On May 17, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in downtown Mankato will be the spot for a free day of hands-on learning and exploration during Ag Education Day, presented by Central Farm Service and Central Advantage.
This immersive event brings agriculture to life through interactive stations, real farm equipment and engaging exhibits. This fun and educational day, set from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will highlight the journey of food from seed to table, offering children and their caregivers an opportunity to connect with the agricultural industry.
Spanning 3.5 acres in the heart of downtown Mankato, Ag Education Day will feature more than 10 semi-trucks and authentic tractors; cutting-edge drones and a state-of-the-art combine simulator; as well as a play zone where children can climb, crawl through large drainage systems, jump into corn and soybean pits, participate in a “truck wash” and plant their own seeds.
Click here for more information about this fun and educational event.
Precision Dairy Conference slated for June 17-18
University of Minnesota Extension and the UMN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources are hosting the Precision Dairy Conference from June 17-18 in Bloomington, Minn.
The theme for this year’s conference, “On-Farm Dairy Technology: How Far Have We Come and How Far Will We Go?” sets the stage for industry leaders, producers and student researchers to discuss real-world applications of the technology that is available for dairy producers.
Two full days of presentations will enlighten attendees on advancements heading to dairy farms. Visit precisiondairy.org for more information.
Premier Soil Health School to feature comprehensive education on soil testing
Grant and Dawn Breitkreutz, Minnesota’s first Leopold Conservation Award winners, will host the Premier Soil Health School on their Redwood Falls-area farm July 29-30.
This event, offered by the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, represents an opportunity for agricultural producers across the state to learn from some of the industry’s most respected soil health experts.
The two-day program will feature comprehensive education on soil testing, nutrient cycling, biomimicry, epigenetics and building resilience into farming operations. Beyond the technical knowledge, attendees will have valuable opportunities to network with like-minded farmers and connect with potential mentors who can guide their soil health journey.
The Breitkreutzes have spent the last two decades transforming their operation through innovative soil health practices and, thus, their farm at 38270 Kenwood Ave., Redwood Falls, serves as the perfect classroom.
Grant and Dawn will present how their farming practices promote their mission “to heal the land, create a successful and enjoyable multigenerational family business, and ensure that future generations have a beautiful legacy to carry on the family farm.”
Attendees also will hear from Lance Gunderson, co-founder and president of Regen Ag Lab in Pleasanton, Neb.; Ray Archuleta, a renowned soil scientist with 30 years of service with the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Rick Bieber, a successful no-till farmer from north-central South Dakota.
Visit either bit.ly/3DoXPmj or mnsoilhealth.org, or call 612-600-4872 for more information.
Construction underway on new Beck’s facility
GROWING INVESTMENT: This artist’s rendering shows Beck’s new facility that is expected to substantially be completed by spring 2026. This 96,000-square-foot facility at Olivia will enhance the company’s ability to provide farmers with seed products, agronomic support and Practical Farm Research insights.
Construction has begun on Beck’s 96,000-square-foot facility at Olivia, which will enhance the company’s ability to provide farmers with seed products, agronomic support and Practical Farm Research insights.
Strategically located off U.S. Highway 71, the new facility will feature sales support, a farm shop, a warehouse, cold storage, a dock and an expanded PFR site. The PFR site, spanning over 100 acres, will dedicate more than 40 replicated studies to region-specific research, including critical areas such as iron deficiency chlorosis and soybean planting date by maturity.
Construction of the new facility is underway, with substantial completion set for spring 2026. The existing location will remain a home for the company’s northern research and breeding program. Visit Beck’s Hybrids for more information.