2026 Schedule of Events
Agenda subject to change; check back often
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Private Pesticide License Training – Africa 90
The UW Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) Program will host a pesticide applicator training in collaboration with the WI Corn Association, WI Soybean Association, and the WI Pork Association at the 2026 Corn Soy Expo. The training will be a joint Commercial 1.1 Field and Vegetable and Private 100 General Farm categories and will include the certification exams for both categories at the end of the training session.
For those wanting to obtain their 1.1 Field and Vegetable Commercial Applicator Certification or 100 General Farming Private Pesticide Applicator Certification, please purchase the correct manual from the UW PAT store AND register for the training hosted on January 28th, 2025, from 8am – 4pm at the WI Corn Soy Expo held at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. The print manual can take up to 2 weeks to arrive, so please purchase your manual early enough to allow enough time to receive your manual prior to the training. Purchasing the manual DOES NOT include the training class (sold separately). To register for the training at the WI Corn and Soybean Expo use the link below to go directly to the registration for training at the Corn/Soy Expo. Enter the number of seats you’d like to purchase then click “add to cart” and continue through the checkout process. Seats first come, first serve. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan Kampa at Jordan.kampa@wisc.edu or (414) 399-0373.
- Field and Vegetable Commercial Applicator Training Materials: https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/collection/commercial/18
- 100 General Farming Private Applicator Training Manual: https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/collection/private/17
- 100 General Farm Private Applicator Training Corn/Soy Expo: 100 General Farming Pesticide Applicator Training at Corn/Soy
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Exhibitor setup
7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception – Atrium
Brought to you by Nutrien Ag solutions
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Grand Opening Keynote Speaker – Africa West
Mike’s engaging presentation will focus on timely insights into agricultural markets, risk management strategies and the evolving landscape of U.S. agribusiness.
Mike North, President, Producer Division, Ever.Ag WI
8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Corn·Soy Expo Introductions – Africa West
9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. General Session Speaker: Economist’s Panel – Africa West
Join Dr. Lee Schulz, American Soybean Association Chief Economist Scot Gerlt and National Corn Growers Association Economist Gretchen Kuck as they discuss current market trends in the corn, soy, and pork worlds, and share their advice and insights on what’s to come in 2026.
Dr. Lee Schulz, Chief Economist, Ever.Ag
Scott Gerlt, Chief Economist, American Soybean Association
Gretchen Kuck, Economist, National Corn Growers Association
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show Opens – Africa East
Brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wisconsin Soybean Association Annual Meeting – Tamarind/Guava
10:30 a.m. to noon. Wisconsin Pork Association Annual Meeting – Kalahari H
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wisconsin Corn Association Annual Meeting — Africa 20
11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Lunch – Africa West
Served until 1:30 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Young Leaders Program – Tamarind/Guava
Click here for more information or to register
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Unlocking Growth: How Drones and Data Empower Modern Growers – Africa 10
Imagine empowering your farm with actionable insights delivered by state-of-the-art drones and advanced data analysis. Discover how these innovations are transforming agriculture as we share insights to deepen your understanding of these additional data layers. Learn how you can use these tools to become more informed and achieve greater success.
Karl Bobholz, Corn Product Manager, Renk Seed
Tucker Johansen, Research Analyst, Renk Seed
Max Renk, Product and Production Associate, Renk Seed
Brought to you by Renk Seed
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Corn New Uses – Africa 20
From renewable chemicals and biobased materials to emerging animal agriculture and trade-driven opportunities, this session explores how innovation is expanding demand for U.S. corn. Learn how National Corn Growers Association research and market development efforts are moving new uses from concept to commercialization, strengthening the bioeconomy, opening new markets, and creating long-term value for corn growers in a rapidly evolving ag landscape.
Michael Granche, Director of Trade, Transportation, and Animal Agriculture for the National Corn Growers Association
Sarah McKay, Director, Research and Market Development, National Corn Growers Association
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Soy New Uses – Africa 30
Join the United Soybean Board (the Soy Checkoff) as it casts a spotlight on growing opportunities for U.S. soy beyond traditional feed and food. Whether it’s low-carbon fuels, innovative industrial products or growing export demand, the soy checkoff is delivering new opportunities that add real value to every bushel.
Brian Pierce, United Soybean Board
Tony Mellenthin, WI USB Director
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mental Health – Africa 40
Farmers know stress, but too often they shoulder it alone. At this year’s Expo, Jeffrey “Ditz” Ditzenberger — TUGS founder, Navy veteran and mental-health coach — joins Wisconsin Soybean Association Vice President Doug Rebout for an honest, relatable conversation about navigating pressure, asking for help and supporting the people who keep our rural communities strong. Blending humor, personal experience and practical tools, their session offers a rare chance to hear two trusted ag voices speak openly about the realities farmers face and how we can all play a part in improving mental wellness across agriculture.
Jeff Ditzenberger, TUGS founder
Doug Rebout, WSA president
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pork Industry Economic Outlook – Kalahari H
Learn about recent pork industry trends, projections, and outlook for 2026 and beyond. Ask your most pressing questions and get advice from one of the industry’s leading economists.
Dr. Lee Schulz, Chief Economist, Ever.Ag
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Biofuel Breakout Session – Africa 10
Join two leaders in the biofuels industry, Kurt Korvarik, Vice President, Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America and Jan tenBensel, National Corn Growers Association director and director for the Nebraska Ethanol Board as they look the growth of biofuels, from ethanol and biodiesel to sustainable aviation fuel.
