Interested in growing food-grade oats in southeast Minnesota? Attend the ‘Grain Gathering’ Feb. 18 in Rochester

Join University of Minnesota Extension for the first annual Grain Gathering on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Aune Hall on the Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester.

As demand for food-grade oats grows, this event focuses on how small grains can strengthen both profitability and resilience in Upper Midwest farming systems. Sessions will cover oat variety trials & breeding, agronomic recommendations, development & fungicide application, economics of a three-crop rotation, soil health benefits, market opportunities, and more!

Registration link: z.umn.edu/GrainGatheringRegister

Event webpage: z.umn.edu/GrainGathering

A farmer panel will highlight real-world experiences with integrating oats—from choosing varieties to managing cover crops and harvesting. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with researchers, Extension specialists, and fellow growers. Come and find out how high-quality oats are fitting profitability into crop rotations in southeast Minnesota farms. This event was made possible by a generous sponsorship from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

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