Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
MN Ag Expo is Minnesota's marquee winter agriculture gathering, taking place on January 19-20, 2027 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. The event offers a full trade show floor, dynamic speakers, and networking opportunities for farmers and agribusiness professionals.
Attendees can expect to engage with industry leaders and learn about the latest trends and technologies in agriculture. MN Ag Expo takes place in Mankato, USA.
Venue: Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: MN Ag Expo takes place on January 19-20, 2027 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, USA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event features over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in agriculture technology and practices.
- 3Organiser: The event is organized by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, with registration available on their website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include farmers, agribusiness professionals, and industry leaders looking to network and learn.
- 5Entry: Registration is available on-site and online, with various ticket options including an After Hours Social event.
Why visit
Attending MN Ag Expo provides valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. Visitors can participate in educational sessions and explore a wide range of exhibitors showcasing innovative agricultural products and services. The event also features keynote speakers who will share insights on the future of agriculture.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at MN Ag Expo allows businesses to connect directly with farmers and agribusiness professionals. Exhibitors gain visibility in the agriculture sector and can showcase their products and services to a targeted audience. The event also offers opportunities for networking and building relationships within the industry.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Farmers looking for the latest agricultural technologies
Agribusiness professionals seeking networking opportunities
Industry leaders interested in market trends
Researchers presenting agricultural innovations
Students and young professionals in agriculture
Policy makers and legislative leaders in agriculture
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Agricultural equipment manufacturers
Seed and crop protection companies
Fertilizer and soil health providers
Agricultural technology firms
Financial services for farmers
Consultants and advisors in agriculture
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Farm machinery and equipment
Seeds and crop protection products
Fertilizers and soil amendments
Agricultural technology solutions
Livestock feed and health products
Sustainable farming practices and products
Location & Facilities
Venue
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001
Facilities
Parking
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Tickets for the After Hours Social event are available for $25.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Mankato, USA
Why it matters
Attending MN Ag Expo on 2027-01-19 to 2027-01-20 in Mankato lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown
3-star
Downtown Mankato, 90 m from Mayo Clinic Health System Event CenterEco-certified; breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center.
Quality Inn & Suites Mankato East
3-star
East Mankato, 4.3 km from Mayo Clinic Health System Event CenterFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, pet-friendly, accessible.
Arch + Cable
2-star
Central Mankato, 420 m from Mayo Clinic Health System Event CenterFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly, accessible, smoke-free property.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rental car / personal vehicle
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
The most flexible option if you are staying outside downtown Mankato or visiting exhibitor sites after the show.
Ride-hailing
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-15 per short trip - confirm in-app pricing
Availability can thin late at night in winter; schedule a pickup ahead of closing time on show days.
Local city bus
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Cheapest daytime option, but service hours and frequencies are limited compared with larger metros.
Airport shuttle / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-90 one way between MSP and Mankato - confirm with the operator
Book ahead for January travel; winter weather can affect pickup times.
Parking at the venue
Estimated costApprox. USD 5-15 per event day - confirm current rates on site
Arrive early on the opening morning; event-day demand and snow removal can reduce available spaces.
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forMinneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forRochester International Airport (RST) to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forMankato Regional Airport (MKT) to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Weather
January in Mankato is deep winter. Typical daytime highs sit near -6 to -1 C (21-30 F) with overnight lows near -16 to -9 C (3-16 F), and wind chill regularly makes it feel much colder. Snow, ice, and occasional winter storm systems are normal for the season. These are climatological bands, not a forecast. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Mankato in the week before travel, allow extra time for winter driving, and bring insulated boots, a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Upper Midwest agriculture business dress leans practical. Business casual is standard on the show floor and many exhibitors wear branded workwear; a jacket and tie is reserved for meetings with lenders, cooperatives, or corporate agronomy teams. Bring warm layers, since hall temperatures vary and you will walk between buildings.
Greetings and small talk
Handshakes and first-name introductions are the norm. Conversations often open with local context such as the growing season, harvest progress, or the winter weather rather than a formal pitch, so a short personal exchange before business talk fits the room.
Tipping and payment
Restaurant tipping in Minnesota runs 15-20 percent of the check, and tipping is also common for taxi and shuttle drivers. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Mankato, but carry a small amount of cash for tips and rural stops.