Kurt Korvarik, Clean Fuels Alliance America
Jan tenBensel, Nebraska Ethanol Board
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Role of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments in Midwestern Agriculture: An Industry Perspective – Africa 20
Neonicotinoid seed treatments have been used by growers to help manage insect pests threatening Midwestern crop production for more than 20 years. Despite broad adoption, such treatments have been criticized for their incompatibility with integrated pest management (IPM), identified as providing minimal benefit to growers, and routinely subject to local, state, and federal regulatory action. The goal of this presentation will be to present a careful review of currently available research pertaining to the agronomic benefits of neonicotinoid seed treatments, as well as to explore additional factors contributing to their widespread use.
Nick Tinsley, BASF
Brought to you by BASF
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weeds, Diseases and Dollars: Making Smarter Crop Protection Decisions (1 credit PM) – Africa 30
In this fast-paced, information-packed session, Dr. Rodrigo Werle and Dr. Damon Smith tackle the toughest crop protection questions facing Wisconsin growers. From waterhemp ecology, herbicide resistance, cover crops and emerging application technologies to the real-world economics of fungicide use, this session connects agronomic science with on-farm decision-making. Attendees will explore interactive ROI tools, learn where crop protection investments pay, and where they don’t, and gain practical insights to manage risk, protect yield, and improve profitability in an increasingly complex production environment.
Dr. Rodrigo Werle, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Dr. Damon Smith, University of Wisconsin, Madison
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. DOT Standards General Farm Safety – Tamarind/Guava
Dave provides an overview of essential DOT regulations and core farm safety practices, helping participants understand compliance requirements, reduce operational risks, prevent accidents, and implement practical, real-world safety procedures across farm environments.
Dave Anderson, Founder of Anderson 360 Solutions
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Soybean Meal Research & Nutritional Benefits – Kalahari H
Soybean meal continues to evolve in its role within modern swine and livestock nutrition. This presentation will explore how the industry’s understanding and valuation of soybean meal has changed in recent years, with a focus on functional compounds, health-related benefits, and shifting economic factors.
Dr. Leah Kellesvig, Swine Technical Sales & Support Special, Vita Plus Corporation
Dr. Chloe Novak, Swine Nutritionist & Technical Saleperson, Vita Plus Corporation
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. “Taste What Pork Can Do™” Cooking Show – Africa 40
Join Chef Decker as he demonstrates how to prepare delicious pork recipes and how to make your own unique pork rub. Come explore this amazing protein and Taste What Pork Can Do ™!
Dr. Brock Decker, Culinary Instructor & Chef, Northcentral Technical College
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Beer & Bull (0.5 credit CM, 0.5 credit PM) – Kalahari A & H
Dr. Shawn Conley, State Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, UW Extension
5:30 p.m. Porkapalooza — Africa West
6:00 p.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show Closes
Brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids
7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show Opens
Brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Early Riser Session: National Presidents Panel – Africa West
Hear directly from national farm-organization leaders as they break down what federal policy and global trade disruptions mean for your operation. Scott Metzger of the American Soybean Association, Jed Bower of the National Corn Growers Association and Duane Stateler of the National Pork Producers Council will reflect on a challenging year for farmers, provide updates from Washington, and share what's coming next on policy, markets and trade. Walk away with timely insight, perspective and a clearer view of what lies ahead for agriculture
Scott Metzger, American Soybean Association
Jed Bower, National Corn Growers Association
Duane Stateler, National Pork Producers Council
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Bacon & Brainstorming – Africa 10
Learn about recent studies focused on swine live haul sanitation, trailer contamination at harvest facilities, and its effect of PRRS, PEDv and other diseases. Plus, be the first to hear about an exciting new PEDv pilot program in Wisconsin. Additionally, attendees will hear about recent biosecurity program updates from DATCP's Emergency Services Coordinator, Kurt Grajkowski. Most importantly, there's no better way to enjoy a session than with BACON!
Dr. Lucas Ferreira, DVM, University of Minnesota
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Managing Risk in Challenging Markets with Matt Bennett – Africa West
Volatile markets, global uncertainty and tighter margins are putting pressure on farm decision-making. This session takes a practical look at managing risk in today's challenging environment, with a focus on market drivers, downside protection and disciplined marketing strategies. Learn how to evaluate risk, respond to price swings and build a plan that helps protect profitability while positioning your operation for opportunities ahead.
Brought to you by Beck's Hybrids
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Forecasts & Farm Roots: Alex Harrington's Growing Season Outlook – Africa 20
Channel 3 Chief Meteorologist Alex Harrington — who grew up on a farm and started his weather journey at age four — will share how agriculture helped shape his weather journey and reveal the latest long-range temperature and moisture outlooks for the growing season, straight from the Climate Prediction Center. Blending childhood grit with climate smarts, this farm-born meteorologist brings long-range predictions straight to the heart of agriculture.
Alex Harrington, Chief Meteorologist, Channel 3
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Food Grade Soybeans: Market Demand and Production Profitability – Africa 30
Explore current and emerging overseas markets shaping demand, followed by an in-depth look at farm profitability in food-grade soybeans and how they offer a powerful opportunity to add value to today's farm operations.
Scott Sinner, Partner & Vice President of Supply Chain, SB&B Foods
Brought to you by SB&B
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch Speaker Steve Fredlund – Africa West
1:00 p.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show closes
