MFU Women’s Conference 2026
What: MFU Women’s Conference 2026: Resilience in Community
When: Thursday, Jan. 15 and Friday, Jan. 16
Where: La Ferme Restaurant, 613 Broadway St., Alexandria, and Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, Alexandria
Tentative agenda:
Thursday, Jan. 15
- Evening: COMET training, led by Meg Moynihan and Emily Krekelberg at La Ferme Restaurant, 613 Broadway St., Alexandria, followed by dinner at the restaurant, sponsored by Farmers Union Agency.
Friday, Jan. 16 (All activities at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center)
LeBrun
Morning Speaker Tina LeBrun, Making the Most of Marketing Opportunities, followed by Member Producer Panel on Marketing Strategies & Direct Marketing Experience. LeBrun serves as the Executive Director of the Southern Agriculture Center of Excellence (SACE) for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. In this role she supports career pathway development connecting industry and education to serve students. Additionally, she serves as Co-Director for Minnesota Farm Business Management with the Northern Center of Agricultural Excellence to support 62 faculty and nearly 3,000 students (farmers).
Kristine Shelstad
Midmorning Keynote: Kris Shelstad, Resiliency of Rural Communities. Shelstad is a “rural rebounder” who returned to her hometown to build community, spark innovation and contribute to the rich cultural traditions of southwest Minnesota. As Director of the Madison Art and Innovation Center and Madison Mercantile Coffee House, she provides a welcoming and inclusive space for people to learn, grow and thrive.
Activity: Introduction to Seed Art, led by Colleen Carlson
Harris
Afternoon Speaker: Change Narrative Storytelling Workshop with Jothsna Harris. Harris is the founder of Change Narrative, which exists to build capacity in the climate justice movement through the power of stories. Through a coaching practice, Harris works with individuals and community groups to craft climate narratives to advocate for solutions.
Overnight Accommodations: Contact the Arrowwood Reservations Department at (320) 762-1124 or via email reserve@arrowwoodresort.com.
Registration is now open. Register at this link.
Cost is $30 for members and $50 for non-members.
Generous event sponsors include:
