THE LAND ~ MN Ag EXPO 2015 Guide

A special edition of THE LAND

January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

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Welcome to MN Ag EXPO

s many of you know, MN Ag EXPO 2015 is just around the Aenthusiasts corner. This event joins farmers, agri-businesses and ag who help strengthen Minnesota’s soybean industry.

As a producer, I am confident you will find MN Ag EXPO a valuable investment for your operation. We’ve compiled an agenda that is educational, informative and entertaining for all who attend.

This year’s MN Ag EXPO tackles some tough issues, like transportation, weed resistance and labor laws, while delivering some of the things you’ve come to expect: the trade show, breakout sessions as well as the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s annual fundraiser, Beano & Vino Western Casino. The event kicks off with our annual meeting, and we encourage all MSGA members to attend. This is your chance to learn a little more about how the MSGA works on your behalf, and also a chance to provide valuable input to your George Goblish MSGA directors.

The MSGA continues its success as the largest soybean membership organization in the entire country. We maintain that success because we tackle issues that pertain to soybean farmers and their profitability. Our work with industry leaders, partners and members of academia helps us all stay current on issues facing soybean farmers. Many of those partners will be at the trade show, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday. This year marks our largest tradeshow, with more than 100 exhibitors, so you are assured of finding the information that works best for your operation.

We look forward to seeing you at MN Ag Expo, and thank you for your support of the MSGA. Because of people like you, we are able to use one voice to advocate on behalf of all Minnesota soybean farmers.

Sincerely, George Goblish, President Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

n behalf of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and O the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, I invite you to attend MN Ag EXPO 2015. If you’ve been to MN Ag EXPO before, you’ll see that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. If you’ve never attended MN Ag EXPO before, you don’t want to miss this year’s event.

We’ve put together a two-day program that tackles key issues facing today’s farmers. We’ve also packed the trade show Bruce Peterson floor with companies and organizations dedicated to helping you become a better farmer. And don’t forget MCGA’s silent and live auctions. Bid on several great items and help strengthen our organization in the process.

Please understand that all money raised via the silent and live auction supports MCGA, not our Political Action Committee. If you’d like to support our PAC, you can do so by attending the PAC event on Thursday morning.

Finally, and this is important, several prominent ag researchers are joining us for MN Ag EXPO 2015. A significant portion of your corn check-off investment is used to support research that helps farmers become more efficient, protect environmental resources and grow the use of biofuels.

As we did last year, our annual meeting will kick off MN Ag EXPO 2015, allowing attendees more opportunities to visit the trade show, network, and attend informational sessions. Thank you for your continued support. We hope to see you at MN Ag EXPO 2015!

Sincerely, Bruce Peterson, President Minnesota Corn Growers Association

MN Ag EXPO 2015: Two days discussing top issues ident of Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

The researchers are also interested in learning what growers would like to see researched.

“They’re always looking at what’s the hot topic on growers’ minds,” said Peterson.

With a wide range of speakers, the central Mankato location and entertaining events, Peterson said, “There will be something there for everybody.”

For many farmers, the MN Ag EXPO is a chance to get together with other producers.

“It’s a way to visit with other growers and see what

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

taining while informing.

An education session is dedicated to transportation infrastructure facing Minnesota farmers today — rails, roads and river. With 35 years of experience in domestic and international commodity markets and a strong background in grain transportation,

By MARIE WOOD Jay O’Neil will explain our competition in transThe Land Associate Editor portation.

The important issues that affect farmers today are “There are huge rail issues in northern Minnesota the same issues that has many Americans talking — due to the oil coming out of North Dakota,” said transportation infrastructure, commodity markets Veronica Bruckhoff, MSGA director of industry and climate change. These and other critical topics, affairs and membership. chosen by farmers, will be addressed at the 2015 MN Evelyn Browning-Garriss, leading Ag EXPO, Jan. 28-29 at the Verizon historical climatologist, will deliver the Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn. keynote address on the short and longThe 2015 MN Ag EXPO brings term factors that shape weather, crops together Minnesota’s best farmers, top It’s a way to visit with other growers and see what and investments around the globe. ag researchers from the University of they’re thinking about for the upcoming growing season.

Since many farms are expanding to Minnesota and our state’s leading become larger businesses, the Living agribusiness companies for two full — Bruce Peterson and Learning session addresses days of grassroots policy development, employment laws. educational sessions and networking.

Stompin’ good time “All of these issues, we’re dealing with as farmers. they’re thinking about for the upcoming growing At the end of the day, growers can let loose at We also come into contact with the general public. season,” said Peterson. some fun events with a Western theme. Grab your It’s nice to have background from experts. We try to Highlights gather the facts so we know what we’re talking With more than 100 vendors at the trade show, cowboy boots and hats for Beano & Vino Western about,” said Bruce Schmoll, current board member growers can check out the latest products in one Casino Night on Jan. 28. And an Awards Banquet will follow the day’s activities on Jan. 29. and past president of Minnesota Soybean Growers venue.

Association.

