session library
Choose a category to explore its sessions.
Please note: Information is subject to change as event plans are finalized. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates.
AGRICULTURE
Early Season Scouting
The early season sets the stage for crop success, and timely scouting can make all the difference—especially when it comes to insect pests. This 50-minute session focuses on how to effectively scout fields in the critical early weeks to detect insect pressure before it impacts yield potential. Learn to identify key insect species, understand their life cycles, and recognize damage symptoms. We’ll cover scouting techniques, sampling tools, and thresholds that trigger management decisions. By catching insect problems early, you can make targeted interventions that protect your crop and optimize inputs. Whether you’re new to scouting or looking to refine your skills, this session will equip you with practical strategies to stay ahead of pests and safeguard your season.
Monday Jan. 26th 10:10 AM -11:00 AM
Resilient Agriculture: Strategic Input Reduction
Helping farmers become resilient is where Soil-Right started. There was not a more difficult time to begin an agronomic consulting company than the late 1980’s. Soil-Right helped farmers ride out the storm by helping them cut costs drastically and still survive the trying times of that day. Keeping the concern on profit versus yield has always been a mantra of Soil-Right. In this session you will have an understanding how the methods and procedures they use keep their clients moving forward even in distressing times.
Monday Jan. 26th 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
journey to success
Returning to the farm in 2017 Roy was willing but had some stipulations. The farm would have to change, he didn't want to invest 40 years of his life to end up no better off than when he started. And change it has: from a standard wheat, spring crop, fallow rotation and selling everything at harvest to the commodity market, to a gluten free farm raising from 12-18 crops a year, cleaning grain to mill, sell direct to the consumer, or to specialty markets, and using the commodity markets as dumping grounds when the new crop is harvested. Adding growing facilities this last year to grow medicinal mushrooms and who knows what the future will bring. With his wife Emily they have started building a community to help other farmers start down the road to decoupling from the rat race that pushes more, bigger, faster, to a place where farmers set their own prices and find their value in relationships with their customers and they see the rewards for their efforts in caring for the soil pay in healthier minds, families and communities.
Tuesday Jan. 27th 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Show Me the Weeds: What Might Weed Management Look Like in 2026 and Beyond?
In this session, Dr. Bradley will discuss some of the weed management issues that are likely to be most important in future corn and soybean production systems. Some of the topics that will be covered include the increasing complexity of herbicide label requirements, differences in “new” vs. “old” types of herbicide-resistant weeds, and the importance of integrated weed management tactics for herbicide-resistant weed management. Of course, we’re happy to adjust the session as needed to reflect the different year while keeping the same overall concept.
Tuesday Jan. 27th 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
high impact meteorology
Weather risk in production agriculture is ubiquitous and the successful execution of a crop plan requires accurate weather forecasting and analysis. We plan our operations based on weather averages and our experiences over recent growing seasons, but each year presents a new set of weather challenges. In this talk, we will focus on how to use the abundance of weather data to stay ahead to disruptive weather events. We will talk about the limits of predictability for weather events and learn about the resources available to monitor changes in longer-range forecasts. We will review the major lessons from the last growing season and talk about your state’s risk from severe storms – especially high winds, hail events, and tornadoes. We will talk about the big seasonal drivers like El Niño and La Niña discuss the outlook for the next spring and summer. We will finish with a discussion about the next growing season in South America, which competes directly with our crops.
Wednesday Jan. 28th 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
improve your sample game
In this session, we will discuss our G & K processes that include Project Planning, Logistics Considerations, Software/Hardware and Tracking Your Metrics. We'll also focus on picking the right probe, finding the right labor and how to set up your ATVs, Truck and trailers. We'll also review processes on how to pay for sampling - by the acre, by the hour, by the sample. We'll also include our processes for storage and drying. Lastly, we'll discuss manual vs. automatic probes and our experiences with automation. Please join us!
