Minnesota State Wire

Registration has opened for the Minnesota Organic Conference, scheduled for January 8-9, 2026, at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. The event is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and will include over 30 educational breakout sessions and an 80-booth trade show focused on organic production, marketing, and research.

The keynote speaker for the 2026 conference will be Dr. Joel Gruver, Professor of Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture at Western Illinois University’s Allison Farm. Dr. Gruver is known for his work integrating no-till and organic methods to improve soil health and farm resilience. He will discuss ways organic farmers can evaluate their operations to find opportunities for growth, drawing from his own experience in farming, teaching, and research.

This year’s conference introduces a new format by replacing its traditional second keynote with a panel discussion moderated by Meg Moynihan, an organic dairy farmer and Senior Advisor on Strategy and Partnerships for the MDA. The panel includes three members of the Organic Advisory Task Force: Caroline Hegstrom from The Boreal Farm in Duluth, Ruth Buck from Goodhue, and Ben Penner from Belle Plaine. They will share their views on current challenges and opportunities within Minnesota’s organic sector.

“This panel promises a grounded, farmer-led conversation that reflects the diversity, innovation, and resilience of Minnesota’s organic community.” Says Cassie Dahl, Organic Specialist for the MDA.

Attendees can participate in sessions covering topics such as crop production, dairy, livestock management, fruits and vegetables cultivation, marketing strategies, and business management practices related to organics. A Thursday evening reception sponsored by the Minnesota Farmers Union offers additional networking opportunities.

Early-bird registration starts at $135 for both days with discounted rates available to students. The early-bird period ends December 1, 2025. More information about schedules or updates can be found on the Minnesota Organic Conference website, or by calling Cassie Dahl at 651-201-6134. Registration is available directly through the conference registration page.