🌾 Ag Lending & Banking Conference: Fueling Rural Growth πŸŒΎ

April 30, 2026 
New Ulm Conference Center
2101 S Broadway St, New Ulm MN


Join Ag lenders, community bankers, and financial professionals for an essential event focused on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in agricultural finance. This conference is designed to help you navigate economic shifts, enhance lending strategies, and better serve farm operations and agribusiness clients.

βœ… Gain expert insights on market trends, risk management, and regulatory updates that impact Ag lending βœ… Discover innovative financing solutions for your farm or agribusiness
βœ… Explore the role of technology in rural banking 
βœ… Strengthen relationships with industry leaders

Whether you're looking to expand your portfolio, adapt to evolving policies, or build lasting connections, this event equips you with the knowledge and tools to drive success in rural banking and Ag finance.

Agenda

8:00am – 8:45am: Registration and Breakfast
8:45am – 9:00am: Welcome & BankIn Minnesota Updates
9:00am – 10:00am: Breakouts  - choose one

  - Driving Higher Financial Literacy on the Farm - Gallery 1
      - Fundamentals of Ag Finance - Gallery 2

 10:00am – 10:20am: Networking Break
10:20am – 11:10am: Keynote β€œAg Policy in Action - Strategies in a shifting agricultural landscape”, Shaun Haney, RealAgriculture
11:10am – 11:40am: Networking Break
11:45am – 12:45pm: Roundtable Discussions β€“ two rotations of 25 minutes

  • - Beyond the Balance Sheet: Recognizing Stress and Supporting Your Farm Clients, Monica Kramer McConkey, Eyes on Horizon Consulting LLC 

  • -  Navigating Cash Flow Strategies During Challenging Times, Kent Thiesse, Green Solutions Group 

  • - Grain and Livestock Market Discussion, Gregg Hansen, Hansen Agri-Commodities 

  • - Operating Lines and Equipment Loans, Cliff Nystrom, Ag Resource Management 

  • - Hedging in Risk Management, Bret Oelke, Innovus Agra 

  • - 2026 Land and Equipment Market Analysis, Eric Gabrielson, Steffes Group
     

12:45pm – 2:00pm: Lunch with Entertainment, Jerry Frasier, Comic Magician
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Keynote β€œFrom Warning Signs to Bankruptcy: Managing Distressed Ag Credits in and out of Chapter 12”, Dean Zimmerli and Adam Froehlich, Gislason & Hunter
3:00pm – 3:15pm: Closing Updates
3:15pm: Conference Concludes

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Sponsors

Gold

                     

    

Silver
    

Bronze
AMPLIO Economic Development Corporation
ARM Ag Resource Management
The Baker Group
Vantage Point Solutions



Sponsors
If you would like to sponsor contact Bailey at [email protected]

Ag Conference Program Committee

Full NameCompanyCityPosition
Sarah KernCitizens Bank MinnesotaWatkinsMember
Beth ElliottBravera BankKerkovenMember
Ben PetersonKensington BankWillmarMember
Kyle MiddendorfLowry State BankLowryMember
Scott WakefieldBankIn MinnesotaWaconiaCo-Chair
Alex JohnsonIntegrity Bank PlusWalnut GroveMember

Questions? Contact Patti Coles at [email protected] or 651-789-3987