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Sponsors
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Advancing Eco Agriculture
At AEA, we believe agriculture can be a force for good for both the environment and those who rely on it for their livelihoods. That’s why our team is devoted to a scalable, whole-systems approach to revitalizing soil and plant health while generating economic returns for farmers. This includes agronomic consulting, effective biological and nutritional products, and cutting-edge plant nutrition technology and analysis.
Soil Regen
Soil Regen is a farmer first company focused on providing farmers, ranchers, and the food and agricultural community education, Regeneratively Grown™ and Regenerative Verified™ verification, regenerative agriculture and soil health consulting and research and design. We rebel against the "farm the farmer" mentality and are dedicated to providing the resources farmers need to be profitable all the while improving the land.
NRCS
As the USDA’s primary private lands conservation agency, NRCS generates, manages, and shares the data, technology, and standards that enable partners and policymakers to make decisions informed by objective, reliable science. And through one-on-one, personalized advice, we work voluntarily with producers and communities to find the best solutions to meet their unique conservation and business goals. By doing so, we help address climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of American agriculture. We’re also focused on the American farmer, especially those underserved by our programs as well as those trying to break into new markets, like organics.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners.
MN Ag Water Quality
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) is a voluntary opportunity for farmers and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years.
ADM
ADM's purpose is to unlock the power of nature, to enrich the quality of life. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over.
Soil Champion
Grain Millers
From day one Grain Millers' mission has never changed: To make good things for and with good people. The ways in which we accomplish this goal have expanded across the continent, been invented and reinvented as needed, and embraced the supply chain more fully than ever. With each step, the roots of our original mission continue to grow. We began in 1986 as a small oat milling company in Oregon. With an eye for finding the right fit at the right time, we have grown steadily ever since. Today, Grain Millers is a leading international agri-business with diversified interests in whole grain manufacturing and merchandising, organic and conventional consumer food products, and the import and export of commodities.
Ensoil Algae
Empowering farmers and land stewards in the effective and profitable implementation of a regenerative agriculture system. At Enlightened Soil Corp, we understand that your land and water are not just valuable resources but also a financial investment. Our goal is to help you protect it with good and responsible stewardship. We believe we can make the world a better place by connecting nature, science, community, and business. It is these values and their pursuit which led to the development of EnSoil Algae™, a liquid concentration of Chlorella vulgaris, as a viable alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers. It enhances soil fertility which, in turn, leads to improved soil and plant health. Even better, EnSoil Algae™ is materially less expensive than synthetic-chemical fertilizers. There is something very satisfying about “Making a Profit While Making A Difference,” and when the “bigger difference” results in “higher profits,” the satisfaction and impact increase exponentially. To that purpose, Enlightened Soil Corp is committed to developing partnerships with individuals, businesses and organizations that share our vision of blending profit and higher purpose.
Saddle Butte Ag
Saddle Butte Ag, Inc is a family owned and operated forage & cover crop seed distribution company, established by Don and Maryanne Wirth. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley – “Grass Seed Capital of the World”- Saddle Butte Ag, Inc markets a wide variety of both proprietary and common, forage & cover crop products to retail markets as well as national and international wholesale customers. With over 30 years of experience in production, processing, packaging, and shipping: our customers can be assured of the highest quality of seed possible.
General Mills
For more than 150 years, General Mills has food with passion — having fun and staying true to our values along the way. Bringing good to the world From deeply connecting with customers and employees, to thoughtful leadership and sustainably sourced food — good happens through our commitment to food, people and the planet.
Minnesota Farmers Union
Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone.
Sustainable
Albert Lea Seed
Albert Lea Seed House was founded in 1923 as a family-owned seed store offering field seed, garden seed, and fam supplies. Saturday nights were the big night for sales as famers and their families made their weekly shopping trek into town. Founder Lou Ehrhardt always sharply dressed up in shirt and tie and established a legacy of great customer service. Our current owners, Tom and Mac Ehrhardt, grandsons of Lou Ehrhardt, currently operate the Seed House where you can still call and talk directly with them. When is the last time you talked with the owner of a huge multi-national seed company? Our legacy of one-on-one customer service is still very important to us.
Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association
The MN Grazing Land Conservation Association is a farmer led educational organization, built on the importance of teaching about grazing lands in Minnesota. Networking, educational opportunities, and mentorship are just some of the values of the MNGLCA. Membership in MNGLCA opens doors to learn about alternative practices, develop goals, and create success in your grazing land operation. With mentors across the state, the MNGLCA creates pathways to learn from local successful farmers, large and small scale farms, and best practices for grazing land operations. Given the appropriate tools and training, grassland managers and producers will be better prepared to make cost-effective and environmentally sound decisions. MNGLCA believes that through voluntary actions, respect for private property owners' rights, and education on the values & benefits of well managed grazing resources for livestock, these goals are achievable.
Profit Pro Ag
At ProfitProAG, we focus on biology and Farming the Controllables to help farmers farm in harmony with Mother Nature. For more than 20 years, our holistic, Full-Circle System has been helping crop and livestock farmers get more from every acre, animal and gallon of manure.
Stantec
Stantec empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world’s greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before. We are a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. Our professionals deliver the expertise, technology, and innovation communities need to manage aging infrastructure, demographic and population changes, the energy transition, and more. Today’s communities transcend geographic borders. At Stantec, community means everyone with an interest in the work that we do—from our project teams and industry colleagues to our clients and the people our work impacts. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.
Dean's Ag
Dean's Ag is a farmer-owned implement dealer.
La Crosse Seed
La Crosse Seed has paired an unmatched portfolio of high quality forage, cover crop and turf seed with knowledgeable and experienced sales and support staff since 1919. We distribute premium seed and related products through dealers across the Midwest and beyond. La Crosse Seed has become a trusted industry leader by offering the best available products, service and support to create a complete, one stop solution for ag and turf retailers nationwide. We are proud to provide you the “seed you need, when you need it”. In addition to unmatched support and logistics, we partner with top breeders to continually deliver new and innovative seed solutions to maximize quality and profit potential.
Renovo Seed
Renovo Seed leads the seed industry as a visionary in positive land use solutions. We offer a robust seed lineup and an unmatched team of experts who design practical, tailored solutions to improve the resiliency of your land and business for generations to come. Backed by Millborn’s powerful supply chain and streamlined logistics, we strive to make your seed choices simple, and the ease of doing business even simpler. Renovo Seed services seed dealers, distributors, ag retailers, farmers, and ranchers nationwide. Our growing network of dealers are strategically positioned to provide local, hands-on support and easy access to our pre-built, proven to work seed mixes. There’s no land-use problem too big or small for our seed mavericks.
Bass Hybrids
We know farming, and we know corn. With over 75 years and 4 generations in the seed business and crop research, our family is qualified to work with farms big and small, young and old. Bass Hybrids understands the value of legacy information, legacy values, and the importance of moving the family business to the future for the next generation. Our focus is on farming, not chemistry. We are dedicated to helping farmers build resilience in their operations, not reliance.
Cargill
Cargill provides food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Combining 159 years of experience with new innovations and insights, we serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers. With a unique role spanning the global supply chain, we bring a world of possibilities — delivered locally.
Audobon Upper Mississippi River
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
Pheasants Forever
It’s Pheasants Forever’s vision that current and future generations of hunters and conservationists are able to enjoy abundant populations of wild pheasants, quail and other wildlife. Wildlife habitat faces monumental challenges in an ever-changing world. Agricultural expansion, a growing population, water wars, urban sprawl and oil and mineral exploration are all threats to the habitats quail, pheasants and other wildlife call home. If there are to be places for wildlife going forward, we’ll have to work harder, be more creative, and build more partnerships than ever before. Our advantage today is more people than ever care about wildlife, which also makes it a time of opportunity. There’s room for wildlife habitat on every farm and ranch to better protect our natural resources and to leave uplands and wetlands for future generations to enjoy.
Return Co
Our dad was a first–generation farmer, who was ‘sustainable’ before it was a hashtag. He called it common sense— If the soil’s alive, the food’s alive… That’s why we started Return®. We saw first–hand, the many benefits of sustainably growing healthy soil and plants. We saw room for improvement. And we knew others could benefit from it. So that’s our thing: helping to make healthy soil to grow healthy food and live healthy lives. As we grow, we continue to ask new questions and find new answers. We’ve found that while ‘sustainable’ is a great place to start, we believe that we must regenerate. That’s why we’re committed to regenerating our soil, our selves, and our Earth. And that commitment goes into every ingredient sourced, product created and operation needed to get to market.
