by Chris Hahn, Fillmore County EDA and CEDA
Area farm families, businesses, and the public are invited to attend this free event at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center at 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN 55949, on March 14, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided, and sessions will run for approximately 30 minutes. This year’s schedule includes presentations on Hydroponics & Alternative Farming Methods, Woman-Owned Ag Entrepreneurship, Soil Conservation and Water Quality, Emotional Wellness for Agriculture Families, Understanding MN Sure, and Addressing Workforce and Labor Challenges.
“Events like the Agriculture Summit allow rural farm families and their neighbors to connect, share ideas, and learn together,” says Fillmore County EDA board member Sam Grabau. “Ensuring that our rural communities have information and access to resources helps build a better economic outlook for the entire area.”
Agriculture remains the primary economic driver in Fillmore County, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. The census, conducted every five years, counted over 1400 farms in Fillmore County, contributing around $291 million in agricultural products sold. Approximately 32% of all farms represent operations less than 50 acres in size, and with more than 375,500 acres dedicated to agriculture in Fillmore County, innovation and process improvements remain a critical part of the continued success of the agriculture industry.
Fillmore County EDA Director Chris Hahn states that, “our EDA believes it is important to connect local agriculture businesses and professionals with our farm families in Fillmore County and the neighboring communities,” adding that the goal is “to provide our area farm families and businesses with resources and provide real-world examples of successful agriculture entrepreneurs, and evolving business practices.”
The 2024 Fillmore County Agriculture Summit is presented by the Fillmore County Economic Development Authority, F & M Community Bank, First Southeast Bank, MiEnergy Cooperative, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and MiBroadband, in association with Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), and GreenSeam.
The Fillmore County Agriculture Summit is a free event, but registration is requested to estimate the number of attendees. To register online, please go to 2024 Fillmore County Agriculture Summit Tickets, Thu, Mar 14, 2024, at 8:15 AM | Eventbrite.
If you have questions about the event, or to register via phone, please contact Chris Hahn, Fillmore County EDA Director, at 612-327-9729 chris.hahn@cedausa.com or Allison Whalen (CEDA) at 507-993-8688 or via email at allison.whalen@cedausa.com.
