PROGRAM & TABLE SPONSOR
Event Agenda
4:00 pm – Gates Open
4:30 pm – Welcome
4:40 pm – GreenSeam Update
4:50 pm – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
5:00 pm – Regional Innovation Spotlight
5:15 pm – Networking & Live Music
6:35 pm – MoonDogs Game
Event Speakers
Patrice Bailey
Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Patrice Bailey was appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner in June 2019. Bailey oversees Outreach, Agricultural Marketing and Development, Dairy and Meat Inspection, and Food and Feed Safety for the MDA. Bailey, a native of Harlem, New York, holds a B.S. in Agriculture Education from Prairie View A&M University (Texas) and has a master’s degree in agriculture from Iowa State University. He has served the Twin Cities in several positions, with his first position at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS). Bailey was instrumental in creating the Emerging Farmers Working Group (EFWG) and the Emerging Farmer Office (EFO) which is the first office in the nation that has an office dedicated to helping Emerging Farmers.
Dr. Adam Birr
Executive Director, Minnesota Corn
Dr. Birr is the Executive Director for Minnesota Corn which is comprised of both the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council. He has led the organization for more than a decade in its mission to identifying and promoting opportunities for corn growers while enhancing quality of life.
Lincoln Langhorst
General Manager, Wakefield Pork
Growing up in Agriculture and learning all the tasks that go along with raising pigs, Lincoln learned at a very young age what it takes to be involved in the industry. The insight gained as an adolescence allowed Lincoln to learn the operational aspects of farming but also changing technology and practices of modern agriculture. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree Lincoln worked off the farm in the logistics industry in Minneapolis for some time while earning his MBA. In 2008 Lincoln returned to the family business and now handles the sales, marketing and risk management roles of the organization as well as any operational responsibilities while serving as the General Manager. Lincoln and his wife Jackie reside near the “home farm” in North Mankato, MN along with their 2 sons Graham and Mason.
Troy Schmidtke
Chairman/Founder, EarthScout & Design Ready Controls
Troy Schmidtke is the founder of EarthScout, an ag-tech company based in Minnesota delivering real-time in-field data to help farmers grow more with less. He also serves as Chairman and Owner of Design Ready Controls, a leading manufacturer of industrial control panels. With a background in innovation and manufacturing, Troy is passionate about advancing precision agriculture through sensor technology and data-driven solutions.


