Tenacity Ag
Our mission at Tenacity Ag is to supply the upper Midwest area with drone spraying technology. To do this, we will combine aggressive and strategic marketing, with quality products and services at competitive prices. This aids us in providing the most value to our customers. Our products will put technology in the hands of agricultural producers to make their occupations easier and more profitable. Our core values are honesty, openness, communication, and trust. We believe our culture is based off of trust.
Farm Rescue
The mission of Farm Rescue is to help family farms and ranches bridge crises so they have an opportunity to continue viable operations. Farm Rescue provides planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm and ranch families that have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster. We have assisted more than 1,000 farm and ranch families since our inception in 2005! We see that one of the biggest financial drains on a family is an unexpected medical injury or illness and, of course, a natural disaster. It is even more pronounced on a farm where a family's livelihood depends on the ability to plant, harvest or provide for their herd. Farm Rescue gives families a chance to continue their livelihood by providing the necessary equipment and manpower (free of charge) to get the job done.
Environmental Tillage Systems
Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc. has been dedicated to defending the land and leading the charge since beginning on a farm in Southeastern Minnesota in 2004. ETS is a leading manufacturer of strip tillage and nutrient management equipment. Our equipment is designed to enhance soil productivity and farm profitability. Our products set the standard for in-field performance, machine durability, and ease of operation. We are proud to serve customers in the United States and internationally.
AgBio Logic
To provide products utilizing biological-biostimulants and when applied to the soil or plant aids in the plant’s growth and reproductive capabilities. Agro Logic was founded in 1991 to develop a market for biological-biostimulants utilizing humic acids and seaweed extract. Over the years additional stimulants have been added to include fermented plant extracts, enzymes, amino acids, natural diterpines, soil bacteria and fungi. In 2015 the company name changed to AgBio Logic, LLC.
Lower Minnesota River Watershed District
The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is a local, special-purpose unit of government that works to solve and prevent issues related to water. The LMRWD works to protect, improve, and provide education on valuable water resources that offer habitat for native species, recreational opportunities, and commercial barge navigation. The LMRWD was established for, and is tasked with, assisting with the maintenance of a nine-foot navigation channel in the Minnesota River for goods and services to be transported. The LMRWD manages the site to place removed sediment material, which is dredged from the river by another organization. The LMRWD also participates in capital improvement and cost-share projects to improve its water and natural resources.
Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Waterfowl conservation is facing important challenges as wetlands and other habitats are being degraded and destroyed across the continent. Ducks Unlimited has a vision to reverse this trend.
Speakers
Ray Archuleta
Ray Archuleta is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist with the Soil Science Society of America and has over 30 years experience as a Soil Conservationist, Water Quality Specialist, and Conservation Agronomist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). During his tenure with the NRCS Ray served in New Mexico, Missouri, Oregon, and North Carolina.
Ray received his AS degree in Livestock Science from Northern New Mexico College and a BS degree in Agricultural Biology plus 30 hours of graduate work in soil related courses from New Mexico State University. He served in the Peace Corps for two years in Guatemala as a Livestock Specialist.
After his retirement from the NRCS in 2017, Ray founded Understanding Ag, LLC, and Soil Health Academy, LLC, to teach Biomimicry strategies and Agroecology principles for improving soil function on a national scale. Ray also owns and operates a 150-acre farm near Seymour, Missouri that he operates along with his wife and family.
John Kempf
John Kempf is an entrepreneur, speaker, podcast host and teacher. He is passionate about the potential of well managed agriculture ecosystems to reverse ecological degradation.
John believes regenerative agriculture management systems can:
-regenerate producer profitability and create economic incentives for producers,
-produce crops that are inherently resistant to possible infections by insects, bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses, eliminating the need for pesticides,
-produce food that can regenerate public health, with an elevated content of immune compounds that transfer plant immunity to livestock and people, providing food as medicine,
-rapidly sequester carbon, build soil organic matter much faster than commonly expected, restore hydrological cycles, cool the climate, and
-reduce the water requirements of a crop.
All of these benefits and more can be achieved simply by managing soils and crops differently, in a manner that enhances rather than suppress biological function.
It is John’s mission to have these regenerative models of agriculture management become the mainstream globally by 2040.
In addition to being a grower, John is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture, Crop Health Labs, Ozadia, and the Regenerative Agriculture Academy. He hosts the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, where he interviews top growers and scientists about the principles and practice of implementing regenerative agriculture on a large scale.
