Introduction

Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce, FMWF Chamber

Get grounded in the Summit’s purpose with a quick welcome and a spotlight on our FARMS Workforce Partnership. 

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Keynote Discussion

Daniel B. Maffei, Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission
Moderator: Steve Olson, Agricultural Strategist/CEO, Steve Olson Consulting, LLC

Federal Maritime Commissioner Daniel Maffei will break down how federal shipping policy is evolving to better serve agricultural exporters in today’s complex global trade environment. From port congestion and regulatory hurdles to international competitiveness and rural market access, you will learn about the critical intersection of logistics, legislation and economic opportunity. Learn how shifts in maritime policy are impacting growth for ag-dependent industries across the Midwest, and why these changes matter for businesses far beyond the farm gate.

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Panel: Moving Ag Forward
Innovations and Trends in Transportation  

Kate Ferguson, Director of Trade and Business Development, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
Amy McBeth, Regional Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs, BNSF Railway
Mike Metzger, Executive Vice President, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative
Moderator: Steve Olson, Agricultural Strategist/CEO, Steve Olson Consulting, LLC

This powerful panel takes a closer look at how things like trains, ports and farm groups help move food and farm goods across the country and around the world. You’ll hear how new tools, smart technology and teamwork between businesses and government are helping solve problems, speed things up and make sure our ag economy stays strong. It’s all about keeping products moving and making the system work better for everyone.

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Industry Insight
Rural Agriculture Workforce

Dr. Lynette Flage, Associate Director, NDSU Agriculture Extension

For the first time, hear findings from the FARMS Community Workforce Partnership meetings held across North Dakota—gathering voices from producers, educators, business leaders, and rural communities. This session will unveil key insights into the current and future state of the agriculture workforce in the Upper Midwest, highlighting what’s really happening on the ground when it comes to talent—what’s working, what’s missing and what’s needed next.. These findings provide a timely look at the challenges and opportunities ahead for attracting and retaining talent in rural agricultural communities to share what’s really happening on the ground when it comes to talent—what’s working, what’s missing and what’s needed next. This insight offers a rare, real-time snapshot of the workforce behind our region’s most critical industry—and what it will take to build a talent pipeline that’s ready for the future. 

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Industry Insight
Sustain. Transform. Authenticate. North Dakota's Carbon Blueprint

Kayla Ver Helst, Sustainability Officer, Bank of North Dakota

What if the next era of economic growth wasn't powered by what we extract—but by how we evolve? This Industry Insight explores how North Dakota is forging its own carbon blueprint focusing on local stewardship, smart finance and practical innovation. From agriculture to energy, the state is redefining what it means to create value from the ground up. Through the STAND (Sustain. Transform. Authenticate.) framework, this talk explores how carbon can become a strategic asset, how rural producers are central leaders in transformation and how the nation’s only state-owned bank offers a uniquely credible platform to turn proven stewardship into market opportunity.

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Industry Insight
View from Canada

Beth Richardson, Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis

Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada, will share insights on the depth and breadth of the U.S.–Canada relationship—one of the most vital security, economic, and agricultural partnerships in the world. Her remarks will touch on the impacts of tariffs and trade policy, while also highlighting the great things both countries are—and can be—doing together to ensure a strong future for North American agriculture.

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Industry Insight
The Future of Fuels from Agriculture

Dr. Chris Ryan, President and Chief Operating Officer, GEVO
Moderator: Dr. Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture, North Dakota State University

GEVO is turning Midwest crops into something far bigger than food—they're helping power the future. As a national leader in renewable fuels and sustainable materials, GEVO is showing how agriculture can drive the clean energy transition. This conversation explores how farm-grown inputs are being transformed into low-carbon jet fuel, renewable gasoline, and plant-based plastics—opening up new markets and opportunities for rural America. Learn how innovation, smarter systems, and strong partnerships are turning agriculture into a key player in the fight against climate change—while creating real value for producers and communities.

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Sponsor Highlight

Mark Vetter, Executive Vice President of Business Development, AgCountry Farm Credit Services

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Panel: Ag at a Crossroads
Trade, Farm Bill, Immigration and Federal Policy Outlook

Zach Gihorski, Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability, National Council of Farm Cooperatives
Collin Peterson, President/Founder, The Peterson Group
Moderator: Kevin Price, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Crystal Sugar Company

From Capitol Hill to Parliament Hill, major policy changes are underway that will directly impact the future of agriculture. This cross-border panel brings together expert voices to break down where things stand on the Farm Bill, immigration reform and trade negotiations and what it all means for the ag economy. Whether you’re in agribusiness, transportation, finance or workforce, you’ll better understand the shifting landscape and how to prepare your organization for what’s ahead.

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Closing

Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber

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PROGRAM CONCLUDES

This summit is a part of AgTech Week 2025, a week-long celebration of innovation in agriculture.