The 2026 Upper Midwest Farmland Summit will bring together practitioners, service providers, conservation organizations, lenders, policymakers, researchers, and farmers to address the evolving landscape of Farmland Access & Transfer in the Upper Midwest.
We will share strategies, build partnerships, learn from each other's experiences, and advance solutions that help farmers access land, transition farms to the next generation, and strengthen local food systems.
This page will be updated as more information is available. Stay tuned or join our email list for updates!
The Summit is hosted by the Farmland Access Hub, a consortium of entities working together to improve farmland access for emerging farmers.
Upper Midwest Farmland Summit
2026 Program
Wednesday, November 18th - Day 1
Goals:
-
Set the stage
-
Provide high-level overview of farmland access, transfer, & conservation issues around the Upper Midwest
Thursday, November 19th - Day 2
Goals:
-
Get into the weeds
-
Discussion-based breakout sessions covering the topical tracks
The program is still in development. Check back here or sign up for updates!
Farmland Summit 2026 Tracks:
-
Farm Succession & Transfer Planning
-
Policy & Cultural Dimensions of Farmland Access & Transfer
-
Innovative Models of Farmland Access & Financing
-
Collaborative Farming & Ownership Models
-
Working with Land Seekers
2026 Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Engagement Opportunities
Provide Input about or Volunteer at the Summit
You are welcome to share your input in advance of the Summit.
Please submit your thoughts and/or indicate your interest in volunteering at the event through the following form. Thank you!
Apply to Give a Lightning Round Talk
There will be lightning round talks the first afternoon of the Summit. Each speaker will have a maximum of 10 minutes to present on a farmland access topic. If you have a subject in mind, please apply! The submission deadline is Oct. 20th.
Venue & Lodging
University of Wisconsin–Madison
702 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706
The Summit will be held at the
Pyle Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
525 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53703
The Farmland Summit has a room block reserved for November 17, 2026 through November 20, 2026.
To reserve a room at the block rate, book here.
Become a Sponsor
Our sponsors make the Farmland Summit possible! We are grateful for all contributions. To learn more about our sponsorship levels and to become a sponsor, click the button below or email Jan Joannides (jan@rtcinfo.org)
Upper Midwest Farmland Summit
2023 Recap
At the last Upper Midwest Farmland Summit, participants gathered to learn, share, and connect around an array of issues such as financing, tenure, conservation, and transfer. Look at our report below to see its impact!
Day 1 Overview
Plenary speakers and panels will frame critical challenges, opportunities, and success stories around farmland access and transfer in the upper Midwest and nationally. The day will focus on building common understanding, identifying opportunities for regional and cross-state collaboration, and drawing attention to gaps and opportunities at state and local levels. In part, this day aims to engage state and local decision makers with the goal of building policy support for farmland access and transfer issues.
Day 2 Overview
The day will provide opportunities to connect with fellow participants and dig into specific topics, questions, and best practices related to an array of topics including but not limited to:
-
Challenges and opportunities for emerging farmers
-
Farmland succession and transfer
-
Equity and justice in farmland access
-
Public policy and planning strategies for farmland access and transfer
-
Collective models for farmland ownership and tenure
-
Innovative financing models; farmland financing and access to capital
-
Farmland conservation and protection
-
Financial readiness for farmland access or transfer
-
Opportunities for regional and multi-state collaboration
Inclusion & Accessibility
We are striving to reduce barriers to participation in the Summit. With registration closing in a few days, we have now closed the financial support form, but please email catie@rtcinfo.org with any last-minute requests or questions.
2023 Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
.png)
.png){kind=logo}
Contact Summit Organizers
If you have additional questions, need help registering, have special requests related to the Summit, or would like to contribute to planning efforts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to bonnie@rtcinfo.org
The Summit is hosted by the Farmland Access Hub, a consortium of entities working together to improve farmland access for emerging farmers, and organized by Renewing the Countryside