Lance Gunderson
Lance Gunderson is a founding member and the President of Regen Ag Lab. As a well-known promoter of soil health testing, Lance carries his passion for soil health testing into Regen Ag Lab. Lance is excited to continue to establish and promote newly developed agronomic tests designed to aid producers managing their operations under the regenerative ag model.
Lance’s agricultural testing career began at Ward Laboratories in 2002 while attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney for a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry. At Ward, Lance began in the sample prep department and assisted in feed and soil testing. Following graduation, he was quickly offered a full-time lab tech position analyzing soils and waters for phosphate, ammonium, and chloride. While continuing his career with Ward, Lance began a Master’s degree program in Biology at UNK in 2011. During this time, he began the Soil Health Testing Department that focused on offering testing in biological measurements found in soil. For the next eight years, Lance served as the Director of Soil Health and New Test Development at Ward Laboratories where he and his team implemented and performed the Haney, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), soil enzymes, aggregate stability and water holding capacity tests. During this time, Lance has reviewed over 75,000 samples analyzed for Haney and PLFA. Because of his continued interest in soil health, Lance is currently to seek a Doctoral degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in Soil Microbial Ecology and Soil Health from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
In his spare time, Lance enjoys hunting, fishing, BBQ, and spending time with his two young children, Ashlyn and Owen. Lance can be found anywhere that combines good friends and better bourbon.
Johnny Hunter
Since 2005, Johnny has founded or co-founded 7 companies – of which 3 were exited and 4 continue to operate through his leadership. When looking at a deal, Johnny likes to focus on three things: people, opportunity, and capital. He believes in the importance of “boots-on-the-ground” and loves creating value where others are unable to see success. Johnny considers his values in both life and business as a legacy passed down through generations. He is a third-generation farmer specializing in soil conservation and soil health through sustainable farming systems. For the last 65 years, the Hunter family has been sustainably growing crops in Southeast Missouri’s Delta Region.
Jolene Carlson
Jolene brings a wealth of experience including eight years as a nutritionist, military Commander, master gardener, four terms as Secretary and President on the Nature Center Board, a member of leadership council for School Yard Garden Coalition and a Crow River SFA Board Member. Jolene spent 20 years as a science educator and has a Masters in Ed in Natural and Environmental Sciences and a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. She operates a sustainable farm leveraging resources and grants to support career growth in sustainable agriculture.
Richard Tufton
Richard is the Vice President of Supply Chain for Pastured Protein at Regenified. With more than twenty years of experience, Richard has become a voice in the regenerative agricultural industry, bringing forth his passion and drive to do the right thing, from farmer to consumer. Playing a key role in connecting supply chains at Regenified, he shares his wholesome perspective to advancing regenerative farming practices across the globe.
In his career, Richard has worked with the full range of operations, from top-quality retailers, to butchers and steakhouses, and meat manufacturers. He’s known for his ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with his customers, investing a keen interest in their success. Richard is always learning from others, and in turn, offers a wealth of knowledge in educating customers and consumers about higher animal welfare and grass-fed beef, bridging the gap between niche markets and large-scale production. Richard’s unique path has carved out a deep, personal interest in regenerative farming and the positive impact it will have on the future of his family and yours.
Joe Ailts
An independent crop consultant/agronomist and owner of Ailts Agronomy where he serves farmers in NW WI. Prior to starting his own business, he worked as a field agronomist for Pioneer Seed for 8 years. He is a WI Certified Crop Advisor with the Sustainability specialty certification. Driven by a combination of a green thumb, insatiable curiosity, and a competitive spirit, he researches and implements soil health and regenerative agriculture practices on the farms he consults for. Joe, his wife Ilisa, and 4 boys live on a 3 acre hobby farm in Deer Park, WI where they grow pumpkins, sweet corn, cover crops, and soil.
John Meyer
John currently has 400 cropland acres seeded down to perennial forages, and is using it either for daily moved adaptively managed rotational pasturing or hay for 270 head custom grazed beef herd, and a100 head cow calf beef herd of his own, which he direct market as 100% Regeneratively Pasture Raised Grass-Fed and Finished Beef as quarters/halves and wholes. John is also a Minnesota Soil Health Coalition Mentor and a Board member for the Grazing Lands Conservation association.
John passionately believes in the benefits of soil health, not only for his own farm and soil, but for the health of the environment and society as a whole, and he wants to share the knowledge he has gained through his experience and sometimes difficult lessons, so that others can learn and grow from them as well.
