• Our offices will be closed on Thu., Nov. 27 and Fri., Nov. 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

agfocus event feature

AgFocus Conferences

January 14, 2026
Willmar, Minn.

January 22, 2026
Fargo, N.D.

AgCountry invites you to add value to your operation by joining us for a series of educational and networking events focused on agriculture. All AgFocus events provide insight and education that help you and your operation. That's why selecting the ag education event that adds the most value to your operation should be a top priority.

Reserve your spot today.

Why Attend an AgFocus Conference?

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Inspirational Speakers

Topics like geopolitics, economics, and even the weather can feel overwhelming. Our keynote speakers will cut through the noise, delivering clear, actionable insights you can use immediately to sharpen your strategies for land, livelihood, and legacy.

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AgCountry Expertise

Benefit from the deep commitment of our team. AgCountry experts will be on hand, ready to share their proven experience and specialized expertise to help you tackle your toughest challenges.

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Networking Opportunities

The number one reason attendees return? The connections. From structured activities to casual hallway conversations, you'll build relationships with peers and professionals that last long after the event is over.

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In-Person or Virtual Options

Don't miss a thing! Join us for this fantastic opportunity to connect and gain valuable knowledge. This year's conference will not be recorded, so whether you choose to join us in-person in Fargo or Willmar, or virtually online, please plan to be there live.

AgFocus Conference Details

For education on industry topics from national and local experts, networking opportunities, and relationship-building with AgCountry experts, select the meeting location and registration option below.

TimeTopic

9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Welcome / Opening Remarks

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Weather Outlook, Matt Reardon

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Networking Break 

10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Matt Erickson, Terrain™ Analyst 

12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Lunch Break

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Embracing Change - Ag Economic Outlook, Susan Stroud

2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Breakout Session: Young (35 years or younger) or Beginning Farmers (10 years or fewer)

Agenda is subject to change.


Presenters

Explore the presenter profiles below to learn more about their experience.

Matt Erickson headshot

Matt Erickson

Terrain

Matt is a senior analyst focusing on macroeconomics and the grain, oilseed; and swine sectors. He previously was agriculture economic and policy advisor for AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of America, and Frontier Farm Credit. He also served as chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In addition to his work as an analyst on commodity markets and farm policy, Matt remains actively involved in his family farm near Lafayette, Ind. He earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University.

Matt Reardon

Matt Reardon

Nutrien Ag Solutions

Matt is a senior atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, where he develops predictive software solutions and forecasts to manage weather and climate risk in production agriculture. He presents to conferences annually where he provides guidance to weather-sensitive growers, commodity brokers, and other stakeholders. He holds the Certified Consulting Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society.

Susan Stroud

Susan Stroud

No Bull

Susan is the founder and analyst at No Bull. Her focus is agricultural commodities including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Susan’s deep understanding of the complex relationships within global agricultural markets, her wealth of industry contacts, plus 15 years of experience in U.S. cash markets and its complex logistics allow for a unique perspective in a crowded pool of commentaries. 

Susan holds a bachelor's degree in business and master's degree in agriculture from Texas A&M University. She has been featured in Bloomberg, participated in prominent industry events as a speaker, and is regarded as a leading authority in inland river system logistics and grain flows.

As they say, "learn something new every day" and that is exactly what you will get with Susan’s No Bull approach.

TimeTopic

8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Buffet-Style Breakfast

9 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Welcome / Opening Remarks

9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Geopolitics and the Impacts on Ag, Jacob Shapiro

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Networking Break

10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Matt Clark, Terrain™ Analyst 

12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Weather Outlook, Andrew Pritchard

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Succession & Retirement Planning with Tax Planning and Management Update

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Networking at AgCountry Social

Agenda is subject to change.


Presenters

Explore the presenter profiles below to learn more about their experience.

Andrew Pritchard

Andrew Pritchard

Nutrien Ag Solutions

At Nutrien, Andrew focuses on high-impact, disruptive weather events, weather risk mitigation; and severe weather safety. He contributes daily regional and macroscale meteorological forecasts, scientific analysis, and product curation for agricultural weather forecasts throughout the world while working with the science, product development, and outreach teams to develop and maintain Nutrien’s weather platform.

In addition to working on the Agronomic and Environmental Sciences team, Andrew also collaborates with the Safety, Health, and Environment team at Nutrien Ag Solutions assisting in weather safety training, issuing alerts ahead of disruptive or dangerous weather events, and aiding in response and recovery efforts after a disaster has occurred.

Jacob Shapiro

Jacob Shapiro

Geopolitical Analyst

Jacob is a global thought leader in the area of geopolitics and its impact on everything from global markets to supply chains. He addresses complex global issues requiring new approaches and alternative ways of thinking. Jacob combines over a decade’s worth of experience in advising numerous clients on the historical, cultural, geographic, political, and economic forces that impact business and political decision-making with a human-centric approach that recognizes the agency and the constraints of individuals.

Jacob lives in New Orleans with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not tweeting at 4 a.m. about the latest international developments or commodities prices, you might find him doing his best Larry Bird impersonation at a pickup basketball game.

Matt Clark, rural economy analyst

Matt Clark

Terrain

Matt is Terrain’s rural economy analyst, focusing on the impacts of interest rates, land values; and other macroeconomic trends on agriculture. He previously worked as the senior industry analyst with American AgCredit, one of the largest associations in the Farm Credit System, and as an assistant economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

Matt has an extensive background analyzing and forecasting key commodities such as wine grapes, field crops, dairy, beef, permanent plantings; and forest products; providing macroeconomic analysis, statistical validation of risk models; and chairing various commodity and risk analysis committees. Matt earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University.

AgFocus Conference Contact

Contact us for more information about the AgFocus Conferences.