A Look Into the Ag for All Conference

This spring has a lot in store for Minnesota’s farmers and agriculturalists. For the first time, the University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is holding the annual Ag for All Conference in St. Cloud. Set on dismantling barriers and bringing people together through education, the conference has been thoughtfully constructed and organized so that people can be sure to have an enjoyable and illuminating experience.

The University of Minnesota Extension is a department that creates a bridge between education and the needs of the community. They are dedicated to utilizing education to its fullest advantages, attempting to shape a better future. Each branch within the department focuses on specific areas of need within particular communities. Joe Rand has worked for the University of Minnesota Extension for 13 years in a variety of different roles. He has been working on bringing the event to life since last April when discussion of it first started.

“I wanted to get to know the other queer farmers and agriculturists around the state because I know there are a lot but there isn’t a network … It kind of is the first one, but we are not creating something completely unique, we have taken some cues from other events, and looked to other folks for advice and support,” Rand says.

While other similar events exist, this specific event is different in that it is limited to Minnesota. The goal is to familiarize people with others in the industry. From this, farmers, producers and agriculturalists can share their knowledge and experiences.

The conference runs 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 in St. Cloud. During these hours, there will be plenty of events going on. Branch workshops will be open to participants to be able to learn from extension experts on subjects such as soil and the land. There will be a mental health session, an important aspect for those in the “ag-world,” according to Rand. In addition to this, there will be a keynote panel moderated by Assistant Professor Courtney Cuthbertson that will feature voices within the industry. Even more, there will be a moment where people are encouraged to break out into different regions so people can meet up and get to know one another.

Though the conference is open for anyone to attend, it does focus on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the agricultural industry. As such, there is time dedicated to breaking out into spaces for allies to connect with other allies and LGBTQ+ people to connect with other LGBTQ+ people. Bringing to life the theme of the conference, “Transforming Barriers into Breakthroughs,” the conference is set on uniting everyone and allowing people to build a specific community that they can feel safe and comfortable within.

“We need a network to be able to support each other, support each other’s business … a space where queer folks can feel like they can participate authentically without stress,” Rand says.

The Ag for All Conference is ready to bring LGBTQ+ farmers and agriculturalists and allies together. It is an opportunity for people to network and get to know one another on a personal and informative level. Rand shares that participants can look forward to gaining “research-based education” during the numerous events as well as the thrill of meeting new and friendly people.

“It really is about cultivating space for queer folks in the agricultural industry. …How are people navigating and how are they being successful? As queer folks, there are extra barriers but we know that there is success. …There will be some fun swag, and people will have handouts. Just show up and be ready to meet people, have a good time and learn,” Rand says.

From the first whispers of the conference and throughout its construction, excitement for knowledge and community has been clear. Each step of the conference has been planned according to the mission of the University of Minnesota Extension in connecting the community through education and experiences to pave the way to a better future.

Join the University of Minnesota Extension on March 8 in St. Cloud to get a chance to experience the first annual Ag for All Conference. To register, become a sponsor or learn more, visit their website at www.sites.google.com/umn.edu/agforall/home.