Description

Powering Policy, People and Pathways.

The future of agriculture is a business issue that demands strategic thinking, smart policy and strong partnerships.

The 2025 Midwest Ag Summit brings together leaders in transportation, sustainability, trade, and workforce to examine the business forces driving agriculture forward. From shipping and supply chain to carbon innovation and federal policy, this half-day summit offers insight into the trends shaping the region’s most foundational industry.

This isn’t a farmer’s field day—it’s a strategic forum for those building the systems, solutions, and services that support American agriculture.

Whether you’re in logistics, finance, government relations, energy, education or ag tech, this event will challenge your perspective and connect you with the people and ideas transforming the ag economy. 

Watch the livestream here
June 10, 8 to 11 a.m. CT

Introduction

Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce, FMWF Chamber

Get grounded in the Summit’s purpose with a quick welcome and a spotlight on our FARMS Workforce Partnership. 

Keynote Discussion

Daniel B. Maffei, Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission
Moderator: Steve Olson, Agricultural Strategist/CEO, Steve Olson Consulting, LLC

Federal Maritime Commissioner Daniel Maffei will break down how federal shipping policy is evolving to better serve agricultural exporters in today’s complex global trade environment. From port congestion and regulatory hurdles to international competitiveness and rural market access, you will learn about the critical intersection of logistics, legislation and economic opportunity. Learn how shifts in maritime policy are impacting growth for ag-dependent industries across the Midwest, and why these changes matter for businesses far beyond the farm gate.

Panel: Moving Ag Forward
Innovations and Trends in Transportation

Kate Ferguson, Director of Trade and Business Development, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
Amy McBeth, Regional Director of Trade and Public Affairs, BNSF Railway
Mike Metzger, Executive Vice President, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative
Moderator: Steve Olson, Agricultural Strategist/CEO, Steve Olson Consulting, LLC

This powerful panel takes a closer look at how things like trains, ports and farm groups help move food and farm goods across the country and around the world. You’ll hear how new tools, smart technology and teamwork between businesses and government are helping solve problems, speed things up and make sure our ag economy stays strong. It’s all about keeping products moving and making the system work better for everyone.

Industry Insight
Rural Agriculture Workforce

Dr. Lynette Flage, Associate Director, North Dakota State University

For the first time, hear findings from the FARMS Community Workforce Partnership meetings held across North Dakota—gathering voices from producers, educators, business leaders, and rural communities. This session will unveil key insights into the current and future state of the agriculture workforce in the Upper Midwest, highlighting what’s really happening on the ground when it comes to talent—what’s working, what’s missing and what’s needed next.. These findings provide a timely look at the challenges and opportunities ahead for attracting and retaining talent in rural agricultural communities to share what’s really happening on the ground when it comes to talent—what’s working, what’s missing and what’s needed next. This insight offers a rare, real-time snapshot of the workforce behind our region’s most critical industry—and what it will take to build a talent pipeline that’s ready for the future. 

Industry Insight
Sustain. Transform. Authenticate. North Dakota's Carbon Blueprint

Kayla Ver Helst, Sustainability Officer, Bank of North Dakota

What if the next era of economic growth wasn't powered by what we extract—but by how we evolve? This Industry Insight explores how North Dakota is forging its own carbon blueprint focusing on local stewardship, smart finance and practical innovation. From agriculture to energy, the state is redefining what it means to create value from the ground up. Through the STAND (Sustain. Transform. Authenticate.) framework, this talk explores how carbon can become a strategic asset, how rural producers are central leaders in transformation and how the nation’s only state-owned bank offers a uniquely credible platform to turn proven stewardship into market opportunity.

Industry Insight
View from Canada

Beth Richardson, Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis

Industry Insight
The Future of Fuels from Agriculture

Dr. Chris Ryan, President and Chief Operating Officer, GEVO
Moderator: Dr. Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture, North Dakota State University

GEVO is turning Midwest crops into something far bigger than food—they're helping power the future. As a national leader in renewable fuels and sustainable materials, GEVO is showing how agriculture can drive the clean energy transition. This conversation explores how farm-grown inputs are being transformed into low-carbon jet fuel, renewable gasoline, and plant-based plastics—opening up new markets and opportunities for rural America. Learn how innovation, smarter systems, and strong partnerships are turning agriculture into a key player in the fight against climate change—while creating real value for producers and communities.

Sponsor Highlight

Mark Vetter, Executive Vice President of Business Development, AgCountry Farm Credit Services

Panel: Ag at a Crossroads
Trade, Farm Bill, Immigration and Federal Policy Outlook

Zach Gihorski, Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability, National Council of Farm Cooperatives
Moderator: Kevin Price, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Crystal Sugar Company

From Capitol Hill to Parliament Hill, major policy changes are underway that will directly impact the future of agriculture. This cross-border panel brings together expert voices to break down where things stand on the Farm Bill, immigration reform and trade negotiations and what it all means for the ag economy. Whether you’re in agribusiness, transportation, finance or workforce, you’ll better understand the shifting landscape and how to prepare your organization for what’s ahead.

Closing

Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber

PROGRAM CONCLUDES

This summit is a part of AgTech Week 2025, a week-long celebration of innovation in agriculture.

Watch the livestream here
June 10, 8 to 11 a.m. CT

Become a sponsor of a Midwest Summit
Our sponsors receive recognition and visibility at the event in front of hundreds of local, regional and national leaders and businesses; on the livestream cast across the Upper Midwest via The Forum's 20+ regional news sites; on The Chamber's promotional materials and more. Contact Corey Eidem at ceidem@fmwfchamber.com to support this series and become recognized as an engaged and leading business.

Want to learn more about the Midwest Summit series or see recaps of past events?

Visit this Midwest Summit page