As you take down the tree, pack away the decorations, eat your last Christmas cookie and ring in the new year, it can mean only one thing — farm meeting season is just around the corner!
January traditionally kicks off the farm meeting season in Wisconsin. I’m not sure why that is, but I think Extension agents, agribusinesses and farm organizations figure farmers have little else to do in January besides chores, reading farm magazines and trying to stay warm.
Valuable information
Whatever the reason, make plans to attend at least a couple of meetings this winter. Farm meetings offer valuable information, a change of pace and an opportunity to talk to people you have never met, or perhaps catch up with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
One of my favorite winter meetings to attend is the Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions at Wisconsin Dells. This year, the two-day event will be held Jan. 29-30. There are always great speakers and presentations, including:
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Timely insights into ag markets, risk management strategies and the evolving landscape of U.S. agribusiness by Mike North, Ever.Ag producer division president
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Economist panel with Ever.Ag chief economist Lee Schulz, American Soybean Association chief economist Scott Gerlt and National Corn Growers Association economist Gretchen Kuck
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How drones and data empower modern growers, sponsored by Renk Seed
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Growing season outlook from Alex Harrington, chief meteorologist at Channel 3 in Madison, Wis.
A two-day trade show features more than 120 businesses and 150 booths. This is where you get a chance to meet, discuss and network as much as you want.
Private pesticide license training will be held on Jan. 28 at the Kalahari with a reception that evening.
Another nice thing about the Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo is that rooms at the Kalahari are offered at reduced rates Jan. 28-30. Load up the family or just bring your spouse! They can entertain themselves in the hotel’s indoor water park while you are at the expo.
Wisconsin Ag Outlook Forum
The Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is another meeting I try to attend every year. This year’s forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 27 at UW-Madison Union South, 1308 West Dayton St., and is open to the public. Professors from the UW-Madison College of Ag and Life Sciences will recap how the dairy, beef, hog, corn and soybean sectors did in 2025 and offer insight into what they think will happen in 2026.
The registration fee of $100 covers the forum, lunch, breaks and a reception at the conclusion of the forum. The forum will also be livestreamed for those not able to attend and will be made available on the Renk Agribusiness Institute YouTube page. No registration is required. You can watch for free and you don’t have to drive to Madison.
More information about the forum can be found on the Renk Agribusiness Institute website.
Remember, you don’t have to attend statewide farm meetings to get cutting-edge information about the latest developments in agriculture. A lot of county Extension offices hold meetings and seminars during the winter months that provide information on everything from agronomy, dairy and beef to transitioning the farm to the next generation. You can get a whole day’s worth of information for a few dollars that covers the cost of lunch and materials.
So, if it’s been a while since you have been to a farm meeting or seminar, get out this winter, attend a couple of events, meet some new people, and learn a thing or two!