What MN Ag Expo Is
MN Ag Expo is a free winter convention for Minnesota farmers, hosted every year by Minnesota Corn and Minnesota Soybean. Over two days in Mankato it combines education sessions, a trade show, equipment demonstrations, networking and a few fundraising events. If you grow corn or soybeans, sell to people who do, or just want a look at the year's economics, markets and research in one building, it is made for you. The most recent edition was January 20 and 21, 2026.
What Is On the Program
Education and speakers (2026)
- Economics and trade: Dr. Megan Roberts on the economic forces shaping agriculture; Jason Marthaler of CHS on trade flows and farm policy; a trade session with representatives of Mexico, Canada and the state agriculture department.
- Taxes and inputs: Paul Neiffer, a farm CPA, on tax changes for farms; Josh Linville on global events and local fertilizer prices; Travis Frey on crop nutrition; Luca Zullo on green ammonia.
- Farm stress: Ted Matthews on farmer mental health, with a Mental Health Minnesota resource booth open throughout.
- Policy: A legislative panel with Sen. Torrey Westrom, Rep. Paul Anderson, Sen. Aric Putnam, Rep. Rick Hansen and Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, plus a land use and water quality discussion moderated by Kent Thiesse.
- Safety: A grain bin safety demonstration covering lockout procedures, harness use and rescue tube deployment.
- Research: University of Minnesota and private-sector presenters on soybean gall midge, soil-borne diseases, weed management, nitrogen cycling and soil health.
Keynotes
Tuesday's keynote speaker was John Harrington, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Wednesday's lunch keynote featured Steve Fredlund.
Trade show
Exhibitors included equipment dealers (John Deere, Kibble Equipment, Arnold's and Timpte), commodity groups, the Agriculture Utilization Research Institute, University of Minnesota Extension, seed and input companies, conservation groups and state and federal agencies.
How It Works: The 2026 Timeline
- Monday, January 19A Young and Emerging Farmers reception and a welcome event for early arrivals.
- Tuesday, January 20The main program opens. A Minnesota Corn Growers county reception with a raffle and live auction is held at 3:30 p.m., and the keynote closes the day.
- Wednesday, January 21The Minnesota Corn Growers resolution session starts at 8 a.m., followed immediately by the association's annual meeting. Learning sessions continue through the day.
Cost and Registration
Admission is free. For 2026, online registration closed before the opening, but walk-ups were welcome. The full schedule and the researcher schedule are posted at mnagexpo.com.
Minnesota Corn Growers membership at the booth
| Membership | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard annual | $75 |
| Ages 16 to 24 | $20 a year |
| Sold at least 7,500 bushels of corn in the past year and paid into the corn checkoff | One year free |
Where
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001. The show is downtown, in the same building that hosts the Minnesota Pork Congress each February.
Questions
Do I need a ticket?
No. Admission is free.
Is a blizzard a problem?
In 2026 a blizzard hit southern Minnesota on Wednesday and some exhibitors packed up early, but sessions continued as planned.
When is the next one?
The 2027 dates have not been announced. The most recent edition was January 20 and 21, 2026.
Who do I call?
The venue listing gives (507) 389-3000. For Minnesota Corn Growers membership questions, call (952) 233-0333.
Official Links
- What you can expect at MN Ag Expo 2026: Minnesota Corn preview, speakers, membership, contact
- Farms.com preview: free admission, walk-ups, booth details
- Marshall Independent coverage: sessions, speakers and exhibitors
- Explore Minnesota listing: dates, venue, phone
- mnagexpo.com: schedule and researcher list
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Minnesota Pork Congress
Two-day swine tradeshow and education event for pig farmers and pork industry stakeholders, with exhibitors, seminars and social events. The 2026 show wrapped in Mankato; the 2027 show is set for Feb. 9-10, 2027.
- Blue Earth County Fair
Held each year in Garden City; the most recent dates were July 23-26, 2026. It gives the county 4-H clubs a showcase for projects and livestock.
Garden City, MN Official event details - Olmsted County 4-H Officer Training
Training for 2026-2027 Olmsted County 4-H club officers, 6-8 p.m., with a volunteer training held the same evening. Held each year; the most recent date was November 12, 2026.
Rochester, MN Official event details - Olmsted County Pesticide Safety Recertification
Private pesticide applicator A/E recertification day, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for Olmsted County farmers who must recertify every three years. Held each year; the most recent date was November 13, 2026.
Rochester, MN Official event details - Pope County 4-H Dairy Clinic
Dairy skills clinic for Pope County 4-H members at the University of Minnesota Morris West Central Research and Outreach Center. Held each year; the most recent date was November 15, 2026.
Morris, MN Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.