Registration Open for Minnesota Organic Conference with 30+ Sessions

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Minnesota Organic Conference Returns to St. Cloud for 24th Year, Registration Open Through November 30

Registration is now open for the Minnesota Organic Conference, which returns January 7-8, 2027, to the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported. Hosted annually by the state agency, the two-day event marks 24 years of convening Minnesota’s organic farming community, this year featuring more than 30 educational breakout sessions and an 80-booth trade show dedicated to the latest developments in organic production, marketing, and research.

Early-bird registration starts at $135 for both days, with discounted student rates available, and the window to secure that pricing closes November 30. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is organizing the conference, with Grain Millers and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council serving as sponsors to help keep registration costs manageable for attendees.

Cooperatives and Climate-Smart Practices Lead the Agenda

Kicking off on January 7, the conference will feature a keynote speech from Brion Hybertson, who serves as general counsel and sits on the executive leadership team of CROPP Cooperative, the farmer-owned cooperative behind the Organic Valley brand. During his talk, Hybertson will explore how cooperatives contribute significantly to fortifying family farms and fostering strong, resilient rural communities. Additionally, he will cover Organic Valley’s efforts to help its members implement climate-smart methods that improve environmental stewardship and maintain profitable family farm operations, touching on the meeting point of ecological responsibility and economic sustainability that characterizes contemporary organic farming.

The second day, January 8, features a keynote panel discussion moderated by Meg Moynihan, senior advisor on strategy and partnerships for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and an organic dairy farmer in Le Sueur County. Panelists include Michelle Benrud, who raises grass-fed organic dairy cattle in Goodhue; Abby Benson, who works as production coordinator at Featherstone Farm in Rushford; and Robin Brekken, an organic crop grower based in Crookston. Drawing from dairy, vegetable, and crop operations across southeastern, south-central, and northwestern Minnesota, these experienced organic farmers will share their firsthand perspectives on the specific challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota’s organic sector today.

“This panel promises a grounded, farmer-led conversation that reflects the diversity, innovation, and resilience of Minnesota’s organic community,” said Cassie Dahl, organic specialist for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. “Organic agriculture has evolved over the conference’s 24 years, but the value of sharing practical ideas and learning from one another remains. This year’s speakers will offer fresh perspectives and ideas attendees can take with them as they plan for the next growing season.”

What 80 Booths and 30 Sessions Mean for Minnesota’s Organic Farmers

Beyond the keynote addresses, the conference offers a wide range of educational breakout sessions covering organic crop production, dairy, livestock, fruits and vegetables, marketing, and business management. Attendees can visit the trade show on both days to engage with agricultural service providers and discover Minnesota Department of Agriculture programs through agency representatives stationed at a dedicated pavilion.

The event also includes a Thursday evening reception and social hour sponsored by the Minnesota Farmers Union, providing an informal setting for networking among producers, researchers, and suppliers before the growing season begins. For organic farmers across the state, the conference serves as a critical pre-season gathering to absorb the latest research and practical strategies. The $135 early-bird rate for both days, kept affordable by conference sponsors Grain Millers and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, ends Nov. 30.

Farmers seeking more information can contact Cassie Dahl at 651-201-6134 or visit the conference registration page through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Media inquiries can be directed to Nikki Warner at 651-238-7909 or [email protected].

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