At the Awards Banquet, you will be entertained “You can talk to vendors that have their booths and MN Ag EXPO, a collaborative effort of the Min- learn the new technologies or new offerings. It’s also by emcee Damian Mason, known as “Agriculture’s nesota Corn Growers and Minnesota Soybean Grow- a chance to interact with other producers, growers, Professional Funny Man.” Owner and operator of a ers associations, has been expanding every year in as well as livestock folks,” said Schmoll, who is also beef, grain and hay farm, Mason is passionate about size and scope. From the young farmer to longtime the vice chairperson of the U.S. Meat Export Federa- the industry of feeding, fueling and clothing the world. farmer, there may be as many as 1,000 growers in tion. attendance. The connections, education and research “We’re trying to make it fun. This is something This year, a bonus market message has been added projects will offer cutting edge information that can you will look forward to — to get together with peoto the trade show schedule. Mike Pearson, who grew be used in your daily operation. ple you met from last year. We want people to build up on an Iowa family farm and follows his dad’s foot“We will have a number of researchers there. It’s a steps in hosting Iowa Public Television’s “Market to relationships,” said Bruckhoff. good way to visit with researchers to see what kind Market,” will lead Wake up w/ the Morning Markets Check out the schedule in this special section for a of projects they are doing,” said Bruce Peterson, pres- on the trade show floor. Pearson is known for enter- complete listing of events and times.

Best farmers, top researchers, leading agbiz to meet in Mankato

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Sponsors of the 2015 MN Ag EXPO DuPont Pioneer MCGA/MSGA Banquet Sponsor MCGA Silent/Live Auction

North Dakota Soybean Council Transportation Speaker Sponsor

USSEC Trade Show Reception Sponsor

Dow AgroSciences Afternoon Sponsor Speaking Session

CHS FarmLink LLC Syngenta Attendee Bag Sponsor

Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Platinum Sponsor

IntelliAir Sponsor Speaking Session

ADM Pen Sponsor

AGP Inc Silver Sponsor

Minnesota Pork Delegate Lunch & Dinner Sponsor

South Dakota Soybean Council Silver Sponsor Minnesota Farm Bureau Bronze Sponsor United FCS Bronze Sponsor Gislason & Hunter Friend of Ag Sponsor

Minnesota Milk Producers Association Friend of Ag Sponsor Minnesota Wheat Growers Association Friend of Ag Sponsor NCI Friend of Ag Sponsor Minnesota Farmers Union Friend of Ag Sponsor Ag Country Farm Credit Services Friend of Ag Sponsor

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Voyager Bank Delegate Lunch Sponsor

Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council Platinum Sponsor

BNSF Railway Inc Silver Sponsor

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

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MN Ag EXPO 2015 schedule of events The following schedule of events for the 2015 MN Ag EXPO is subject to change.

Wednesday, Jan. 28

11 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration Open 11-11:30 a.m. Delegate Box Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MCGA Delegate Session Noon-5:15 p.m. Living & Learning Session (See Living & Learning Schedule) 1:15-2:15 p.m. MCGA Annual Meeting 2:30-4:30 p.m. MSGA Delegate Session 3-8 p.m. Exhibitor Move-In 4:45-6 p.m. MSGA Annual Meeting 6-7 p.m. Delegate Buffet Dinner with Farm Bill update from Tom Sell, Combest, Sell & Associates and Dale Thorenson, Gordley Associates 7:30-11 p.m. Beano & Vino Western Casino Night

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January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

Thursday, Jan. 29

7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration Open 7:30-8:30 a.m. MN Corn PAC Event ($) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tradeshow Open 8-9 a.m. Breakfast in Tradeshow 8:15-9 a.m. Wake Up w/ the Morning Markets with Mike Pearson, representing the sixth generation of Pearsons rooted in Midwestern agriculture, Mike grew up on a family farm in Iowa. He succeeds his father, Mark Pearson, who hosted the Market to Market program for the past 20 years until his death in June of 2012.

9:30-10:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker Evelyn Browning-Garriss Corn, soybean and wheat futures are at four-year lows while cattle prices are at an all-time high. The developing El Niño conditions continue to bring moderate temperatures and good growing conditions for this year’s Midwestern and Great Plains agriculture. Leading historical climatologist, Evelyn Browning-Garriss, will share her insights about the changing climate – not just the mantra of “global warming” but the short and long-term natural factors that are likely to shape weather, crops and investments around the globe.

10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. MCGA Silent Auction Open sponsored by DuPont Pioneer 10:30-11 a.m. Sponsor Session: Enlist Weed Control System Overview Ryan Keller, Enlist Field Specialist with Dow AgroSciences will be on hand to give an overview and update of the Enlist Weed Control System. The Enlist Weed Control System is an advanced herbicide and trait system that will deliver exceptional weed control. Enlist is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Regulatory approval is pending for Enlist cotton. Enlist Duo herbicide is not registered for sale or use in all states.

Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. 2014 Dow AgroSciences LLC 11-11:30 a.m. Variety Plot Meeting 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Boxed Lunch in Tradeshow

Register today for MN Ag EXPO 2015

Awards Banquet Special Guest and Emcee Thursday, Jan. 29, 6-8 p.m., Verizon Wireless Center Banquet Hall Damian Mason is a successful business person who delivers authenticity in a hilarious package. He is a versatile crowd pleaser perfect for any time slot or audience. Damian’s programs are high energy, crowd interactive, comedy events with a powerful message sandwiched amongst the laughter. Audiences are entertained, enthused, and enlightened. Mr. Mason has spoken to rave reviews in all 50 states and 8 foreign countries tallying almost 1,600 appearances. Known as “The Business Humorist” and “Agriculture’s Professional Funny Man,” Damian combines his sharp wit and intelligent humor with the two topics he knows best: agriculture and business. They’re two completely different presentations with one common result: success. Business audiences take away usable points communicated through humorous stories. Damian talks about customer service, un-complicating the transaction, working with determination versus excuses, seizing opportunity, and the importance of a healthy sense of humor. Agricultural crowds love Damian’s funny, ag themed material but they respect his advocacy for the agricultural industry. There’s no denying Damian’s agricultural record — raised on a dairy farm, degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, owner and operator of a beef, grain, and hay farm.

12:30-1 p.m. MCGA Membership Meeting 12:30-1 p.m. Sponsor Session: IntelliAir Growing your margins with automated bin management technology IntelliFarms, maker of BinManager, will conduct an abbreviated version of its IntelliFarms University Grain School curriculum, where you'll learn the science behind drying and hydration, the economic benefits of optimal grain management and how to use IntelliFarms' technology-based solutions to better manage your stored grain.

2-3 p.m. Speaker/Panel Sessions BIG DATA: Understanding What it Means to Your Operation Where is our Competition in Transportation Today? with Jay O’Neil who has 35 years of varied and extensive experience in both domestic and international commodity markets. Grain transportation, Domestic and Export Grain Trading, Risk Management, Hedging and Futures Trading expertise derived from trading geographic markets across the nation and the globe.

3-4 p.m. Tradeshow Reception & Attendee Give-Away Drawing 4-6 p.m. MCGA Live Auction sponsored by DuPont Pioneer 6-8 p.m. MCGA/MSGA Banquet with Special Guest & Emcee Damian Mason (see more information above) Mason is a professional speaker, entertainer, writer, businessman and farm owner. Long before he enjoyed professional success in business or on the speaking circuit, he was a farm boy. Mason is passionate about the industry of feeding, fueling and clothing the world. His presentations are funny, smart, professional and respectful to the people of agriculture.

8-11 p.m. Entertainment Dueling Pianos

Living & Learning Session Schedule Mankato City Center Hotel (Please pick up name badge prior to attending) Noon-1 p.m. Lunch 1-2 p.m. Kids, Crops, Sows and Cows — Life Happens, Learn to Bounce with Susie O, who will share her wit and wisdom

from living on a working family farm.

2-2:45 p.m. Ultimate Guide to Critical Documentation for Farm Operations with Paul Schneider who will cover the nuts and bolts of required documentation for farming operations and includes entity formation, leases and other common contracts, and options and rights of first refusal.

2:45-3 p.m. Break 3-4 p.m. Employer Survival Kit: How to Avoid Common Employment Law Pitfalls with Beth Serrill. This session is a must for any farm operation with employees. We’ll go over important topics which affect how you manage your employees every day including workers compensation, unemployment, avoiding discrimination claims, ADA accomodations, drug testing and the issue of categorizing employees vs. independent contractors. Whether you have 1 employee or 100, office staff or field laborers, do not miss this session!

4-4:15 p.m. Break 4:15-5:15 p.m. Don’t Lose the Farm: Litigation War Stories from the Front Lines with Ben McAninch, Chris Roe and Kevin Velasquez It’s no secret — family issues can be complicated. That complexity increases exponentially when dealing with estate planning and family law issues such as divorce. Throw a full farm operation into the mix and ... well, you get the idea. In this session we’ll discuss real-life examples of how family issues such as divorce can affect the family farm. What happens when a child with an interest in a family farm gets divorced? What rights does that soon-to-be ex-family member have? And in what ways can that divorce affect the operation and other siblings? This is your opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others. This interesting and entertaining session is one you won’t want to miss. *Dinner will be served at the Verizon Wireless Center at 6 p.m. If you participate in the Non-Delegate Session, you are invited to participate in the Delegate Dinner. Please register for that meal.

www.MNAgEXPO.com

Gamble for a good cause at Casino Night Beano & Vino Western Casino Night sponsors ADM Minnesota Corn Growers Advanced Bio Mktng Association AGP Inc MN Future Farmers of America Agri-Pulse Monsanto Blue Earth County Monsanto BioAg Broadhead Co. Murray Co Growers Brown County Soybean National Biodiesel Board Chippewa County Olmstead/South Wabasha DeKalb/Asgrow County Dow AgroSciences Otter Tail/Grant County Faribault Co Growers Pennington/Red Lake FLM Polk County Gislason & Hunter REG Grover Grain and Seed Rock County Kandiyohi County Steele County Martin County Soybean Swift County McLeod County Waseca County MEG Corp Watonwan County Soybean Minnstar Bank N.A.

January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

in the tuxedo for a badge and cowboy hat. Krueger will be working the room as a deputy straight out of the Old West.

