7:30 a.m. Registration Opens

8:00 a.m. Grand Opening Keynote Speaker: Eric Snodgrass — Kalahari Ballroom

Eric Snodgrass is a Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Conduit, where he develops predictive, analytical software solutions to manage weather risk for global production agriculture. He provides frequent weather updates that focus on how high-impact weather events influence global agriculture productivity. His current research uses machine learning to better understand field-level weather impacts on yields in the U.S. and to increase confidence in long-range weather prediction. He presents his research as a featured speaker at over 100 conferences annually where he provides logistical guidance and solutions to weather sensitive financial institutions, farmers, commodity traders, and other stakeholders.

8:45 a.m. Corn·Soy Expo Introductions — Kalahari Ballroom

9:15 a.m. Prosper Through Persistence – Take the Long View — Kalahari Ballroom

It has often been said, “90 percent of success is simply showing up.” But what about the remaining 10 percent? Davis Michaelsen will bring perspective on succession planning, starting a side-business alongside conventional farming operations and what the land and grain markets are telling us about the year ahead.

10:00 a.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show Opens — Africa East

   Brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids

10:30 a.m. Wisconsin Pork Association Annual Meeting — Mangrove/Aralia

10:30 a.m. Wisconsin Soybean Association Annual Meeting — Tamarind/Guava

11:30 a.m. Wisconsin Corn Association Annual Meeting — Africa 20

11:30 a.m. Lunch – Africa West

  Served until 1:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

(CCA credit available for some sessions, credits listed next to session.)

The Future of Firefighting with SoyFoam — Africa 20 

Unpack soy’s potential with SoyFoam ™ TF 1122, the first and only firefighting foam GreenScreen Certified® at the Gold level. The PFAS-free soy-based foam has the power to change the future of firefighting for the better. During this session, you’ll learn how the firefighting foam developed by Cross Plains Solutions is being tested right here in Wisconsin, blazing a trail and connecting two community backbones: firefighters and farmers.

Dave Garlie, Managing Partner/CTO, Cross Plains Solutions, LLC

Chris Turner, Fire Safety Center Lead, Chippewa Valley Technical College

Jason Wiley, Farmer and Firefighter, Chief Rock Falls Fire Department

Moderated by Larry Lee, Anchor/Reporter, Brownfield Ag News

FBI & Cyber Threats to Agriculture — Africa 30

The agricultural industry is facing a growing number of cyber threats that can halt operations and delay sales. The increased use of cloud-based technology in agriculture has created more vulnerabilities. Learn what you can do to protect against cyberattacks.

DOT – What Are They Looking for During Audits or Inspections? — Africa 40 

This presentation is to help gain an understanding of DOT compliance and most common compliance mistakes. In addition, we will help define “what is needed and what is not” when it comes to DOT compliance and inspections and farm exemptions.

Key items to review:
• Driver files
• Maintenance files
• Time records
• Hours of service
• Exemptions
• Licensing and fed med cards
• Drug and alcohol
• Crossing state lines
• Safe driving and safety training
• Questions and open discussions

Weed Control in the Age of Resistance: Harnessing Herbicide Mixtures and Integrated Strategies – Rodrigo Werle, Assistant Professor & Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist, University of Wisconsin — Tamarind/Guava (1.0 PM) 

Join Dr. Rodrigo Werle for a recap on herbicide resistance and recent research from the WiscWeeds lab, focusing on optimizing herbicide mixtures for effective weed control, utilizing cover crops for weed suppression and exploring the future of see & spray technologies. Emphasizing integrated approaches, the discussion will highlight practical solutions for managing herbicide-resistant weeds and advancing sustainable weed management practices in Wisconsin’s corn-soybean cropping systems.

The Hard But Necessary Family Conversations on Farm Succession: Wesley Tucker, Farm & Ranch Transition Specialist, University of Missouri Extension — Africa 10 (1.0 PD)

Farm succession planning is a challenging yet essential process for ensuring the long-term sustainability of family farms. In this session, Wesley will lead a deep dive into the tough but necessary conversations that every farm family must have when preparing for the future.

Drawing from his 23 years of experience in estate and succession planning, agricultural marketing systems and farm business management, Wesley will guide participants through the emotional and logistical aspects of transitioning farm operations to the next generation. He will explore the critical topics of estate planning, family dynamics, financial structures and communication strategies needed to navigate these complex decisions.