Wednesday Jan. 28th 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
micronutrients
Micronutrients may be needed in small amounts, but their impact on plant health, yield, and profitability is anything but minor. This 50-minute session dives into the role of key micronutrients—such as zinc, boron, manganese, copper, and molybdenum—in crop development and productivity. We’ll explore how to identify hidden deficiencies, interpret soil and tissue tests, and fine-tune application strategies for different crops and soils. You’ll also learn how pH, organic matter, and nutrient interactions affect availability. Whether you’re troubleshooting a specific issue or looking to optimize every acre, this session will equip you with practical tools to make micronutrients work for your operation.
Wednesday Jan. 28th 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
Business
different business structures
Sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, S-corp—what’s the right structure for your agronomy business? This 50-minute session, led by Farmer 1st Agronomy, will walk you through the pros, cons, and key considerations of various business structures commonly used in independent agronomy and consulting. Learn how each option affects taxes, liability, succession planning, and day-to-day operations. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about restructuring, this session will give you the foundational knowledge and practical insights needed to make confident, informed decisions. Bring your questions—this is designed to be both educational and applicable to your real-world operation.
Monday Jan. 26th 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Legacy Planning
Why going beyond estate planning is essential for the survival of the family farm or ranch.
Monday January 26th 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Your brand matters: finding purpose on purpose
Your brand is more than a logo—it’s your identity, your values, and the impact you leave on others. Your Brand Matters is an engaging, hands-on workshop designed to help participants define and elevate their personal brand through the lens of purpose-driven leadership.
In this highly interactive session, you’ll gain the tools to clarify your purpose, stand out authentically, and lead by serving others, because true leadership is servant leadership.
✔ Discover Your Core Values – Uncover what makes you unique and develop a brand that reflects who you are and what you stand for.
✔ Craft Your Personal Slogan – Define a clear, memorable statement that represents your mission and leadership style.
✔ Leave Equipped for Success – Walk away with actionable insights, greater self-awareness, and the confidence to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience.
Tuesday, January 27th 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
agricultural politics
Still no farm bill—but plenty to talk about. This fast-moving 50-minute session dives into the current landscape of agricultural policy, with a focus on what’s happening (and not happening) in Washington. We'll unpack what recent funding decisions mean for farmers in the absence of a formal farm bill, explore the latest tariff talk, and examine how world politics are shaping U.S. agriculture markets and strategy. Expect a wide-ranging, real-world conversation about the forces influencing your bottom line—from policy stalls to international uncertainty. Bring your questions and curiosity—it’s a full plate.
Tuesday Jan. 27th 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
Building Wealth and Creating External Revenue
Financial stability in agriculture isn’t just about yield—it’s about strategy. This 50-minute session explores practical ways independent consultants, farmers, and ag professionals can build long-term wealth and develop income streams outside of traditional production. Topics include diversifying your business model, investing with intention, building passive income, and leveraging your expertise into scalable services or products. Whether you’re looking to reduce financial risk, grow generational wealth, or create new revenue opportunities, this session will provide actionable insights to help you think beyond the acre.
Tuesday Jan. 27th 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Farm economics
Bruce Clevenger provides a practical, farm-level perspective on the economic forces shaping U.S. agriculture. This session will explore key macroeconomic trends impacting the broader economy and ag sector, with a focused look at select input costs, supply and demand outlooks, and crop budget considerations. Attendees will gain insights to help navigate business decisions and planning strategies heading into 2026.
Wednesday Jan. 28th 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
From Risk to Relief: Smart Strategies for Crop Insurance Success
Farming is full of risk—but no other industry has a program like crop insurance: voluntary, federally subsidized, and designed to protect your production and income. Are you using it to your full advantage? In this session, we’ll walk through how crop insurance works, explore strategies farmers are using successfully, and show where the right tools have made all the difference.
Wednesday Jan. 28th 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Is soil health worth it?
Using data from the past 35 years we will be looking at how the evolving farming methods have changed the bottom line on one farm in Colorado. Taking the crop and input data from tillage 1991-1996, no-till with fallow 2011-2016 and no-till with soil health focus 2017-2022 we will be looking at 3 sets of books that takes the historical information and updates it to the current costs so we can create a side by side comparison of those three periods and discuss other factors that are beyond the numbers to determine if adding new methods are really worth it.