“My whole purpose is to make sure everything is going smoothly and that there are a lot of smiles on their faces,” said Krueger. “First and foremost, we want them to have a good time.”

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

For just $20, you receive a comBy MARIE WOOD If you go memorative mug that gets you free The Land Associate Editor Beano & Vino Western Casino Night cocktails, beverages and appetizFarmers and ag industry Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 to 11 p.m. ers in the hospitality rooms. Your partners looking for a good ol’ Mankato City Center Hotel, Poolside $20 also gets you gambling tickets time will find it at the Beano & $20 cost to play all the casino games.

Vino Western Casino Night on Cowboy hats and boots encouraged Jan. 28. So put your cowboy hat Among the Vegas-style casino on straight, slide into your games, the blackjack table has boots, hoot, holler and gamble for a good cause. been a big draw. Try your luck at roulette, craps and Now in its third year, Beano & Vino Casino Night other games of chance. will attract 300 or more people in the large poolside “It’s just like Vegas, only you don’t have that long area at the Mankato City Center Hotel. boring plane fight,” said Krueger.

“It’s the all-fun, no-work event at the MN Ag This year, you can throw down another $20 for the EXPO,” said Veronica Bruckhoff, director of industry wine pull. Various bottles of wine have been donated relations and membership for the Minnesota Soy- so gamblers can blindly choose a bottle of wine worth bean Growers Association. anywhere from $10 to $100. Either way, players go Beano & Vino Casino Night is a fundraiser for the home with a bottle of vino.

MSGA’s legislative efforts at the State Capitol.

For those who hit it big, gambling tickets can be “The revenue raised is for a good cause — our leg- used to make purchases at company stores for promoislative efforts in St. Paul. Our main purpose is to tional items from the likes of Asgrow, DeKalb, Monmake agriculture better in the state of Minnesota. santo, MEG Corp, NBB, REG and other generous We want to make our legislators understand how sponsors. A silent auction and a live auction featurimportant agriculture is in Minnesota,” said Kurt ing a commemorative gun donated by Lincoln County Krueger, chairperson of MSGA Industry Relations Corn and Soybean Growers rounds out the evening.

Action Team.

Krueger has attended every casino night. Usually, Organizers have made the event an exciting way to he acts as a pit boss, making the rounds to see that contribute to the cause without robbing the bank. everyone’s having a good time. This year he’s trading

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January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE 6 X

Need a ride to Mankato?

Southwest Minnesota TO MANKATO: Depart Worthington 8 a.m. Jan. 28, New Vision Co-op, 1301 County Road 5, Worthington Stop in Fairmont 9:30 a.m. Jan. 28, Cargill Ag Horizons, 8334 430th Ave, Blue

Southeast Minnesota TO MANKATO: Depart Stewartville at 8 a.m. Jan. 28, All American Co-op, 113 4th St SE, Stewartville Stop in Owatonna at 9 a.m. Jan. 28 Central Valley/Interstate Mills, 3301 NW 21st Ave, Owatonna Arrive at Verizon Wireless Center at 10:45 a.m. Jan. 28 FROM MANKATO: Depart from Verizon Wireless Center at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 30 To ride this bus, please contact Dan Erickson at (507) 383-8389 or Doug Monson at (507) 388-1635.

Western Minnesota TO MANKATO: Depart Montevideo at 8 a.m. Jan. 28, Farmers Co-op, 4097 Hwy 212 S, Montevideo Stop in Redwood Falls at 9 a.m. Jan. 28, Meadowland Farmers Co-op, 120 E Tin St., Redwood Falls Arrive at Verizon Wireless Center at 10:45 a.m., Jan. 28 FROM MANKATO: Depart from Verizon Wireless Center at 7:45am, Jan. 30 To ride this bus, please contact Cathy Riley or Shawna Aakre at (507) 388-1635.

January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

Northern & Central Minnesota TO MANKATO: Depart Red Lake Falls at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 27, MN Wheat Growers parking lot Stop Greg Leblanc Farm at noon Jan. 27 Stop in Ada at 12:45 p.m. Jan. 27, West Central Ag Services parking lot Stop in Barnesville at 1:50pm Jan. 27, Dairy Queen parking lot Stop in Fergus Falls at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Big Chief parking lot Arrive in Mankato at 6:45pm Jan. 27 FROM MANKATO: Depart Verizon Wireless Center 7:30 a.m.

Jan. 30 Coffee Stop in Hutchinson, 9 a.m.

Stop in Fergus Falls at 11:45 a.m Jan. 30, Big Chief parking lot Stop in Barnesville at 1 p.m. Jan. 30, Dairy Queen parking lot Stop in Ada at 2 p.m. Jan. 30, West Central Ag Services parking lot Stop at Greg LeBlanc Farm at 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 Arrive in Red Lake Falls, 3 p.m. Jan. 30, MN Wheat Growers parking lot To ride this bus, please contact Marlene Dufault at (218) 253-4391.

Earth Arrive at Verizon Wireless Center 11 a.m.

