Brighton, Illinois
UnCommon Farms will convene its annual Winter Conference February 17–20, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, marking the organization’s 20th anniversary and bringing together leading farm families, industry leaders, and agricultural innovators from across North America.
The 2026 conference theme — Celebrate. Innovate. Connect. — reflects both the milestone and the moment. As agriculture navigates ongoing volatility driven by markets, weather, technology, and policy, the conference provides a forum for farmers to learn from one another and from industry experts, share real-world insight, and prepare their operations for the decades ahead.
“The pace of change in agriculture continues to accelerate, and every generation of farmers faces new challenges,” said Matt Ronken, CEO of UnCommon Farms. “Innovation isn’t optional — it’s required. This conference brings together the insight and experience our members need to navigate uncertainty and build long-term success.”
Why St. Louis
St. Louis sits at the center of American agriculture — making it a natural choice to host the Winter Conference. Nearly half of all U.S. farms are located within a 500-mile radius of the city, along with more than 75% of U.S. corn and soybean production. The Mississippi River — America’s agricultural superhighway — has connected Midwest farmers to global markets for generations, while St. Louis has emerged as a leading hub for AgTech, plant science, and agricultural enterprise. The region stands at the crossroads of production agriculture, innovation, and global grain movement.
A National Gathering of Agricultural Leadership
The Winter Conference will feature keynote speakers and sessions led by nationally recognized voices across agriculture, economics, leadership, and innovation, including:
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Trey Malone, agricultural economist
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Tami Craig Schilling, innovation strategist
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Al Tank, Washington policy analyst
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Aaron Davis, leadership and performance coach
Across four days, attendees will engage in thought-provoking general sessions led by agricultural experts, along with workshops and peer discussions focused on farm succession, financial strategy, risk management, technology adoption, leadership development, and operational efficiency.
A Community Built for Uncertain Times
Founded in 2006 and rooted in a history that dates back to 1967, UnCommon Farms serves more than 100 member farm families and 450 clients across 22 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, representing more than 1.6 million acres of farmland.
As volatility continues to shape agriculture, the Winter Conference provides a rare opportunity for meaningful collaboration. The event brings together some of the nation’s most forward-thinking producers alongside industry thought leaders, trusted advisors, and strategic partners — all in one place. Media attending the conference will have access to perspectives from large-scale producers, industry experts, and UnCommon Farms leadership.
“When times are tough, farmers don’t need more noise — they need trusted relationships,” said Michelle Goeke, COO of UnCommon Farms. “Our Winter Conference brings together our community of producers who learn from each other and make better decisions because they’re not doing it alone.”
About UnCommon Farms
UnCommon Farms is dedicated to making a real difference for every farm it touches. Built on values of integrity, collaboration, and long-term stewardship, the organization provides integrated business, financial, insurance, and technology solutions designed to help farm families build resilient, profitable operations — and enduring legacies — across generations.
Contact Information
UnCommon Farms
Matt Huelskamp
Phone: 618-372-7400 | 314-313-6049
Email: mhuelskamp@uncommonfarms.com
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