Be sure to attend one of these events to stay up to date on information, trends and technology.
January 22, 2026 – Central Minnesota Irrigators Annual Meeting
Thursday, January 22, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Prairie Event Center
201 West Main Street, Parkers Prairie, MN 56361
Join irrigators, industry partners, and agency representatives from across Central Minnesota for the 2026 Central Minnesota Irrigators (CMI) Annual Meeting. This annual gathering brings producers together to hear key updates, discuss regional issues, and connect with partners who support irrigated agriculture.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided, followed by the business meeting and door prize drawing.
Featured Presentations & Updates
• Water Quality Update
Kristi Anderson, Northwest Aquatic Testing Services (NWATS)
Kristi will share the latest water-quality monitoring results from the Shell River and Straight River—highlighting trends, emerging concerns, and what these findings mean for irrigators heading into the 2026 growing season.
• Research at the CLC Ag & Energy Center
Cory Detloff, Central Lakes College
Cory will provide an update on current irrigation and crop research taking place at the CLC Ag & Energy Center, including new practices, applied trials, and local data that support on-farm decision-making.
• Statewide Irrigation Update
Jake Wildman, President, Irrigators Association of Minnesota
Jake will share a statewide perspective on policy discussions, regulatory topics, and issues influencing irrigators across Minnesota as we move into the new year.
By-Law Changes
Proposed updates to the Central Minnesota Irrigators by-laws will be presented during the meeting. Members in attendance will have the opportunity to review and vote on the changes.
Why Attend?
- Hear timely updates that directly impact irrigated agriculture
- Learn from local water-quality and research findings
- Stay informed on statewide irrigation issues
- Connect with fellow irrigators, partners, and agency staff
- Enjoy a provided lunch and valuable networking
Additional event information—including any added agenda items—will be shared as the date approaches.
🤝 Vendor & Partner Opportunities
Why Participate
✔ Engage face-to-face with regional irrigators
✔ Share equipment, technology, and services with decision-makers
✔ Build relationships in a targeted, in-person setting
✔ Vendor area open during registration, breaks, and lunch
Connect directly with Central Minnesota irrigators by participating as a vendor at the CMI Annual Meeting. This event brings together producers, industry professionals, and partners ahead of the growing season—creating a focused opportunity to showcase products, services, and solutions relevant to irrigated agriculture.
Vendor setup begins at 7:30 a.m.
Vendor area opens at 8:30 a.m. and runs through lunch
👉 Vendor Registration Form
February 19, 2026 – IAM Annual Convention & Expo
The Irrigators Association of Minnesota (IAM) will host its 51st Annual Convention & Expo on Thursday, February 19, 2026, bringing together irrigators, industry partners, educators, and agency representatives from across the state.
The event will take place at the Park Event Center in Waite Park, Minnesota. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with the annual meeting and program beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 2:00 p.m.
Attendees can expect timely updates on irrigation-related topics, including state and agency initiatives, current research, and project updates impacting irrigators statewide. The program will feature a keynote speaker, presentations from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and University of Minnesota Extension, and opportunities to engage directly with speakers and peers.
The Convention & Expo also includes vendor exhibits, providing attendees the chance to connect with industry partners, explore new products and services, and discuss practical solutions for irrigation operations. Lunch will be provided.
Pre-registration is encouraged and available online by clicking the link below, with a discounted rate offered prior to the event. This annual gathering serves as a key opportunity for Central Minnesota irrigators to stay informed, share perspectives, and connect with the broader irrigation community.
August 28, 2026 – Central Lakes College Field Day
Date: Friday, August 28
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center, Staples, MN
This annual event features hands-on demonstrations, equipment ride-and-drive opportunities, precision agriculture technology, drone applications, soil health and irrigation innovations, edible bean research, and more. The lunch program will include remarks from Minnesota Farm Service Agency Executive Director Kurt Blomgren, an update from the CLC Ag & Energy Center, and additional presentations. Vendors, educational exhibits, and networking opportunities will be available throughout the day.
Contact:
Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center – 218-894-5141 | clcagandenergy.org
Central Minnesota Irrigators 