Getting around and winter etiquette
Mankato is a driving city, and locals treat snow and cold as routine. If you are driving, carry an ice scraper, brush, and warm gloves in the vehicle, leave extra time in the morning, and check state road conditions before a longer drive. Downtown Mankato is walkable, but the blocks between parking and the event center are exposed to wind.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights pull for the January 2027 window returned only domestic-US sample itineraries (Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami origins with connections); no verified Tokyo, London, Sydney or New York to Mankato fares were captured for this event. Book directly with airlines serving the nearest gateway and confirm ground transfer to Mankato locally.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Mankato; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center: Downtown Mankato, 90 m from Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center: Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown; East Mankato, 4.3 km from Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center: Quality Inn & Suites Mankato East; Central Mankato, 420 m from Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center: Arch + Cable.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Mankato; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Typical late-January bands for Mankato: daytime highs approx. -6 to -1 C (21-30 F) and overnight lows approx. -16 to -9 C (3-16 F). Wind chill can push the felt temperature well below the air temperature. These are climatological ranges, not a forecast - confirm the current National Weather Service outlook before you travel.
Seasonality: January is mid-winter in southern Minnesota: precipitation falls mainly as snow, and ice is common on sidewalks and parking lots. Historical January snowfall in the Mankato area averages roughly 20-30 cm (8-12 in) across the month, with occasional larger storm events. Snow removal and road treatment are routine, but winter weather can delay flights and highway travel - check the forecast and road conditions before departure.
Packing: January 2027
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at MN Ag Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out - Confirm the January 2027 dates, hall hours, and registration path on mnagexpo.com before booking anything else.
T-2
13 days out - Register as an attendee and note whether the expo uses trade credentials or open registration for this edition.
T-3
12 days out - Book air travel into Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and decide between a rental car and a MSP to Mankato shuttle for the drive south.
T-4
11 days out - Reserve a downtown Mankato room; the Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown and Arch + Cable are the closest options to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.
T-5
10 days out - Build a target exhibit list by category: seed and traits, crop protection, nutrient management, precision ag, drainage, and grain storage.
T-6
9 days out - Check venue parking details and downtown ramp options so you are not hunting for a space on the opening morning.
T-7
7 days out - Pack for a Minnesota January: insulated boots, heavy coat, gloves, hat, and an ice scraper if you are driving.
T-8
5 days out - Download the show app or print the floor plan as soon as the organizer publishes it, and mark must-see booths.
T-9
3 days out - Watch the National Weather Service forecast for Mankato and adjust travel timing if a snow event is tracking through the region.
T-10
2 days out - Pack business cards, a notebook, and a charged tablet or phone for lead capture and agronomy notes.
T-11
1 day out - Confirm badge pickup hours and the first-day opening time with the organizer listing.
T-12
Show day - Arrive early for badge pickup, walk the agronomy and precision ag aisles first, and schedule follow-up calls with exhibitors before you leave the floor.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2MN Ag Expo registration concourse
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether MN Ag Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where does the January 2027 edition take place?
The edition covered here runs in January 2027 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minnesota. Exact show days and daily hall hours are set by the organizer and posted on the official site, mnagexpo.com. Confirm the dates there before booking flights, hotels, or freight.
What is exhibited on the show floor?
Expect seed and trait platforms, crop protection and adjuvants, fertilizer and nutrient management programs, precision ag hardware and software, tile drainage, grain drying and storage, farm equipment, ag lending and crop insurance, and conservation program booths. The mix is built for upper Midwest corn and soybean production rather than consumer or general industry sectors.
Who attends the expo?
The core audience is Minnesota and upper Midwest corn and soybean growers, farm operators from multi-generation and larger row-crop operations, crop consultants and independent agronomists, cooperative and retail agronomy staff, ag lenders and crop insurance agents, and university extension and conservation program personnel working on nutrient and soil health programs.
Is the event trade-only or open to the general public?
Registration categories and any credential requirements are set by the organizer for each edition. Check mnagexpo.com for the current attendee policy and registration path before you travel to Mankato.
How do I get to Mankato?
