Connection Events

About
The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) Annual Convention is a premier event that draws more than 700 conservation leaders from across the state of Minnesota. Each year, Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) officials, resource professionals, landowners, conservation leaders, industry professionals and agency representatives gather to network and discuss conservation policies and implementation, and to learn the newest technologies affecting natural resource management.

The MASWCD annual convention includes business meetings, updates on current issues, keynote address, informational sessions, exhibit area, and recognition of outstanding soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) and individuals.

At the business meeting, the state’s 440 elected SWCD board members have the opportunity to vote on issues that should become part of MASWCD’s policy platform.

From grassroots initiatives to innovative conservation practices, the convention provides attendees with new ideas that can be implemented across the state.

Each year, we host the Minnesota Organic Conference for farmers and others interested in organic agriculture.

Mark your calendars for January 9-10, 2025, in St. Cloud.

This year’s conference will feature:

– Fantastic keynotes and breakout sessions
– An 80-booth trade show
– Networking with friends
– And more!

2025 Keynote Speakers

Tom Cotter
Tom is a fourth-generation farmer and active member of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. He started planting cover crops in 1998, which helped him transition a third of his acres to organic cash crops and grass-fed beef. He was recently named a finalist for the inaugural Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award.

Mark Schiller and Simeon Rossi
Mark and Simeon co-founded Loon Liquor Company, an organic micro distillery in Northfield, Minnesota, crafting delicious spirits from organic, local suppliers. They recently won the Food, Ag, and Beverage Division of the 2024 MN Cup, a startup competition for entrepreneurs.

About The Midwest Fish and Wildlife Annual Conference
The conference attracts up to 1,000 biologists and students from state, federal, and tribal natural resources agencies and universities from the Midwest, Great Plains and Canadian provinces for the purposes of sharing technical presentations, poster displays, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities for wildlife professionals. Attendees include professionals in the field of fisheries and wildlife, including; directors, assistant directors, program managers, wildlife and fisheries biologists, as well as college students.

Overview
​This annual event provides a forum for conservation leadership and brings together professionals from state, federal, and tribal natural resources agencies from the Midwest, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and Canadian provinces. Attendees include key decision makers in the field of fisheries and wildlife, including; directors, assistant directors, program managers, wildlife and fisheries biologists, and college students.

Key Reasons to Participate
The Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference offers you the opportunity to maximize your exposure to new prospects or to reinforce relationships with existing customers in a casual, conference setting with many opportunities for networking and socializing.

Trade Show
Tying it together at Minnesota Ag Expo Is a full trade show floor with nearly 100 booths. The floor is easy to traverse and hosts commodity groups, state agencies, agribusinesses, industry organizations, legislative leaders and guest speakers. Grab a cup of coffee and see the future of agriculture on display!

Keynote Speakers
MN Ag Expo is a unique chance to focus on the big picture while learning how the ag industry continues to grow and evolve. Each year, Expo hosts inspirational keynote speakers and breakout sessions that cover everything farmers need to know to keep their operations prosperous.

Networking
We don’t have to tell you that Minnesota winters are long and isolating. But MN Ag Expo brings industry leaders together during the winter doldrums to reunite, network and plot the year ahead. Community. Connections. Conversations. That’s what MN Ag Expo is all about!

BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE.
The Iowa Ag Expo will inspire you with the biggest names and newest innovations in agriculture. With more than 700 exhibitors spanning 7.25 acres, the Iowa Ag Expo is the third largest indoor ag show in the country—and it’s right in your backyard!

While you’re here, check out the series of education presentations called AgTalks in the Convention Center Rooms 301 and 311 for a deep dive into specific ag topics.

AT A GLANCE
No need to travel far to see the latest farm equipment when the Iowa Ag Expo brings the biggest names and newest innovations to Des Moines each winter!

Spanning 7.25 acres, the Iowa Ag Expo is the third largest indoor ag show in the United States, hosting nearly 700 exhibitors across 3 buildings of the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. These companies come from around the world to display the best ag has to offer, from big iron, precision ag, and livestock production to autonomous equipment, electric vehicles, robotics, artificial intelligence solutions—and more!

To view the full Iowa Ag Expo program and list of exhibitors, check out our digital program (coming soon).

Skip the line, pay for tickets in advance, and save $5 admission by purchasing your tickets to the Iowa Ag Expo online in advance. Regular admission is $10 at the door or $5 with advance registration.