Traveling Workshop Options

As a conference attendee, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in Minnesota's agriculture industry with an unforgettable in-person experience outside of the typical meeting room setting for the remainder of the day. One Traveling Workshop (TW) option is included as part of your full conference registration rate. You will have the opportunity to select a Traveling Workshop during the registration process. 

Traveling Workshops will take place on Tuesday, June 24th after the opening welcome breakfast awards and concurrent workshop block 1. Lunch will be provided on each Traveling Workshop expereince. 

**Please note that all workshop locations and activities are subject to change.

TW 1: Corn: From Field to Glass

This tour begins at the Thalmann corn and soybean farm, where you'll see first-hand how these essential crops are grown and harvested. Learn about modern farming techniques, soil health, and the critical role that corn and soybeans play in Minnesota’s economy. From there, the tour heads to J Carver Distillery, where the corn from the Thalmann farm is transformed into a premium spirit. At the distillery, you'll explore the art of craft distilling, from fermentation to aging, and discover what gives their spirits a distinctive flavor profile. The tour concludes with a tasting session. It's a perfect blend of agriculture and craftsmanship, showcasing the connection from farm to glass.

Travel time is 55 minutes to the Thalman Farm and an additional 20 minutes to J Carver Distillery.

TW 2: Journey of Milk

Midwest Dairy is excited to bring you the 'Farm to Fork' experience to witness the journey of milk. Beginning with the Otte family, owners of Square Deal Dairy in Randolph, MN, participants will see firsthand the innovation and technology behind modern farming practices, as well as animal care and sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact. Square Deal Dairy milks 600 cows, all while growing corn, alfalfa, soybeans, and canning crops in their fields. Next, our group will visit CannonBelles Cheese plant owned by DeAnn Lukin, Kathy Hupf, and Jackie Ohmann. Tour participants will see how these women make award-winning artisanal cheese from the milk produced at Square Deal Dairy, available through multiple retail channels and farm to school programs. Experience dairy’s role in all four domains of a sustainable food system: environmental, economic, social, and health; and how agricultural concepts can be incorporated into multiple curriculum areas through FREE curriculum available from the Food and Agriculture Center for Science Education. 

 Travel time is approximately 45 minutes to the farm and an additional 10 minutes to the CannonBelles.

TW 3: Hmong Farmers and Minnesota Turkey 

Travel southeast of the Twin Cities to explore two unique and fascinating Minnesota farms! The first stop will be the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) Farm. Hmong American farmers occupy a unique place in Minnesota agriculture. Since Hmong refugees began resettling from Laos and Thailand to Minnesota in the 1970s as political refugees after the Vietnam War, many families have relied on their agricultural heritage to make a living by growing produce and flowers for local farmers markets. In 2011, the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) was formed to advance the prosperity of Hmong American farmers through cooperative endeavors, capacity building and advocacy. At the HAFA Farm, a 155-acre research and incubator farm-site, you will see and hear how HAFA member families can lease land, hone their business and agricultural practices, and sell produce to the HAFA Food Hub.

The second stop on this tour is Ferndale Market Turkey Farm. You will meet the Peterson family, which includes three generations of turkey farmers, as well as a few thousand of the free range turkeys they grow. Ferndale Market turkey is found in more than 75 retail stores, numerous restaurants, and many school cafeterias as an important element in Farm to School efforts.

You will also be able to visit the on-farm market to explore local artisan meats and cheeses, dairy, produce, beverages, sweet treats and more.

Travel time to the HAFA farm is approximately 40 minutes and an additional 15 minutes to Ferndale Market.

TW 4: Landscape Arboretum and Horticulture Research Center

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a plant lover’s paradise! Join us to explore “The Arb,” the largest, most diverse horticultural site in Minnesota with an almost 100-year history. The earliest established portion of the Arboretum, the Horticultural Research Center, began in 1907 and has developed many cold hardy crops including the Honeycrisp apple and ornamentals like the Northern Lights series of azaleas. You will be dazzled by the Arboretum’s 1,200 acres, which hold many specific collections of plants including iris, hostas, wildflowers, dahlias, clematis, grasses, and cultivated and hardy shrub roses. There are many special focus areas such as the home demonstration gardens, perennial and annual gardens, a rock garden, a Japanese garden, and examples of restored prairie and wetlands. Agricultural education enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting the Farm at the Arb. It’s home to the historic Red Barn, the Bee Center, the Myers Education Center and demonstration plots. You will experience how the Farm at the Arb connects people with the food they eat through the edible landscape and interpretive exhibits highlighting Minnesota-grown crops, fruits and vegetables. 

Travel time to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is approximately 40 minutes. This is the only wheelchair accessible option.