Peter Noding
Pete raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa on 400 acres along with 400 ewes. He is moving from Strip-till to no-till, including no-till alfalfa and he grazes his ewes on cover crops. Peter has spent the last few years learning the hard way and wants to be part of a group that helps others improve farming practices to increase production and profitability and hopefully help others avoid learning the hard way.
Zach Smith
The creative force behind the Stock Cropper, a company offering a new line of autonomous livestock barns, Zack Smith of Buffalo Center, Iowa, will explain why he left a promising agronomy career to design and produce these mobile barns and how they can reinvigorate soil, soul, and rural communities.
Ben Dwire
Ben farms in both Lincoln and Lyon counties, near Arco, MN. His wife Kristi is a pharmacist. They are both graduates of South Dakota State University. and have two daughters, Sara and Madison, who are both in elementary school.
TJ Kartes
TJ attended the University of Minnesota Waseca and studied sales and finance. While going to school TJ worked for Festal Farms, which was a privately owned canning company in Owatonna MN, where he learned about production agriculture. Later on, TJ worked at a local feed mill and helped his uncle on the family farm. When they started using cover crops on the farm and saw the difference cover crops made TJ knew he was hooked. TJ has had dealerships with other companies before, but his first-hand experience on the farm really makes him an asset to the Saddle Butte team.
Adam Lasch
Based near Lake Geneva, in southeastern Wisconsin, Adam and Betsy Lasch started a diverse dairy and beef operation in 2011. The farm consists of several hundred acres of mostly leased land as well as a herd of 60 milk cows as well as beef cows, feeder and fat cattle, and replacement heifers. They backed into cover crops and conservation as an offshoot of needing more forage for their animals, but saw the benefits no-till and long rotations provided to soil health. As first-generation farmers without a lot of established infrastructure, flexibility became paramount as a way to navigate the ever changing markets, government policy, and weather. One theme that they were constantly running into was why are there no other young people starting farms? Why hasn't conservation taken off as fast as common sense says it should? Why are so many successful farms void of a younger generation and where will opportunity lie in the future? These questions led them down the path of trying to discover how agriculture ended up where it is, and why everyone in their neighborhood is so.......old.
Zachary Glaunert
I grew up in West Central Wisconsin and I attended Winona State University where I obtained a Bachelors of Science in Biology-Ecology. The 5 five years prior to joining on with Pheasants Forever, I worked with a private contractor who specialized in Ecological Restoration. While there majority of my focus was on native prairie and woodland management/restoration. I have experience in all forms of management from mechanical to herbicide application to prescribed fire.
Taylor Rasmussen
I grew up hunting and fishing in eastern South Dakota. I obtained my Master's degree in Biology with an emphasis in wildlife biology from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. Right out of school I worked for Indiana Department of Natural Resources as their state nongame mammalogist. After moving to Minnesota I have worked as manager at a plant nursery and prairie restoration company. I recently joined Pheasants Forever in June working as Farm Bill Biologist in Waseca, Blue Earth, and Faribault counties. Through my career I have found that greatest need for natural resources is habitat availability, and through my current position my plan is to work with others to help them put quality habitat on the ground, for future generations to enjoy.
Dr. Ann Marie Journey
Dr. Ann Marie Journey is an independent soil, wetland and stream health evaluator and environmental educator, and the founder of EntoVentures LLC. She was the Soil Health Coordinator (ACES) with USDA-NRCS in St. Paul, Minnesota, from 2016 to 2020, as well as the Minneapolis Team Leader for the Hennepin County Wetland Health Evaluation Program from 2008 until the program ended in 2022. She led the Hennepin County Stream Health Evaluation Program in 2015. Dr. Journey previously conducted agricultural entomology research at the University of Minnesota, from which she also received a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Zoology, and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Entomology. Her research focused on corn rootworm, and included studies of conventional insecticides, biological control, and ecological evaluations of transgenic, herbicide-tolerant and rootworm-resistant corn.
Landon & Ann Plagge
The Plagges operate Plagge Farms near Latimer, Iowa. Together with family, they raise corn, soybeans, oats, rye and hogs, and use cover crops and no-till on all their acres. They started a cover crop business in 2020 and hope their business can help others in their local area adopt cover crops. They are also working to start up Green Acres Milling.
