Key Issues Take Center Stage at 2025 Farmfest Forums Near Redwood Falls

MORGAN, Minn. — Farm policy, ag trade, renewable energy, and emerging technologies will all be in the spotlight during the 2025 Farmfest Forums, held Aug. 5–7 at the Gillfillan Estate near Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The event, organized by IDEAg Group, a subsidiary of the American Farm Bureau Federation, will host three days of panel discussions in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center. 

Kicking off Tuesday, Aug. 5, a morning forum titled “How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Agriculture” will feature ag experts including Zach Johnson, known as the “Millennial Farmer,” Ken O’Brien of Corteva, and Don Scriber from TeraClear. At 10:30 a.m., a bipartisan panel of Minnesota’s congressional delegation will address “Developing a Reliable Safety Ag Policy Net”, with Representatives Angie Craig, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, and Pete Stauber. That afternoon at 1:15 p.m., U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen will headline a panel on “Building a Sustainable Future for Midwest Agriculture.” 

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Farmfest Ag Outlook Forum begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. panel titled “Beyond the Trade Deficit: Rethinking Trade Balance and Opportunities” featuring U.S. Senator Tina Smith and representatives from the Canadian and Mexican consulates. The 1:15 p.m. forum that day will focus on the future of agricultural education and workforce development in Minnesota. 

Thursday, Aug. 7, will highlight farm families and women in agriculture. The Farmfest Women in Ag Event at 10:45 a.m. will recognize the 2025 Woman Farmer of the Year, and the University of Minnesota Farm Family of the Year Recognition Program will honor over 80 families at 1:15 p.m. 

Specialized programming throughout the week includes livestock panels on emerging disease threats and market risk, a Manure Applicator Certification Program (Aug. 7 at 8:00 a.m.), and a Beef Quality Assurance Certification session at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. The Linder Farm Network will also host its noon show each day from the Farmfest site.