Mid-State Announces 49th Annual Farm Tour

Mid-State Technical College will host its 49th Annual Farm Tour on March 10. The long-running event brings together farmers, agribusiness professionals, students, and community members for a hands-on day focused on applied research, practical decision-making, and real-world agricultural practices.

The tour is open to current and former students, farm families, agribusiness partners, educators, and anyone interested in agriculture.

“It’s a practical, boots-on-the-ground event where producers, students, and industry partners can see ideas in action and have real conversations about what works,” says Dr. Alex Lendved, dean of the Marshfield Campus and School of Applied Technology.

Participants will travel by bus to multiple tour stops, engaging directly with producers and subject-matter experts. Each stop highlights practices that can be applied on working farms. Time is built in for questions, discussion, and peer learning.

The tour will include a field presentation at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, a nationally recognized center for applied agricultural research.

Presenters

• Adam Abel – State Grazing Lands Specialist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
  Abel will share insights on grazing systems and forage management, with a focus on grazing cropland, cover crops, and regenerative agriculture practices that support pasture productivity while promoting long-term land and resource stewardship.
• Jamie Patton – State Agronomist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
  Patton will highlight simple, in-field assessments producers can use to monitor changes in soil health within grazing systems, emphasizing practical evaluation tools that fit into day-to-day farm management.

The tour will also visit Elusive Hill Dairy in Loyal, offering a look at modern dairy technology and facility design. The operation recently completed a BouMatic 72-cow rotary milking parlor designed to improve efficiency, cow flow, and daily labor management.

The expanded facility includes a new freestall barn and a 515-cow holding area. Breezeways connect key operational areas to support the smooth movement of cows and employees. Dedicated tanker bays, office and employee spaces, and well-designed pump rooms support reliable daily operations.

The Farm Tour continues to be offered at a registration cost of just $10. Seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit mstc.edu/farmtour.