Todd DeJournett
Todd grew up on a family farm in southeast Missouri. The first in his family to attend engineering school, Todd holds engineering degrees from the University of Missouri-Rolla, The University of Iowa, and the University of Minnesota. As an environmental engineer with over 20 years of experience in water management and treatment, Todd has worked in multiple industries, including agribusiness, food and beverage, mining, alternative energy, oil refining, and manufacturing. Across all these industries, Todd has observed that water quality
issues are often the result of resources, such as nutrients for example, being out of place. By focusing on the needs and features of each industry, Todd strives to keep resources in the right place through effective management and treatment of water. This keeps the resources on the black side of the balance sheet where they belong
while enhancing the quality of our water resources. A frequent collaborator with the University of Minnesota, Todd works to bring
innovative new water management and treatment methods and ideas from the laboratory to the field to help businesses solve their most important water problems.
Kurt Dagel
Agronomist for Olsen Custom Farms LLC of Hendricks, MN. Holds a BS-Botany and MS-Agronomy from South Dakota State University. Spent 20 years with the USDA-ARS working as a research technician under the direction of Dr. Shannon Osborne’s team that led early cover crop and long-term no till soil management research on the Northern Plains. My current responsibilities for Olsen Custom Farms LLC include: crop rotation design, variety selection, soil sampling, soil fertility research, crop scouting, assist with the on
farm small grain & cover crops seed business, and conservation programs liaison. I consult for area farmers on soil fertility integrated with cover crop programs and designing resilient cropping systems.
Olsen Custom Farms LLC is a diverse farming business: The farm grows and procures cover crop seed for their seed division, along with growing commodity crops. The farm is most notably recognized for their custom grain harvesting and combine rental
divisions.
Nicole Davros
Nicole Davros, Ph.D., has been the group supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group in Madelia, MN since 2016. Prior to this role, she was the Upland Game Research Scientist for the Farmland group from 2012-2016. Nicole received her B.S. in Ecology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before moving on to obtain her M.S. degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University where her thesis research focused on grassland bird use of conservation buffers enrolled in USDA’s Farm Bill programs in southwestern Minnesota. She then returned to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to complete her PhD where her research focused on the population ecology, behavior, and stress physiology of a neotropical migratory songbird. Her primary research interests are in avian ecology and conservation in agricultural/working landscapes. Her current research focuses on ring-necked pheasant demography in reconstructed prairies and in landscapes with cover crops, and on the exposure of grassland wildlife to agricultural insecticides.
Karen D. Olson
Karen D. Olson is a partner at Spencer Fane LLP, where she regularly advises clients facing regulatory, compliance, legislative, and litigation matters. She previously served as a Minnesota Deputy Attorney General representing the attorney general, governor, legislature, and Minnesota state agencies, including the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, and Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Karen also worked on legislative matters and
testified before the legislature. Karen has led hundreds of state government enforcement actions, investigations, and lawsuits, experience she uses to advise clients and offer practical insights. In
private practice, she represents clients in all stages of government interaction and understands the unique challenges in dealing with these entities. Karen regularly represents clients in licensing, permitting, litigation, legislative issues, and other regulatory matters. She helps clients understand and effectively deal with government rules and regulations, government inquiries, and lawsuits and works to proactively avoid challenges, allowing clients to focus on their businesses. Karen has a strong business background, earning her B.S.B. from the Carlson School of Management. She previously worked in the financial services sector at a national bank, where she handled equipment financing within the agricultural industry. Karen earned her law degree at Mitchell Hamline School of Law while working full time as an insurance underwriter.
Mark Peper
Mark is a Farm Bill Biologist for Pheasants Forever and works in Lyon County. Mark and his wife Kelly, has four kids: Oliver, Jackson, Griffin, and Grace and lives in Marshall MN. In his spare time, he likes to hike and hunt upland birds. He was born and raised in Missouri and graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Forestry Resource Management in 2009. Although he thought he would be a forester working in Missouri, his conservation career journey has taken him to work in many different types of landscapes. From the Ozarks of Missouri, Rocky Mountains in Montana, Flint Hills of Kansas to now in the Prairie Pothole region of Southwest Minnesota. What he is focus on now is to improve habitat for wildlife in Lyon County through grazing and prescribe fire.
Craig LaPlante
Owner/Operator of Craig LaPlante Farms. Crookston MN. Craig operates a 700 acre mixed crop farm, and integrating full season cover crops, and no-till farming practices, since 2004, and starting to bring multi-species livestock rotational grazing practices back to the farm. He works full time as a sales Agronomist off the farm for Hawkins Inc, covering the United States and Canadian provinces.