and resources.
“When growers are early on in their farming careers, every day can feel like drinking from a fire hose,” MSGA Treasurer Rose Wendinger said. “The MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop is designed to bring beginning farmers together to have open dialogue with industry experts, get answers to burning questions ranging across several topics and to learn about the many helpful resources available to them.”
Hosted by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and Profinium Bank, the workshop is a hands-on opportunity for producers to learn about resources and grow their network of industry professionals and peers.
Held in conjunction with the MN Ag Expo at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, the workshop’s agenda includes panels and breakout sessions focused on relevant and practical topics for those early in their farming careers.
Tentative workshop topics include:
- Building out financial statements
- Young, beginning & first-time loan options
- Tax dos and don’ts
- Grain marketing outlook & predicting trends for your farming operation
- The breakdown: Crop insurance options
- Ag policy & why you should care
- Next generation succession planning
- Building a professional relationship with your landlord (even when it’s family)
“We spend a lot of time talking about what topics are most pressing for beginning farmers when curating the agenda,” Wendinger said. “While we can’t cover it all, we make sure that it’s a robust agenda.”
Profinium Bank, the premier sponsor, vigorously advocates for young and beginning farmers, proving year after year its willingness to invest in the next generation of Minnesota producers.
“Our farming communities thrive when the next generation has the tools and confidence to succeed,” Profinium CEO Joel Staehling said. “That is why we believe in the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop. With 150 years of serving agriculture, Profinium Bank is honored to carry forward this legacy of partnership and progress.”
To be accepted into the workshop, you must complete a short application process. Requirements include being 21-45 years of age and actively crop farming in Minnesota. The application closes Oct. 31, 2025, and capacity is maxed at 40 participants. After that, a waitlist will become available. Participation is free, and lodging expenses are covered.
“This program has proven to be wildly successful, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants – many actually wished it was longer because they found the content so beneficial,” said Wendinger, who farms in St. James. “If you’re a beginning farmer in Minnesota and are ready to take the next step in your career, I highly encourage you to apply for the workshop.”
To learn more about the MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop, contact Sydney Harris at 218-689-5091 or sharris@agmgmtsolutions.com.
Click here to apply for the 2026 MN Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop.
