By Scout Nelson
The University of Minnesota Extension invites growers and agricultural professionals to attend the first annual Grain Gathering on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The event takes place at Aune Hall on the Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester and focuses on food grade oat production in southeast Minnesota.
As demand for food grade oats continues to grow, the event highlights how small grains can improve both profitability and resilience in Upper Midwest farming systems. The program shares practical information that supports better decision making in crop planning and management.
Sessions cover a wide range of topics related to oat production. These include oat variety trials and breeding efforts agronomic recommendations for crop development fungicide application and the economics of three crop rotations.
Soil health benefits and market opportunities are also key discussion areas. Together, these sessions provide a complete view of how oats can fit into modern farming systems.
A panel discussion shares real world insights on integrating oats into crop rotations. Topics include a variety of selections to cover crop management and harvest practices. This discussion helps connect research findings with practical field experience and highlights lessons learned from successful systems.
Attendees also have opportunities to connect with university researchers Extension specialists and other growers. These interactions support knowledge sharing and encourage collaboration across the agricultural community. The event aims to build an understanding of how high-quality oats can support farm resilience and long-term sustainability.
Grain Gathering is designed to support learning at all levels and encourage participation from anyone interested in small grains and food grade oat markets. The event is made possible through generous sponsorship from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Additional educational resources are available through the University of Minnesota Extension. Participants are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to nutrient management podcasts, email newsletters, and online channels. These resources provide ongoing updates on crop management for soil health and agricultural research.
Questions or comments about the event or nutrient management resources can be shared by contacting the Extension team through email. This event offers a valuable opportunity to explore how oats are becoming an important part of profitable and resilient farming systems in southeast Minnesota.
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Photo Credit: istock-rustic
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Crops, Education