Farmfest puts agriculture issues in political spotlight
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins will be among those addressing farmers and others in the agriculture industry at the 2026 Minnesota Farmfest in Redwood County this week.
Attendees can also hear from candidates for Minnesota governor, U.S. Senate and the U.S. House in candidate forums that are being held just days before next week’s primary elections.
The three-day Minnesota Farmfest takes place this year at a challenging time economically for many of the state’s farmers and agricultural producers, as diesel fuel and fertilizer costs skyrocketed this spring following the start of the war with Iran.
Many farmers are still reeling from falling crop prices and uncertain markets due to the Trump administration’s trade wars with China and other countries that usually buy much of their corn and soybeans. In addition, the latest drought monitor report shows that almost all of Minnesota is abnormally dry, and most is in moderate to severe drought conditions, which could significantly reduce crop yields this year.
Minnesota Farmfest will be held Aug. 4-6 in Morgan, Minn. on County Highway 13 in Redwood County at the Gilfillan Estate. The event will connect farmers to vendors who will be displaying the latest equipment, machinery and technology, while several seminars are aimed at educating the public about agriculture. This year’s Farmfest features over 400 exhibitors showcasing industry innovations on about 50 acres of land.
Farmfest usually draws about 24,000 to 26,000 people from all over the upper Midwest. This year some new events include a daily drone demonstration, ride and drive demonstrations and autonomous tillage demonstrations.
It also features a new “2027 Profit Roadmap Seminar,” said Niki Jones, Farmfest marketing director, which is designed to help farmers help manage rising costs, market uncertainty and tighter margins. Attendees will hear from economists, marketing specialists, and financial professionals on topics like cash flow management, ag policy and lending strategies.
“They’ll leave with really practical action steps and tools to help strengthen their operation moving forward into next year,” Jones said. “So we’re excited about that seminar this year, I think it’ll be really [informative] for folks.”
Farmfest Forums
Amid the backdrop of higher operating costs, lower prices and drought, attendees will be able to engage with office holders and candidates running for Congress, Senate, and Minnesota governor ahead of the Aug. 11 primaries.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will be the first featured speaker at the Farmfest Forums. Sec. Rollins will address the audience gathered in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center on Tuesday, Aug.4, beginning at 10:10 a.m.
Immediately following the secretary’s remarks, at 10:30 a.m., congressional candidates running in Minnesota’s first and second districts will face off in a forum. Later Tuesday, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., a forum featuring candidates running for Minnesota sixth, seventh and eighth congressional districts will be held.
On Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 10:30 a.m., there will be an hour-long forum featuring candidates for governor, and a U.S. Senate candidates’ forum will be held at 1:15 Wednesday afternoon.
These forums will focus on topics affecting rural America and the agriculture industry. Given the timing of Farmfest, so close to the primary elections, Jones said these forums likely are generating a lot of interest and will have more attendees than usual.
“This year’s forums are going to be pretty big for the first time in many years. Minnesota has no incumbent running in the governor or the Senate race, so we’re looking forward to having big crowds for that,” Jones said. “The best part I think for the folks that sit in the audience is that [candidates] do really focus on those ag and rural issues that are important to them ahead of their vote in primaries.”
If You Want to Go:
What: Farmfest 2026
When: Aug. 4-6; Gates open 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily
Where: 28269 MN-67, Morgan, MN 56266
Cost: $8 online, or $10 at the gate
Children 17 and under, active and veteran military have free admission with valid ID shown at the gates.
Tickets: Purchase tickets on the Farmfest website.
