Elevating AFNR Education in Minnesota
Save the Date: January 15, 2027
The next Post-Secondary Summit will be held on Friday, January 15, 2027, in conjunction with the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators Ag Tech Conference in St. Cloud.
The Post-Secondary Summit brings together faculty, instructors, advisors, program leaders and industry partners who help shape Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources education across Minnesota. This annual event creates space for professional development, statewide collaboration and conversations about strengthening programs and preparing students for the evolving agricultural workforce.
Additional details, including the schedule, speakers and registration information, will be announced as they become available.
About the Post-Secondary Summit
The summit provides Minnesota’s postsecondary AFNR community with an opportunity to:
- Connect with educators and industry partners from across the state
- Discuss emerging workforce needs and career opportunities
- Exchange ideas and resources that strengthen AFNR programs
- Build partnerships between secondary education, postsecondary education and industry
- Explore strategies that better support students and Minnesota’s agricultural workforce
The summit is presented through partnerships with the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence, the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the University of Minnesota Crookston and the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators.
2026 Summit Recap
More than 40 postsecondary educators and partners gathered in St. Cloud for the 2026 Post-Secondary Summit.
Dr. Kevin J. Fleming led a keynote conversation focused on career-connected learning, changing workforce demands and helping students make informed decisions about education and employment. An industry panel featuring representatives from AURI, the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers and Centra Sota Cooperative shared perspectives on emerging agricultural careers, workforce expectations and the skills employers need.
Participants also collaborated with colleagues from across Minnesota and explored opportunities to strengthen programs, partnerships and student pathways throughout Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources education.
For questions about the Post-Secondary Summit, contact Tyler Grunewald at 218-894-5141 or tyler.grunewald@clcmn.edu.
