By Kenzie Moline, Marketing Intern
President John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” That quote perfectly captured the spirit of the 2025 Young Leaders in Agriculture Conference (YLAC), held June 16–18 in Mankato, MN. More than 85 college-aged students came together for three packed days of growth, inspiration, and connection, all in the name of shaping the future of agriculture. Thanks to generous support from Minnesota Pork Board and Compeer Financial, this year’s YLAC offered participants a space to dream big, build community, and dive deeper into the opportunities awaiting them in agriculture Read an overview of the conference below.
No Bad Days
The conference kicked off on Monday morning with a powerful reminder that attitude matters. Hunter Pinke took the stage and shared his incredible story of resilience, encouraging everyone to focus on what they can control, their mindset. His message that “there are no bad days” set the tone for a conference all about positivity, perseverance, and purpose.
Dare to Dream Big
Later in the day, Mitch Matthews, entrepreneur and host of the ‘DREAM THINK DO’ podcast, led participants through his signature BIG Dream Gathering. He challenged everyone to give themselves permission to dream out loud and share their biggest hopes with one another. Mitch brought practical strategies for building connections and taking real steps toward those dreams. He returned later to dive deeper into how relationships and creativity can help turn big ideas into bold action.
The Power of Real Relationships
Micah “Spike” Craven brought the energy with his session, “Beyond the Handshake.” He broke down how authentic communication can fuel success and gave attendees actionable tools to connect with confidence, whether it was learning to deliver one clear message or being intentional in every interaction.
Making Curiosity Count
To wrap up day one, participants joined the Curiosity Lab, a unique networking event that removed the small talk and encouraged meaningful conversations between young leaders and seasoned professionals. It was all about asking better questions, listening with intention, and building real connections. This session closed the first day of the conference.
Industry Wisdom & Career Tips
Tuesday morning opened with the HR Insights Panel, where human resource professionals from Christensen Farms, PIC, Compeer, and Pipestone shared honest insights on what today’s employers are looking for. From tips on landing internships to the importance of aligning with company values, students walked away with plenty of takeaways for their next steps.
A Bold Look at Animal Agriculture
Janette Barnard, founder of the Prime Future newsletter and a member of Merck Animal Health’s Ventures team, delivered an eye-opening session on the future of animal agriculture. Her message was clear: the industry is changing fast, and young leaders have a vital role to play in driving innovation, sustainability, and opportunity.
Learning from the Experts
Participants then got to hear directly from top voices in the field through two impactful panels. The Industry Leader Panel shared perspectives on the current state of agriculture and future trends, while the Legislative Panel, featuring Senator Aric Putnam, Representative Luke Frederick, and John Altendorf from Congressman Finstad’s office, offered insight into how policy and public service intersect with agriculture’s future.
Better Questions, Better Results
Mitch Matthews returned to help participants reflect on the questions they ask themselves. His message? The questions you ask determine the direction of your growth. Whether it’s “What am I learning?” or “Who can I serve?”, staying curious is a superpower.
Speaking Up for Ag
In the Public Policy 101 session, students learned how to advocate effectively for agriculture. Through hands-on exercises and group discussions, they picked up tools for engaging in public policy and becoming confident, informed voices for agriculture.
Serving Others & Having Fun
Tuesday evening was all about giving back and winding down. Participants packed over 1,600 snack bags for Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest, instilling a core value to those in agriculture, supporting those in need and giving generously. After the service project, participants headed to the Wow Zone for some fun, including bowling, mini golf, and laser tag.
Discovering Personal Strengths
The third and final day of YLAC brough three quality sessions to close out the conference. The day began with an engaging workshop on the Working Genius framework, a powerful tool that helps individuals identify how they naturally contribute to work and why some tasks feel energizing while others feel draining. The session was led by Dr.Emily Lehning, the founder of Roots and Legacies Consulting, who helps individuals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. Thorugh hands-on activities, including a fun team challenge where each table created and pitched their own food truck business, Emily guided participants in discovering their unique strengths. Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating on a project, or exploring your career path, the session offered valuable insights into how to work more effectively and productively with others.
Campaign Deep Dive: Taste What Pork Can Do
Neal Hull, Director of Domestic Market Development at the National Pork Board, walked attendees through the newly launched Taste What Pork Can Do campaign. With a focus on innovation and strategy to grow pork demand across the U.S., Neal shared how the campaign leveragesconsumer insights, retail collaboration, and real-world messaging to connect producers to the plates of everyday Americans. His presentation shared how the campaign came to be and the impact it aims to make in today’s marketplace.
Closing with Grit: Meat, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
To close YLAC on a high note, Lindsey Loken of Blondie’s Butcher Shop took the stage. Lindsey’s agricultural roots run deep, and so does her passion for connecting people to their food. After working in emergency medicine and wrangling cattle on one of Montana’s largest ranches, she found her true calling in the meat world, blending old-school butchery with modern meat science. Today, she owns and operates Blondies Butcher Shop in Wanamingo, MN, proudly known as the only pink meat locker this side of the Mississippi. She shared with attendees what is possible in their career, whether she’s on TV, behind the butcher block, or teaching others the art of butchery, Lindsey is on a mission to make meat approachable, educational, and downright fun. Her story is a real, raw look at entrepreneurship, agriculture, and the bold future of pork.
Closing & Thank You
YLAC 2025 wrapped up with meaningful takeaways and a renewed sense of purpose for what’s ahead. This incredible experience wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. The Minnesota Pork Board extends sincere thanks to the organizations who helped make this event possible by investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
