February 18th, 2025
MANKATO – GreenSeam is pleased to announce the release of its highly-anticipated annual State of Ag Report. The release event will take place on National Ag Day, March 18, at the University of Minnesota Cargill Building in St. Paul.
Now in its sixth year, the State of Ag Report is the only report of its kind in Minnesota, collecting data from across the food and agriculture industry to empower businesses and inform public officials. Attendees will receive an exclusive first look at findings from this year and gain insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping Minnesota agriculture in 2025. Food and ag businesses, professional service providers, educators, and community leaders from across Minnesota are highly encouraged to attend for valuable networking opportunities and presentations from esteemed researchers and ag leaders.
The event will feature presentations from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Thom Petersen, who will give a snapshot of agriculture in Minnesota followed by Consul General of Canada to the Upper Midwest, Beth Richardson, who will share the significance of Minnesota’s agricultural trade partnership with Canada.
Dr. DQ Spencer, Director of the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Program, and Dr. Steven Formaneck, Assistant Professor of Management, both from Minnesota State University, Mankato, will present key takeaways from this year’s survey and focus groups. Rising costs of doing business were cited as a top challenge in last year’s report and the research this year offers enhanced insights into what those costs are, what caused them, and how businesses and farm operations are weathering the shrinking margins.
Event Details
- Date: March 18, 2025
- Time: 1:00 to 5:00 pm
- Location: UMN Cargill Building, 1500 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108
- Website: Visit www.greenseam.org/stateofag for registration and agenda details.
“The food and agriculture industry plays a vital role in the economic landscape of our region and state, making it essential to assess current challenges and emerging opportunities. For the sixth year in a row, GreenSeam is honored to collaborate with our educational partners and focus group hosts to provide this valuable research to the industry,” said Sam Ziegler, President and Director of GreenSeam.
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About GreenSeam
GreenSeam is an economic development organization for food and agriculture in southern MN and northern IA on a mission to elevate this region as the world-class food and agribusiness epicenter. Its work is guided by four focus areas: business attraction & creation, business retention & expansion, talent development & retention, and regional branding & promotion. As a community brand, GreenSeam’s work is made possible by its business and community investors and committee volunteers with a passion to see the food and ag industry continue to prosper and fuel communities.