2:30 p.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show Break — Africa East

Brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids

3:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Machinery Performance and Autonomous Agriculture — Africa 20 (1.0 PA)

Equipment agronomist Dave Murphy explains how to determine return on investment of field operations and how machinery decisions impact the bottom line. We will also analyze autonomous machines in agriculture; where they make sense and how Wisconsin farmers are making them payoff.

Brought to you by 360 Yield

Fungicides 201: What You Really Need to Know to Maximize Fungicide ROI in Soybeans and Corn – Damon Smith, Professor and Extension Specialist – Field Crops Pathology — Africa 30 (1.0 PM)

Deep dive into the world of epidemiology. Dr. Smith brings years of experience to further develop better control recommendations for the sustainable management of field and forage crop diseases. Tapping into his wealth of knowledge through research and extension efforts, he will bring his epidemiology understanding of plant pathogens to better fungicide ROI.

What’s New in Wisconsin Corn Agronomy Program — Africa 40 (1.0 CM)

Hear from Dr. Harkirat Kaur on the latest from the Wisconsin Corn Agronomy Program. This is your chance to hear from Wisconsin Corn’s new agronomist and find out how the corn agronomy program can help your operation.

From Data to Decisions: Mastering Product Characterization Research — Africa 10

Explore Beck’s innovative approach that dives deep into understanding our corn and soybean performance indicators and detailed insights that enable us to position them to the right management practices, giving us a competitive advantage. You’ll learn how Product Characterization Research combines all we do in Beck’s research and testing to elevate product confidence, enhancing our powerful choices strategy.

Brought to you by Beck’s

4:00 p.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show Break — Africa East 

Brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids

4:30 p.m. Breakout Session

Beer & Bull Session — Africa 10 & 20 (1.0 CM) 

Prior to starting the Beer & Bull Session, Eocene Environmental Group Livestock Specialist Haley Kerr will give a brief update on USDA’s Climate-Smart Commodity grant program, which pork producers and crop farmers in Wisconsin are now eligible to receive financial incentives for in-barn and in-field practices.

Shawn Conley, Professor & Extension Soybean Specialist, University of Wisconsin; Damon Smith, Professor and Extension Specialist – Field Crops Pathology, University of Wisconsin; Rodrigo Werle, Assistant Professor & Extension Cropping Systems Weed Scientist, University of Wisconsin; Dr. Harkirat Kaur, Assistant Professor, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, University of Wisconsin. Pepper our state’s leading researchers with agronomic questions in a relaxed setting over an ice-cold beverage.

Session sponsored by WCPB, WSMB, WPA

The Hard But Necessary Family Conversations on Farm Succession: Wesley Tucker, Farm & Ranch Transition Specialist, University of Missouri Extension — Africa 30 (1.0 PD)

Farm succession planning is a challenging yet essential process for ensuring the long-term sustainability of family farms. In this session, Wesley will lead a deep dive into the tough but necessary conversations that every farm family must have when preparing for the future.

Drawing from his 23 years of experience in estate and succession planning, agricultural marketing systems and farm business management, Wesley will guide participants through the emotional and logistical aspects of transitioning farm operations to the next generation. He will explore the critical topics of estate planning, family dynamics, financial structures and communication strategies needed to navigate these complex decisions.

5:30 p.m. WPA Silent Auction Opens — Africa Foyer

5:30 p.m. Porkapalooza — Africa West

Sponsored by Roth Feeder Pig, Wisconsin Pork Association and Piggly Wiggly

An evening of fun, networking, delicious pork appetizers, cold beverages, live music by Super Tuesday and live and silent auctions supporting youth programs and pork industry issues. Featuring special guests Phoebe Bacon, U.S. Olympic swimmer, and Piggly Wiggly’s Mr. Pig.

Wisconsin Soybean Yield Contest Award Ceremony

See which soy growers across Wisconsin yielded “Big Bean Energy” on their operations as part of the revamped 2024 Wisconsin Soybean Yield Contest.

6:00 p.m. Corn·Soy Expo Trade Show Closes

 Brought to you by Wyffels Hybrids