LEAP Conference
January 30-31, 2026
Sanford Center, Bemidji
The annual Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Promotion (LEAP) Conference is designed to provide personal and professional development opportunities for all Farm Bureau members.
During the two-day conference, attendees have the opportunity to take deep dives into agriculture issues during breakout sessions hosted by topic experts, develop their advocacy toolkit, participate in leadership and professional development experiences and expand their agriculture network by connecting with other members and leaders from across the state. There are also pre-conference tours, connecting attendees to agriculture and businesses located in the host city, and a service project in which members can give back to a unique community-based organization.
Early Bird Registration (Before Dec. 19, 2025)
Full Conference: $200/person
One Day: $150/person
Youth (ages 2-12): Free
Pre-Conference Tours: $40
Standard Registration (After Dec. 19, 2025)
Full Conference: $225/person
One Day: $175/person
Youth (ages 2-12): Free
Pre-Conference Tours (based on availability): $40
Schedule
Friday, January 30
11 a.m. - Registration Opens
Noon - 5 p.m. - Pre-Conference Tours
- Bemidji Woolen Mill
- Lakeland PBS
- Peterson Sheet Metal
5:15 p.m. - Welcome Reception
6 p.m. - Keynote Speaker: The Iowa Dairy Farmer Dan Venteicher
7 p.m. - Welcome Banquet and Dinner
8:30 p.m. - District Networking and Game Night
Saturday, January 31
7 a.m. - Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. - Breakfast and Programming
8 a.m. - Exhibitor Showcase and Farm Bureau Market Open
8:30 a.m. - Workshops: Round 1
9:30 a.m. - Collegiate Discussion Meet: Round 1 and Youth Session: Round 1
10:30 a.m. - Workshops: Round 2
11:30 a.m. - Collegiate Discussion Meet: Round 2 and Youth Session: Round 2
12:30 p.m. - Lunch
1:45 p.m. - Workshops: Round 3
3 p.m. - Resource Course
3:45 p.m. - Collegiate Discussion Meet: Final Round and Youth Session: Round 3
4:30 p.m. - YF&R Discussion Meet: Round 1 and Public Policy Update
5:45 p.m. - YF&R Discussion Meet: Round 2
6:45 p.m. - Leadership Dinner
8 p.m. - Closing Event and Evening Entertainment
Workshops, Speakers and Tours
Friday Keynote Speaker
Dan Venteicher, the "Iowadairyfarmer" is a social media sensation. He advocates for the dairy industry with truth and tact capturing the hearts of millions with his educational and humorous Facebook, Tiktok and Instagram posts. He excels at dispelling misinformation about dairy production and enjoys sharing about his day-to-day life as a young farmer. With 2.5 million followers across all platforms and 10-20 million reached monthly, he is one of the largest agricultural influencers in the world.
Pre-Conference Tours
Bemidji Woolen Mill
Bemidji Woolen Mills has manufactured woolen apparel for over 100 years. They offer products made by many world-class companies.
Lakeland PBS
The Lakeland PBS signal immediately reaches approximately 383,500 people over an estimated 7,500 square miles in northern and central Minnesota. Their Bemidji headquarters is a state-of-the-art facility located and is home to the KAWE digital television broadcast station.
Peterson Sheet Metal
Peterson Sheet Metal is a full-service mechanical contractor, providing expertise in commercial fabrication, designing, installation and maintenance of HVAC, ventilation and plumbing systems.
Service Project
More information coming soon!
Workshops - Round 1
More information coming soon!
Workshops - Round 2
More information coming soon!
Workshops - Round 3
More information coming soon!
Hotel Information
Country Inn and Suites
927 Lake Shore Dr NE
Bemidji, MN 56601
Room rate is $129/night. Members are responsible for their own hotel reservations.
The deadline for room block reservations is December 19, 2025.
Contact the hotel at 218-558-5174 and use group code: MN FARM BUREAU 2026, or use the online booking link.