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is the primary commercial gateway for southern Minnesota and the standard arrival point for Mankato-bound travelers, followed by a drive south into the city. Rochester International Airport (RST) and Mankato Regional Airport (MKT) are alternatives with more limited options. Confirm current routes, winter road conditions, and onward transfer arrangements before travel.
Where should out-of-town visitors stay?
Downtown Mankato is the most convenient base for the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Among the closest properties are the Hilton Garden Inn Mankato Downtown, roughly a short walk from the venue, and Arch + Cable in central Mankato. Quality Inn & Suites Mankato East sits a few kilometers east of the event center. January is a busy month in the city, so reserve early.
What is the weather like during the show?
January is deep winter in southern Minnesota. Typical daytime highs sit near -6 to -1 C (21-30 F) with overnight lows near -16 to -9 C (3-16 F), and wind chill can make it feel considerably colder. Snow and ice are common. Layered clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and a warm coat are standard kit for walking between hotels, parking, and the venue.
Is parking available at the event center?
On-site and nearby parking is available around the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, with downtown ramps as a backup on busy show days. Rates and gate access are managed by the venue, so confirm current pricing and any event-day parking plan before arrival.
How does badge pickup and registration work?
Registration details are published on the organizer site, mnagexpo.com. Badge pickup is normally handled at the venue when you arrive, so build extra time into the first morning of the show for check-in and hall entry.
Do international visitors need a visa?
US citizens traveling domestically need a government-issued photo ID for air travel. International visitors should check current US entry rules, including visa or ESTA requirements, well before the show and carry printed confirmation of registration and accommodation.
Glossary
- Agronomy
- The crop-production science covering soil fertility, seed selection, and in-season management. The expo floor clusters agronomy exhibitors around seed, crop protection, and nutrient programs built for Minnesota corn and soybean acres.
- Corn-soybean rotation
- The dominant cropping pattern across southern Minnesota, alternating corn and soybean on the same ground. Seed, fertility, and crop-protection offers on the floor are usually framed around this rotation.
- Cover crop
- Cereal rye, oats, or other species seeded after harvest to hold soil and nutrients through winter. Exhibitors selling drills, seed, and termination programs use the show to talk through species mixes and spring burndown timing.
- Crop protection
- Herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides plus the adjuvants, nozzles, and sprayers that go with them. Chemical and retail-agronomy exhibitors build their booths around resistance management and application windows.
- Variable rate technology (VRT)
- Applying seed, fertilizer, or lime at different rates across a field using prescription maps. Precision ag exhibitors demonstrate controllers, displays, and prescription software for variable-rate corn and soybean programs.
- Precision agriculture
- GPS guidance, auto-steer, section control, and the data platforms that log field operations. In Mankato this category sits alongside equipment dealers and agronomy retailers who sell and service the hardware.
- Yield monitor and field data
- Sensors and software that log yield by position at harvest and feed management decisions the next season. Exhibitors show how field data moves into prescriptions, crop insurance records, and landlord reports.
- Tile drainage
- Subsurface perforated pipe that removes excess water from flat, heavy soils. Drainage contractors, plow operators, and equipment suppliers are a recurring exhibitor group at this Minnesota show.
- Nutrient management plan
- A field-by-field plan for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium rates that tracks state and federal program rules. Agronomy and conservation booths walk growers through plan requirements and recordkeeping.
- Conservation tillage and no-till
- Reduced-disturbance cropping systems that leave residue on the surface to cut erosion and build soil health. Conservation staff and equipment exhibitors cover planter setup and residue management.
- Grain drying and storage
- On-farm bins, dryers, augers, and handling equipment used to hold corn into winter and spring. Storage exhibitors are relevant to growers weighing carry in the market against drying cost.
- Basis
- The gap between a local cash grain bid and the futures price. Ag lenders, grain buyers, and marketing advisers at the expo use the term when discussing pricing and storage decisions with growers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- MN Ag Expo
- MN Ag Expo 2027
- MN Ag Expo Mankato
- MN Ag Expo Mankato 2027
- MN
- MN 2027
- MN Mankato
- MN Mankato 2027
- Mankato USA
- Agriculture Trade Show Trade Show Mankato
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.