Event Keynote Announcement
Minnesota Ag Commissioner Petersen to Keynote ARC 2026 Annual Meeting
Uniting Agricultural Communicators for Professional Excellence and Industry Insights
Who is the keynote speaker for the Minnesota Ag Commissioner Petersen announcement?
The Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) has confirmed that Commissioner Thom Petersen of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 ARC Annual Meeting. Appointed in 2019, Petersen brings a dual perspective as both a working farmer and a veteran legislator, providing attendees with unique insights into state-level advocacy and the current trends shaping the diverse Minnesota agricultural landscape.
What are the key dates and locations for the Agricultural Relations Council event?
The 2026 ARC Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 16–17 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The event will be hosted at the TractorWorks building, the historic former home of the Deere & Webber tractor factory. June 16 will feature a full day of educational sessions and the keynote address, while June 17 is dedicated to the popular “ag tour day,” offering professionals hands-on experience with local agricultural operations.
What professional development topics will be covered at the ARC Annual Meeting?
In addition to the Minnesota Ag Commissioner Petersen keynote, the meeting will focus on actionable communications strategies. Experts will discuss how consumer expectations are currently shaping agricultural storytelling and the critical skills needed to build public trust. The event serves as a specialized conduit for agricultural public relations and communications professionals to collaborate on problem-solving and industry-specific networking.
Read Whole News Here
The Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) announced Commissioner Thom Petersen with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 ARC Annual Meeting on June 16 in Minneapolis.
The keynote will kick off a full day of educational sessions with Commissioner Petersen welcoming attendees to Minnesota and sharing insights on the state’s agricultural landscape. As a farmer and legislator, Petersen will provide a unique perspective on how he advocates for the state’s diverse agricultural community and will offer updates on trends and top-of-mind issues facing the Minnesota agriculture industry.
“The Ag Relations Council is honored to have Commissioner Petersen join us as our keynote speaker,” said Lori Hallowell, Agricultural Relations Council president. “We strive to offer top-notch professional development opportunities, bring forward ideas and topics that are not only relevant, but also actionable in day-to-day communications work, as well as foster discussion and collaboration among our members.”
Registration is still open for this event! In addition to hearing from Commissioner Petersen, attendees will gain insights from a variety of experts on topics such as how consumer expectations shape ag storytelling and the skills needed to build trust and succeed in today’s ag environment. Plus, there will be numerous networking opportunities and an ag tour day on June 17.
About the Agricultural Relations Council (ARC):
The Agricultural Relations Council is the only association dedicated to serving the unique needs of public relations professionals working in agriculture, food, fiber and other related industries. ARC is a conduit for problem solving, idea sharing and collaboration among members, who share a passion for excellence in public relations.
Registration & Contact Info
For more information and to register for the event, agricultural public relations and communications professionals can visit the official ARC registration page.
State Department Link:
Learn more about the Department’s initiatives at mda.state.mn.us.
Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) Annual Meeting
Minneapolis, MN | June 16-17, 2026 | agrelationscouncil.org
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