Wednesday Jan. 28th 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
turf
Turf Climate change
Climate change remains a controversial subject. Regardless of the root cause of the issue, the fact remains that our climate is getting warmer. This will influence diseases of turfgrasses immensely. This session will focus on the facts surrounding climate change and how those facts will affect disease management in the future.
Monday Jan. 26th 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Sustainable turf : reducing inputs for Resilience
Managing turf doesn’t have to mean heavy inputs. This 50-minute session will explore sustainable turf management strategies that prioritize soil health, root development, and long-term resilience. Learn how to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation—without sacrificing turf performance. We’ll discuss soil testing, nutrient balancing, species selection, and cultural practices that promote sustainability while lowering costs. Whether you're managing sports fields, golf courses, or lawns, this session will equip you with practical tools to make your turf system more efficient, eco-friendly, and resilient under pressure.
Monday Jan. 1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
How Science, Politics, Climate Change, and Social Media Impact Our Ability to Effectively Manage Turf Pests
This session will discuss the recent research for sound management strategies for turfgrass insect pests. It will also look at current social issues regarding pesticide use in urban environments, glyphosate concerns, and the public's exposure to misinformation.
Wednesday Jan. 28th 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
Consulting on Both Coasts - From Extreme heat to unending rain
Join Corey Angelo as he shares his extensive experience working in nearly every climate across the U.S., managing golf turf under a wide range of environmental conditions. From cool-season to warm-season grasses, diverse soil types, and varying water qualities, Corey will demonstrate how he uses lab services to develop tailored strategies for each client. Learn how to interpret data effectively and apply it to meet the specific needs of golf courses across different regions.
Wednesday Jan. 28th 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
Tech & Data
On-Farm Research
Real fields. Real data. Real results. In this 50-minute session, B&M Crop Consulting will share key takeaways from their 2024 on-farm research trials. From nitrogen timing and fungicide programs to biologicals, micronutrients, and seeding rates, you’ll see what worked, what didn’t, and where the highest ROI opportunities emerged. This session is designed for growers and consultants looking to make more confident, data-driven decisions tailored to Midwest conditions. Come ready to take notes—these insights are straight from the field and built for practical application.
Monday Jan. 26th 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
AIPro release
AIPro continues to evolve—bringing more power, precision, and efficiency to independent agronomy. In this 50-minute session, we’ll walk through the latest updates to the AIPro platform, including new tools, enhanced user features, and improvements driven by consultant feedback. See live demonstrations of what's changed, how it can improve your workflow, and what’s coming next. Whether you're a longtime user or just getting started, this session will help you stay ahead of the curve and get the most out of the tools built specifically for independent agronomists.
Monday Jan. 26th 3:10 PM - 4:00 PM
AIPro Client Portal Demonstration
Join us for a 50-minute guided tour of your AIPro Client Portal—an easy-to-use platform that puts your farm’s soil and crop data right at your fingertips. Learn how to access your soil test results, view fertility recommendations, track field performance, and communicate directly with your agronomy consultant. This session will help you understand how to navigate the portal confidently so you can make informed decisions, stay connected, and get the most value from your partnership. Whether you’re new to the portal or want a refresher, this walkthrough is designed to empower you as a grower.
Monday Jan. 26th 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
health
Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in Agriculture
In this 50-minute session, Nathan shares his personal journey with mental health and his growing advocacy for farmer well-being. Drawing from lived experience and grassroots involvement, he speaks openly about breaking the silence, building community support, and recognizing mental health as part of whole-body health. Participants will leave with practical ways to start conversations about mental health, a deeper understanding of the signs of stress and burnout in agriculture, tools and resources to support themselves and others, and encouragement to foster a culture of empathy, openness, and follow-up. Nathan’s message is clear: it’s okay to struggle, but we must stop suffering in silence. His story will inspire farmers, consultants, and ag professionals alike to prioritize wellness, speak up, and be there for one another.
Monday Jan. 26th 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM