Description

The Midwest Ag Summit brings together leaders from across the region to dive into the issues, trends, and opportunities shaping the future of agriculture. Designed primarily for agribusiness professionals, ag adjacent industry partners, and community leaders, this event provides timely insights on topics like ag policy, workforce, industry trends, and global markets. Midwest in nature, this event brings in 500 in person attendees and another 7,000 virtual attendees across ND, MN, SD, WI and beyond. The summit fosters meaningful conversations that support the continued growth and success of our region’s ag economy. 

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

Introduction

Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce, FMWF Chamber

Keynote Discussion

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

As a Commissioner, Mr. Maffei has shown a particular interest in addressing the vulnerability of the global transportation system to industry-wide financial and security risks. He has spoken at national and international conferences on the changing nature of the economics of international shipping due to technological advances and the pressures that newer and larger carriers have placed on U.S. transportation infrastructure.
Read full bio here.

Panel: Moving Ag Forward
Innovations and Trends in Transportation

Kate Ferguson, Director of Trade and Business Development, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
Moderator: Steve Olson, Agricultural Strategist/CEO, Steve Olson Consulting, LLC

Industry Insight
Rural Agriculture Workforce

FARMS Representative

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

Kayla Ver Helst, Sustainability Officer, Bank of North Dakota

Industry Insight

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

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
Beth Richardson, Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis
Moderator: Kevin Price, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Crystal Sugar Company

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