May 23, 2023

This paid event listing is sponsored by the FMWF Chamber.

The Midwest Agriculture Summit returns June 6, hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber in partnership with 26 co-hosting chambers and communities across five states.

It will be held at West Fargo’s Red River Valley Fairgrounds — Butler Machinery Building — and a livestream will be available.

The Midwest Agriculture Summit is the second installation of the 2023 Midwest Summit series. The Midwest Ag Summit brings together experts in agriculture from across the region and nation to unpack, discuss and take an in-depth look at the dynamic facets of the ag sector, including critical policies and pressing issues.

The Midwest Ag Summit will feature two panels of experts, with the first being heavily focused on policies, regulation and the paramount Farm Bill of 2023, and the second uncovering and discussing leading efficiencies, development, innovation, sustainability and the landscape of environmental, social and governance evolution and impacts.

Xochitl Torres Small, under secretary for rural development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will serve as a keynote speaker.  In this role, she oversees loans and grants to provide infrastructure improvements; business development; affordable housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.

Prior to her current role, Xochitl was a U.S. Representative for the fifth largest district in the country — New Mexico’s second congressional district.

Another keynote speaker will be Dr. Walter Kemmsies, managing partner of The Kemmsies Group, who is widely viewed as one of the foremost experts on ports, rail and infrastructure in the U.S. His areas of expertise include demand forecasting, maritime and overall global trade regulatory issues, public and private port and infrastructure financing, and long-term strategic planning and capital investment.

“Having worked in major cities worldwide, Walter has a global perspective that uniquely qualifies him as a global trade economist,” according to the FMWF Chamber.

Other speakers include:

2023 Farm Bill & Crucial Policy panelists

• Dr. Scott Brown, associate Extension professor, University of Missouri — Columbia.
• Colin C. Peterson, former U.S. representative.

Environmental, Social and Governance panelists

• Jared Knock, business development, AgSpire.
• Michael Reese, director, West Central Research and Outreach Center.
• Jeff Schmidt, chief risk officer, AgCountry — panel moderator.

A closing keynote speaker will be announced soon.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Midwest’s economy, history and future vitality,” said Shannon Full, president and CEO of the FMWF Chamber. “The impact of policy decisions, innovation, research and sustainability are far reaching and have a major impact on our businesses and livelihood. This summit will bring key leaders and experts together to shine a light on the transformative work being done throughout the Midwest and what needs to be accomplished in the future to maintain and elevate the Midwest’s success in the sector. We are honored to be hosting this event in our region, along with 26 other chambers in the Midwest, and to be livestreaming this to communities and leaders across five states.”

The event is open to the public, and registration is required. Tickets for in-person attendance are $45, and viewing the livestream is free. To register or for information, please visit 2023 Midwest Agriculture Summit.

The premier sponsor for the event is Bremer Bank, and additional sponsor opportunities are available.

The Midwest Agriculture Summit is part of a four-part series that convenes regional communities, states, businesses, chambers, associations, industry leaders and policymakers to discuss topics crucial to the Midwest.

Upcoming events will feature cybersecurity on Aug. 17, energy on Nov. 29 and the economy on Feb. 22, 2024.

Event information, livestream and in-person registration can be found here.