Jan. 28 FROM MANKATO: Depart from Verizon Wireless Center 7:15 a.m. Jan. 30 To ride this bus, please contact Lyle Rollag at (605) 261-4031 or Cathy Riley at (507) 388-1635.

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

Free bus transportation is being made available for MN Ag EXPO attendees.

Transportation reservation deadline is Friday, Jan. 9. Reserve your spot early.

Schedules listed here are tentative.

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MN Ag EXPO hotel reservations Hotel Information A block of rooms have been reserved for Jan. 28-30.

Hilton Garden Inn 20 Civic Center Plaza Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: (507) 344-1111 $74/night + tax Group Name: 2015 Minnesota Ag EXPO Group Code: AE5

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The special room rate at Mankato City Center Hotel will be available until the group block is sold out. The special room rate at the Hilton Garden Inn will be available until the group block is sold out.

Both hotels are connected via skyway to the Verizon Wireless Center.

Mankato City Center Hotel 101 East Main Street Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: (507) 345-1234 $73/night + tax (standard room) $83/night + tax (poolside room)

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January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

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MN Ag EXPO speakers Living & Learning Session Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1-2 p.m.

Mankato City Center Hotel Susie Oberdahlhoff (“Susie O”) lives on a working farm along with her husband Richard. They raise hogs, cattle, and hay on their acreage located in the rural area near Bowling Green, Mo. They are parents of two children, Melaney and Rick, and grandparents to Taylor and Tanner. Susie's career has taken her to a broad range of agriculture organizations including working for the Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and Norman Robert Marketing & Communications. In addition, she has done contract work for the United Soybean Board, Missouri State Fair and Missouri Department of Agriculture. One of her favorite community service volunteer activities was serving on the Pike County Health Department, Home Health and Hospice board for 10 years and currently as a board member for the Pike County Hospice Foundation. Susie is also a hospice volunteer giving many hours to hospice patients and their families. When Susie isn't sharing her wit and wisdom with audiences across the country, you may find her doing one or more of the following activities - perhaps at the same time: sitting with hospice patients, picking up her granddaughter at school, mowing the yard, going to pig and steer

shows, baking cookies, recording church minutes, sending cards, chasing cows, picking up tractor parts, hunting antiques, paying bills, giving shots to pigs, going to health board meetings, checking in on her kids, reading to grandson, hunting for her black shoes, cooking for two ... or ten, ordering cattle feed, planting flowers, getting her hair cut and of course ... housework!

Living & Learning Session Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2-5:15pm Mankato City Center Hotel Paul Shneider is an associate attorney at Blethen, Gage & Krause, Paul’s practice focuses on helping business and nonprofit organizations with their legal needs.

He has advised clients on entity formation, corporate governance, dissolution, and day-to-day business issues.

Paul also helps businesses with succession planning and individuals with estate planning, and has a diverse real estate practice which includes representing clients in real estate transactions and easement and cartway issues. A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of Minnesota Law School, Paul is active in the community serving on a United Way Community Impact Team, participating in the Gustavus Alumni Mentoring Program, serving as a LegalCORPS volunteer and serving as the current Sixth District Bar Association Secretary/Treasurer.

MN Ag EXPO speakers, continued

MSGA Annual Meeting Wednesday, Jan. 28, 4:45-6:00 p.m., Banquet Hall East

Delegate Buffet Dinner Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6-7 p.m., Banquet Hall West Tom Sell is cofounder and managing partner of Combest, Sell & Associates, LLC. Before starting the firm, Sell was deputy chief of staff for the House Committee on Agriculture, where he was instrumental in crafting the 2002 Farm Bill. He later spent time as director of intergovernmental affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Tom began his career in Washington shortly after graduation from Texas Tech University by serving in Congressman Combest’s personal office, where he worked on a variety of issues, including environmental and international trade issues. In 2003, motivated by a desire to replant his family in their native West Texas, Tom moved back to Lubbock and began his pursuit of a law degree at Texas Tech. He received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 2006, and is licensed to practice in Texas. He continues to live in Lubbock with his wife, Kyla, and four young children.

Dale Thorenson joined Gordley Associates from the office of Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, where he was responsible for farm policy and agricultural appropriations. Before coming to Washington, he managed his family’s farm in North Dakota, and he brings a hands-on perspective to policy considerations. Dale’s practice areas include farm policy, budget, and appropriations.

Wake Up w/the Morning Markets, Thursday, Jan. 29, 8:15-9:00 a.m.

Verizon Wireless Center Arena Mike Pearson, Grinnell, Iowa, businessman and farmer, follows in the footsteps of his father as the new host of Market to Market. Representing the sixth generation of Pearsons rooted in Midwestern agriculture, Mike grew up on a family farm in Iowa. His was instilled with a strong work ethic and, at the age of 12, he raised and exhibited the Grand Champion Market Hog at the Madison County Fair. After graduating from Winterset High School in 2003, Mike managed his family’s diversified grain and livestock operation and provided market updates and news reports for WOI Radio in Ames, Iowa. Upon graduation from Simpson College, Mike entered the banking industry in Grinnell, Iowa. His financial experience includes personal, commercial and agricultural lending.