TW 5: Minnesota Grown

Join Minnesota Grown, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s “Buy Local” program, for a tour showcasing the innovation and flavors of Minnesota’s agricultural producers. Start at Pine Tree Apple Orchard with a guided tour and haywagon ride. This 120-year-old orchard is at the forefront of sustainability and climate resiliency practices including the use of hail netting and integrated pest management practices, an on-site weather station, and water quality certification. The innovative Frisk Fra Boksen calls itself a "farm in a box," growing fresh greens, herbs, and vegetables year-round in shipping containers using hydroponic systems. Shoreview Farmers’ Market is a city-managed community hub offering the best local produce and tasty eats, all connected to a large community center and destination playground.

Travel time to Pine Tree Orchard is approximately 40 minutes; travel time to the second two locations is approximately 20 minutes.

TW 6: Gale Woods Farm and Schram Vineyard

Travel to the west metro to visit two interesting sites. First, you’ll stop at Gale Woods Farm, a 410-acre working educational farm that is part of the Three Rivers Park District. Discover how Gale Woods Farm hosts educational programs, offers a CSA program, raises livestock, and more all while being open to the public. You may even get to meet the guard llama!

Next, you’ll visit the picturesque Schram Vineyard. Take a walk through the grapevines to learn what it takes to grow grapes in Minnesota’s harsh climate. End your afternoon with a mini wine tasting of Minnesota wines.

Travel time to Gale Woods is 35 minutes and an additional 15 minutes to Schram.

TW 7: Follow the Food with Farm to School

The Farm to School movement has been growing for decades, in Minnesota and across the country. At its core, Farm to School connects school cafeterias, classrooms, gardens, and local farmers through nourishing food and enriching education. Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), one of Minnesota’s largest school districts, is a national leader in Farm to School. For years, MPS has partnered with small and emerging farms to serve students fresh, nutritious, and locally sourced meals, while also teaching students where their food comes from. Join us for a visit to the MPS Culinary Center to see the district’s central kitchen, where local ingredients are prepared into delicious meals; and visit True Food Farm providing outdoor, garden-based learning opportunities for district students. Next, take a trip to Open Hands Farm, a 17-acre organic farm in Northfield, MN, that has provided MPS with fresh carrots and other vegetables for nearly a decade. Open Hands Farm cultivates not only crops but also environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ensuring that each meal is grown with care for both land and people. You won’t want to miss this un-beet-able, firsthand look at how good food can bring our classrooms, cafeterias, and communities together! 

 Travel time to MPS central kitchen is approximately 10 minutes and then travel time to Open Hands is approximately 50 minutes.

TW 8: Agriculture on the Sports Field

Join this tour to explore agriculture on the sports field—football and soccer! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the science and care that go into maintaining natural grass playing fields. At the Minnesota Vikings' TCO Performance Center, we’ll tour their practice facility and learn about turf management techniques, such as soil aeration, irrigation, in-field heating, and the use of specific grass varieties to withstand the wear of football practices and Minnesota’s harsh climate. You’ll also visit Allianz Field, home to the Minnesota United FC team and apply your newly learned turfgrass knowledge to this soccer field.

Travel time is 20 minutes to the Vikings practice facility and an additional 15 minutes to Allianz Field. 

TW 9: Growing Cooperative Minds

This tour offers a look at two cooperatives in Minnesota: CHS, a large-scale agricultural cooperative, and a smaller, locally focused grocery co-op. The first stop at CHS provides a deep dive into the workings of a large-scale cooperative that serves farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses across the region. Visitors will learn how CHS supports its members with access to supplies, services, and markets. Next, the tour shifts to a grocery store co-op, Seward Co-op, where you’ll experience the personal, community-driven side of the cooperative model. This smaller grocery co-op emphasizes local, organic products and focuses on building strong relationships with producers and customers. Through this visit, you'll gain an understanding of how cooperatives, whether large or small, create value for their members and play an essential role in the economy, from global agriculture to local food systems. You will also explore cooperative-themed curriculum for your classroom.

Travel time is 25 minutes to the CHS Savage Terminal and an additional 15 minutes to the Seward Co-op.

TW 10: Discover the U of MN, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences

The University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is proud to lead the way in innovative agricultural education and research. Known for groundbreaking discoveries and preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, CFANS invites you to explore and learn more during this tour.  You will investigate cutting-edge research in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and natural resources. Tour state-of-the-art greenhouses, crop research fields, and the student organic farm to experience hands-on learning opportunities you can use with your students. You’ll also hear from leading faculty and students who are shaping the future of agriculture.

Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to your classroom. Join us at CFANS to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders! You also will be treated to ice cream from the U of M Dairy Salesroom!

Travel time to the U of M is approximately 15 minutes.