Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence

06/23/2026

Educators learning alongside industry partners makes a difference for students across Minnesota.

We had the opportunity to participate in the EXCITE Externship led by the NE Metro Perkins Consortium, 17 educators took part in our "From Field to Future: An Immersive Agricultural Experience" held at the Miron Century Farm outside of Hugo, MN.

This hands on experience connected agriculture, food, and natural resources pathways to real career opportunities through partnerships with the Miron family, Midwest Machinery Co. , Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom , and AgCentric .

When educators gain time and space to grow their AFNR knowledge and career pathways, they bring stronger, more meaningful learning back to their classrooms.

That impact reaches every student they serve and we are thrilled to have had a part in providing that experience!

Check out the action and captured smiles in the video below:

From Field to Future: An Immersive Agricultural Experience at Miron...

06/22/2026

We had a blast partnering with Transportation Works!, led by the South Central Service Cooperative!

Over two exciting days, students explored a variety of transportation-related careers, including many opportunities within agriculture, through hands-on experiences and behind-the-scenes tours.

Highlights included:

🚜 Visiting the Ag Diesel program at South Central College where students met with interns Kiara and William, instructors and industry to learn about careers in diesel technology.

🚧 Getting an up-close look at a payloader during a visit by Ziegler CAT Mankato with Brian and Andy.

🌾 Climbing into Arnold's of Mankato Quadtrac with William while learning about the equipment that powers modern agriculture.

🚁 Visiting with Jason from Crystal Valley Cooperative, who showcased one of their newest agricultural drones and discussed how drone technology is transforming farming.

📍 Touring Guentzel Family Farms Partnership with Angela, Jonathan and Mary to learn about precision agriculture, including how drone-generated maps and data help farmers make informed management decisions.

A huge thank you to all of the hosts for helping students connect classroom learning with real-world careers!

06/22/2026

Your future starts here!
Minnesota State Week is your chance to explore 33 campuses across the state, June 22 to 26. Visit, ask questions, and find the right fit for you.
Apply for free during the week and take the first step toward your future.

https://www.minnstate.edu/minnstatewk/index.html

06/19/2026

The Minnesota CattleWomen's Association Summer Meeting and Awards Banquet was held June 19 at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University campus in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
This year’s theme, “Direct Marketing Beef From Primal to Profit,” brought together producers, butchers, and industry experts to share practical insight on the logistics and financial side of direct to consumer beef sales.
Tina LeBrun, Executive Director of the Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, proudly represented both the Center of Excellence and the Farm Business Management program as a panelist, contributing valuable perspective on education, industry connections, and producer success.
For Farm Financial Management

06/17/2026

The Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) Conference continues to be Minnesota 4-H’s premier statewide leadership experience, and this year delivered meaningful impact.
Youth in grades 7 and up from across Minnesota came together to:

• Build confidence
• Explore leadership skills
• Connect through hands-on workshops, field experiences, and service learning
• Learn from inspiring speakers and each other

A major highlight was a 6-hour immersive MAJOR session led through a strong collaborative partnership:

Courtney Spence and Karen Zais, Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence AgCentric
Lori Maxfield, Washington Conservation District

Together, they created a dynamic, hands-on learning experience focused on real-world issues, helping students connect leadership skills to agriculture, natural resources, and community impact.
This event was hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension and led by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors, Alumni, & Friends continues to spark curiosity, grow confidence, and empower youth to lead in their schools, communities, and future careers.

Watch and listen to the video below to witness the impactful day unfold:

The YELLO Conference is Minnesota 4-H's premier statewide youth lea...

06/15/2026

A huge thank you to Blue Earth Area ISD 2860 for inviting us to be part of your Spring Carnival! 🎉

Check out this short video showcasing all the fun, learning, and excitement from the event. A special shoutout to the Blue Earth Area FFA members who took the lead on many of the ag safety exhibits and did an outstanding job engaging youth and families throughout the afternoon.

We're also grateful for the support from one of the FFA students' moms who volunteered her time, and to FFA Advisor Mr. Milbrandt for jumping in and helping make the educational experience even more impactful.

It truly takes a community to create opportunities like this, and we loved being part of it!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/09/2026

June is National Dairy Month, and Minnesota Has a LOT to Celebrate!

In Minnesota, dairy is more than an industry. It is a way of life that creates careers and connects generations through agriculture. The work happening on dairy farms supports food security, sustainability, and the future of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.

This month, we celebrate the dedication of dairy producers, industry professionals, educators, and students who keep this essential sector strong and growing.

06/03/2026

What a fantastic day at Ag Education Day at the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota! 🌱🚜

We had the opportunity to connect with children and families from across the region while sharing the importance of agriculture and farm safety through hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences.

This event would not have been possible without the incredible students who volunteered their time and talents. A huge thank you to six Minnesota 4-H / UMN Extension 4-H Plant Sciences Ag Ambassadors and two UMN Extension Blue Earth County 4-H Ambassadors who helped lead activities and create a fun, welcoming experience for every child who stopped by. Their enthusiasm and leadership made the day a tremendous success!

We were also excited to have Joel Hansen, Agriculture Instructor at South Central College, join us with pig and chicken anatomy models that quickly became a favorite attraction for many of the kids.

And a special thank you to MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council for donating soy crayons, which were put to great use with our brand-new agriculture-themed coloring sheets!

Ag Education Day is all about tracing the incredible journey of our...

06/02/2026

🚨PRESS RELEASE🚨

🚜 A major farm transition wave is coming in Minnesota.

Results from our just released 2025–2026 Minnesota Farm Transition Survey show:

• ✅ Over 90% of producers plan to transition their farms
• ⏳ 70% hope to start within the next 7 years
• ⚠️ Nearly 1 in 4 don’t yet know who will take over
• 🔍 Top barriers include family dynamics, financial complexity, and uncertainty about where to begin

With a major transition wave approaching, the need for practical, hands-on support has never been greater. Producers are asking for workshops, trusted advisors, and guidance navigating legal and financial decisions.

We’re committed at the Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence to help farm families turn intention into action by providing them key resources.

🔗 Read our full press release, learn more and explore farm transition resources at https://centerofagriculture.org/farm-transition/

Farm Business Management