Mike and his wife, Heidi, live in Grinnell, Iowa, where they continue to build the Genuine Pearson

Cattle Company brand. Mike succeeds his father, Mark Pearson, who hosted the program for the past 20 years until his death in June of 2012.

Market to Market’s first host, Chet Randolph, hosted the series for its first 17 years.

Keynote Speaker, Thursday, Jan. 29, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Verizon Wireless Center Banquet Hall West Evelyn Browning-Garriss is a historical climatologist who advises everyone from Texas cattle raisers to Midwestern utilities and Canadian banks about what the coming season will bring. She has spent over 30 years as a business consultant, editor and author explaining the impact of changing climate on economic and social trends. Editor of the Browning Newsletter, Evelyn has authored or co-authored five books on the changing climate’s impact on water supplies, agriculture, business and terrorism. For the past 20 years she has taught professional seminars, lectured and/or conducted international seminars in the United States, Canada, England, Singapore, Korea, Central America and the Pacific Islands. Her audiences have been as diverse as the 5th Army Office of Civil Emergency Preparedness, Texas A&M University, the Ontario Natural Gas Association, the Alberta Irrigation Projects Association, the Cárilec organization of Latin American electrical utilities, the National Institute of Oilseed Products and the American Feed Industry Association. She has consulted with the military, universities, municipal and provincial governments, public utilities and private businesses such as Credit Suisse, Transcanada, Scotia Capital, Nomura and Mirae Assets. In addition to her work as editor of the Browning Newsletter, she does daily consulting and contract research for businesses and investors

Transportation Speaker, Thursday, Jan. 29, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Verizon Wireless Center Banquet Hall West Jay O'Neil graduated from San Jose State University in 1973 with a degree in Political Science-International Relations. He has 37 years experience in the Grain business. Jay started out of college with Continental Grain Company in San Francisco, CA. He worked 4 years with Continental Grain as a Grain Trader on the West Coast of the United States and then 7 years with the Pillsbury Company of Minneapolis, MN as an Export Grain Merchandiser and Director of Overseas Grain Sales. He served 3 years with the Ferruzzi Group of Ravenna Italy, in their New Orleans office, managing Feed Grain exports from the U.S. Jay was with Bartlett Grain Company for 17 years and managed Grain Trading Groups and served as General Manager of the Transportation

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Harmon Wilts grew up on a family farm in Kerkhoven. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Administration with emphasis in agronomy from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education also from the University of Minnesota.

Harmon spent the first 5 years of his career working as a Regional Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota before joining DEKALB in 1994 as a Regional Agronomist. He has spent all of his years with Monsanto in Tech Development and Agronomy. Harmon is currently an Asgrow and DEKALB Technical Agronomist in Minnesota. Harmon has been part of leading teams over the years, including the National Soybean Germplasm Team. He has been a lead with the sales teams and dealers in training on the launch of new soybeans. Harmon participated in the (MARL) Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program and in 2010 was part of the first

TD Global Exchange to Brazil and Argentina. Harmon and his wife Gina have 3 daughters.

January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

League of North Mankato (secretary), is a Finance Committee Member for Loyola Catholic School, serves as secretary for the Kiwanis Holiday Lights organization. Chris has been named a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law and Politics.

Kevin Velasquez has extensive experience litigating a wide range of civil matters in areas such as employment law, family law, insurance disputes, auto accidents and general business disputes. Kevin has represented clients in Minnesota District Courts, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Federal District Court in Minnesota, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Department of Labor, the Department of Agriculture and in various forms of alternative dispute resolution. Kevin also counsels employers on a variety of employment matters, including issues involving harassment, discrimination, wrongful discharge, sick and disability leave, wage and hour compliance, unemployment insurance, noncompetes and contract disputes.

Kevin is involved in numerous professional associations including the Minnesota State Bar Association (serving as Sixth District President in 2012), the Federal Bar Association, the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute and the Greater Mankato Growth Young Professionals. Additionally, Kevin has worked hard to give back to the region through his extensive involvement in community organizations such as the Mankato YMCA Board of Directors, the United Way Community Impact Committee (Chair), Mankato Sertoma Club, and the Mankato Diversity Council. Kevin was named a Rising Star by Minnesota Law and Politics and has the honor of being named the Greater Mankato Growth Young Professional of the Year for 2014.

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

Beth Serrill is a partner at Blethen, Gage and Krause and focuses her practice in the areas of Employment Law and Family Law. She represents companies in all areas of employment law including unemployment, discrimination and general liability issues.

Beth works closely with human resource professionals to create policies and anticipate and handle employee issues. She also handles complex business litigation as well as appeals. Beth has been named a Rising Star twice

by Minnesota Law and Politics and currently serves on for the YMCA Board of Directors and as their Personnel committee chair. She also serves on the Personnel/Policy committee for the Southern Minnesota Independent Living and Enterprises & Services (SMILES) board and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.

