Midwest Summit: Agriculture 2026

Agriculture continues to play a central role in the Midwest economy, but the environment surrounding it is anything but steady. Markets are shifting, policy is evolving, technology is advancing and innovation is more essential than ever.

The Midwest Agriculture Summit convenes leaders from across agriculture, ag-adjacent industries and the broader business community for a clearer look at what’s changing and how to respond. This year’s focus, Agriculture Ahead, centers on how leaders are navigating uncertainty and making decisions in real time, often without complete information and with real consequences tied to those choices.

Throughout the morning, conversations will move from regional perspectives to global dynamics, with state agriculture leaders, international partners and industry innovators sharing what they are seeing across markets, policy, trade and emerging technologies. The focus stays grounded in what this means in practice, including how businesses are approaching risk, where innovation is gaining traction and how leaders are adapting their strategies to stay competitive.

This is a chance to step back from day-to-day demands and make sense of the forces influencing agriculture and the businesses connected to it. For many in the room, agriculture may not be the core of what you do, but it is part of the system you operate in. A clearer view of where things are heading won’t remove uncertainty, but it will shape how you plan, where you invest and how you position your business for what comes next.

The Chamber is proud to partner with over 30 other Chambers and Associations across the Midwest to expand the reach of this information beyond the Fargo region. 

AGENDA
Agriculture Ahead: Innovation in a Changing Ag Economy 

*More detailed speaker information and bios coming soon!*

8 a.m. | Welcome & sponsor highlight
AgCountry Farm Credit Services

8:15 a.m. | Regional state of agriculture
How states are responding to and planning for change

Doug Goehring, North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture

Thom Petersen, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture

Hunter Roberts, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture

Agriculture is connected to more of the Midwest economy than many people realize. From manufacturing and transportation to technology, finance and workforce development, the decisions shaping agriculture impact businesses across the region. During this panel you will hear from our state agriculture leaders as they discuss how North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota are responding to changing markets, evolving policy and the future of the industry.

9 a.m. | Innovative insights
How innovation is shaping agriculture across the Midwest, nationally and internationally

Alex Tyink, Founder and CEO, Fork Farms

Amber Wood, Executive Director, North Dakota Livestock Alliance

Michelle Tressel, CEO, MyAgData

9:40 a.m. | Break & sponsor highlight
Nodak Insurance Company

10 a.m. | Agriculture beyond borders
The importance of international trade and partnerships

Beth Richardson, Consul General, Consulate General Canada

Wang Baodong, Consul General, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago

Alejandra Bologna, Head Consul, Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul

Moderated by Drew Combs, Executive Director, North Dakota Trade Office

Agriculture and agribusiness are increasingly influenced by trade relationships, policy considerations, supply chain dynamics and international economic conditions. This conversation will bring together diplomatic representatives from Canada, China and Mexico to explore the importance of strategic partnerships, cross-border collaboration and international market connections to the future of agriculture. Panelists will share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges shaping agricultural economies around the world and discuss what evolving international relationships mean for the future of agriculture and agribusiness across our region.

10:55 a.m. | Closing