Farmers asked for more agronomic education, and the Wisconsin Corn•Soy Expo is responding with a new, free event featuring Ken Ferrie.

The inaugural Corn•Soy Academy will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, one day before the Wisconsin Corn•Soy Expo. Ferrie will focus on nitrogen management and hybrid selection, offering practical insights farmers can apply to their operations. Certified Crop Adviser continuing education credits will be available.

“Farmers told us they wanted more time devoted to the decisions they’re making in their fields, and we took that seriously,” said Luke Goessling, a Wisconsin Soybean Association director and co-chair of the Expo committee. “The Corn•Soy Academy gives us an opportunity to dig deeper into those topics with Ken Ferrie and help farmers take home information they can put to work.”

The Academy grew out of feedback from last year’s Expo attendee survey, in which farmers requested more agronomic topics and additional opportunities to earn CCA credits.

Designed for farmers, agronomists and industry professionals, the Academy expands the educational opportunities surrounding the Expo with an afternoon dedicated to crop production. Its focus on nitrogen management and hybrid selection will help attendees evaluate practices and choices ahead of the 2027 growing season.

“We want farmers to have access to practical information that helps them weigh management decisions,” said Rick Gehrke , who represents the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association on the Expo committee.  “Making the Academy free opens that opportunity to more growers and the agronomists who work alongside them.”

The Wisconsin Corn•Soy Expo follows Jan. 21–22 at the Kalahari Resort. The new Academy gives attendees another reason to arrive early and spend time learning with fellow growers and agricultural professionals.

Admission to the Corn•Soy Academy is free. To register, visit https://cornsoyexpo.org/cornsoy-academy/.