Benjamin McAninch is a partner with Blethen, Gage & Krause, PLLP in Mankato, MN and focuses on general civil litigation, insurance defense, estate litigation and agricultural litigation. Prior to joining Blethen, Gage and Krause Ben was a partner in the Birmingham, Alabama firm of Starnes & Atchison (now Starnes Davis Florie), practicing exclusively in the area of medical malpractice defense. Ben is a member of various bar and civic organizations. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota and the Bemidji State University Alumni Association. Ben has been featured in the Mankato Free Press Salute to Local Leadership and has been named a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law and Politics.

Chris Roe is a partner at Blethen, Gage & Krause.

Chris has a diverse practice consisting of agricultural, business, real estate and estate/trust clients. A large part of Chris’ practice is devoted to assisting individuals and businesses in the agricultural setting. Chris is a farmer himself; he and his family operate Roe Farms a large crop/hog operation near LeRoy, MN. He is routinely involved in agricultural, commercial and residential real estate matters such as purchase agreements, title opinions, title insurance, closings, tax appeals and real estate disputes. Chris also assists with estate planning and estate administration needs including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives and probate matters. He has extensive experience in estate/trust/inheritance disputes, will contests and guardianship and conservatorship matters. Chris is active in Kiwanis, serves as the Treasurer of the Mankato Kiwanis Foundation, serves on the Board of Directors of The Miracle

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A special edition of THE LAND

January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

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MN Ag EXPO 2015 exhibitors Minnesota Department of Agriculture .................. 121 360 Yield Center .............................................. 307 Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP ................................ 407 Advance Trading Inc. ........................................ 220 Advanced Biological Marketing .......................... 413 Ag Cab Lab...................................................... Ag Cab Lab Trailer Ag Solutions/21st Century Ag ............................ 315 Ag Concepts Corp ............................................ 216 Agnition .......................................................... 215 & 217 Agrasure .......................................................... 106 Agriculture Utilization Research Institute............ 120 AgStar Financial Services.................................. 302 & 304 Alliance-Sel .................................................... 128 American Coalition for Ethanol .......................... 319 American Lung Association in Minnesota............ 437 Bayer CropScience .......................................... 410 Blethen, Gage & Krause.................................... 221 Channel .......................................................... 115 CHS INC Processing & Food Ingredient .............. 305 CommonGround Minnesota................................ 321 DeKalb/Asgrow ................................................ 400 Dow AgroSciences/Mycogen Seeds .................... 201 Ellingson Drainage............................................ 406 Emerge Genetics .............................................. 409 Environmental Tillage Systems .......................... 445 FarmLink ........................................................ 103 & 105 Gold Country Seed............................................ 318 Gopher State One Call ...................................... 207 Grain Millers Inc. ............................................ 208 Green Energy Product ...................................... 306 Grover Grain and Seed ...................................... 102 Hefty Seed ...................................................... 310 Henslin Auctions .............................................. 126 Hodgman Drainage Company Inc ...................... 109 I&S Group (ISG) .............................................. 124 IntelliFarms by IntelliAir .................................. 202 & 204 Kibble Equipment ............................................ 403 Kluis Publishing .............................................. 110 Letcher Farm Supply ........................................ 414 Linder Farm Network ........................................ 100 Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership .......... 119 Mathiowetz Construction .................................. 317 McPherson Crop Management .......................... 107

MEG Corp ........................................................ 421 Midwest Shippers .............................................. 214 Miller Legal Strategic Planning Centers................ 111 Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association ........................ 418 MCGA & MCR&PC.............................................. 439 & 441 Minnesota Farm Bureau...................................... 303 Minnesota Farmers Union .................................. 404 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency .................... 411 Minnesota Pork Board ........................................ 300 Minnesota Soybean Growers Association .............. 101 & 200 Minn. Soybean Research and Promotion Council .. 423 & 425 MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program .......... 206 MN Ag Water Resource Center ............................ 114 MN Farm Network.............................................. 401 MN Future Farmers of America .......................... 117 MN Turkey Research & Promotion Council............ 219 Minnesota Soybean Processors ............................ 408 Monsanto BioAg ................................................ 402 National Biodiesel Board .................................... 416 Nutra-Flow Pure Grade Liquid Starter .................. 311 Peterson Farms Seed.......................................... 218 Pioneer ............................................................ 301 Pluto Legal, PLLC .............................................. 211 Principal Financial Group .................................. 308 REG.................................................................. 210 Renk Seed Company .......................................... 112 Rinke Noonan Law Firm .................................... 415 Roof Guard Company.......................................... 209 South Central College Mankato Campus .............. Grain Bin Southern Minnesota Center for Agriculture .......... 429 Speak for Yourself .............................................. 443 Steffes Group Inc .............................................. 314 & 316 SunOpta............................................................ 405 Sungenta .......................................................... 205 Thunder Seed Inc .............................................. 309 Total Track and Tire ............................................ 122 University Of Minnesota-Art Killam ...................... 419 U.S. Meat Export Federation .............................. 427 University of Minnesota ...................................... 118 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service ...... 104 USDA National Resources Conservation Service.... 108 Ziegler CAT........................................................ 203

MN Ag EXPO speakers, continued and Export Divisions. For the past six years Jay has operated his own private consulting company and traveled to 28 different countries on market and business development projects. Jay publishes a private weekly ocean freight and transportation report. Jay is currently employed as the Senior Agricultural Economist for the International Grains Program at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas and serves as president of O’Neil Commodity Consulting. Jay served for many years on the NGFA (National Grain & Feed Assoc.) Trade Rules committee. Jay is also a past Chairman of the NAEGA (North American Export Grain Assoc.) Contracts and Arbitration Committee and is an emeritus member of this committee. Jay continues to serve as an arbitrator with both the NGFA and NAEGA Trade Associations

Big Data in Ag Panel, Thursday, Jan. 29, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Verizon Wireless Center - Banquet Hall East

Max Dougherty is the Climate Corporation’s Western Regional Service Manager for Asgrow and leads the sales team in Minnesota, Iowa, eastern Nebraska and South Dakota. He is responsible for the sale and services of Climate's advisory services portfolio, including Climate Basic and Pro. Prior to his current role, Max worked as a Strategic Account Manager to commercially launch Climate Pro to dealers and farmers across the corn belt.

Max grew up on a farm outside of Winterset, Iowa, attended the University of Minnesota and currently resides in Minneapolis. In his presentation, Max will discuss trends and advancements in technology, how they've enabled the development of new tools in precision agriculture and the impact they have on increasing efficiency in production. In addition, he will cover Climate services and the data value stack, which is helping growers take

their data up the value stack and turn it into meaningful insights and recommendations to manage more effectively, increase production, profitability and efficiency.

Jeremy Groeteke with DuPont Pioneer serves as the EncircaSM services – business unit lead, overseeing decision services offerings within the northern business unit. In this role, Jeremy is responsible for providing support for the business and commercial units and working with commercial unit sales leads and certified service agents to offer decision services to customers.

Prior to his current role, Jeremy worked as an agronomy research manager for the DuPont Pioneer Western Business Unit out of Lincoln, Nebraska since 2007. Jeremy holds Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees in Agronomy from the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and currently resides in Mankato.

Charles Schleusner is Marketing Manager, Information Solutions at John Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group in Urbandale, IA where he directs product strategy for out-of-the-cab technology solutions – including the MyJohnDeere Operations Center platform, the JDLink telematics suite, AgLogic and Apex. Mr. Schleusner has worked in strategy development, marketing, alliance management and technology product development roles since joining Deere in 2006. Prior to Deere he worked as a technology consultant and systems integrator with Andersen Consulting/Accenture.

Charles continues his involvement in his family farming operation (corn, soybeans and sugar beets) in West Central Minnesota (Lake Lillian).

MCGA & MSGA research

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University of Minnesota corn & soybean research project displays

Primary Researcher: Satish Gupta Project Name: Identification of Erosion Mechanisms and Volume Loss from River Banks and Ravines Primary Researchers:

Primary Researchers: Paulo Pagliari; Jeff Strock; Bruce Potter Project Names: Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur interactions effects on soil biochemical processes and corn grain yield and

Quantifying hydrolic impacts of drainage under corn production systems in the upper Midwest

Primary Researcher: George Heimpel Project Name: Biological control of soybean aphid using Asian parasitoids

Primary Researcher: Lisa Behnken Project Name: Improving the profitability of soybean production in Southern MN, Take Control III

Primary Researcher: Dean Malvick Project Name: Understanding and mitigating the impact of root disease on soybean growth and productivity

Proud to be a John Deere Equipment Provider to you –

Primary Researcher: Robert Koch Project Name: Screening for and characterizing resistance to soybean aphid in new soybean germplasm

The Minnesota Corn & Soybean Growers

Primary Researcher: Bob Stupar Project Name: Genetic transformation for soybean improvement Primary Researcher: Jim Orf Project Name: Soybean Breeding and Genetics

Primary Researcher: Jodi DeJong-Hughes Primary Researcher: Project Name: Gary Muehlbauer Maximizing soil warming Project Name: Novel and health under traits for soybean different tillage practices improvement through fast neutron mutagenesis in a corn-soybean rotation

Driven by Innovation. Focused on Your Solutions.

See us at the EXPO – Booth #403 - with locations to serve you in -

• Mankato • Minnesota Lake • Blue Earth • Sleepy Eye • Redwood Falls • Wabasso • Montevideo • Bird Island

January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

John Lamb; Daniel Kaiser; Brad Carlson Project Name: Nutrient management and drainage research and extension on corn and Primary Researchers: soybean in Minnesota Alfredo DiCostanzo; Jerry and Drainage and Water Shurson Quality Outreach at the Project Names: Value of University of Minnesota cattle manure as a fertilizer and Recent Primary Researchers: discoveries on utilization Jeff Vetsch; Fabian of oil-extracted distillers Fernandez grains Project Names: Effects of time of N application Primary Researcher: and Instinct on corn Jeff Coulter production and nitrate Project Name: losses from tile drainage Agronomic Management and In-Season Nitrogen for Higher and More Applications When and Profitable Corn Yields How They Work

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

Primary Researcher: Marc Hillmyer Project Name: Value added materials from corn stover

A special edition of THE LAND

A special edition of THE LAND

January 28 & 29, 2015 — Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato, Minn.

2015 MN Ag EXPO GUIDE

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