SMSU to Showcase Agriculture Research, Programs at Field Day and Ag Bowl

MARSHALL, Minn. — Southwest Minnesota State University is highlighting its agriculture programs and connections with the community through two events this week, including the eighth annual Agronomy Field Day on Friday and the 20th annual Ag Bowl on Saturday. The Agronomy Field Day is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the SMSU Agronomy Field Trials Farm at 2927 265th Avenue in Marshall. The event will begin with lunch and presentations at noon, followed by tours of the field plots. The program will feature SMSU faculty and staff, along with representatives from the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Next Gen Ag, Ralco and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. Sarah Jacobs, SMSU's Agriculture and Business Outreach Coordinator, says the event gives the public an opportunity to see the university's agriculture work firsthand. 'It's an opportunity for people to come on campus to our field trial site and get to not only learn what we're doing on campus, but we bring in some industry representatives as well,' Jacobs said. Presentations will include updates on SMSU's demonstration plots and field-trial site management, alternative weed control treatments and their impacts on soybean health and yields, hay preservatives, and ways to create additional value across agricultural sectors. Jacobs said the event is designed to connect the university with both the agriculture industry and the broader community. 'It's just a great way to build those connections to the university and the ag industry,' she said. The field day is free and open to the public. SMSU agricultural education student Lauren Hunt says events such as the Agronomy Field Day also provide valuable opportunities for students. 'It connects you to your community and gives you more than one opportunity, whether those are the scholarships, the internships,' Hunt said. 'Getting that face-to-face personal connection helps a lot when you're trying to look for all of those things.' Hunt is studying agricultural education with a minor in agribusiness management. Although she did not grow up with an agricultural background, she became involved in FFA in high school after taking an interest in floral design. She credits her agriculture teacher with encouraging her to try FFA competitions. 'I fell in love with it,' Hunt said. 'I love everything about it.' Hunt went on to serve as the 2025-2026 Minnesota FFA State Sentinel and says that experience expanded her connections throughout the agriculture industry. 'I think it's widened my horizon for connections outside of just agricultural education,' Hunt said. She says her experiences in FFA also helped her develop communication skills and gave her opportunities to meet people involved in agriculture, government and other areas. Jacobs, who began her position at SMSU July 1, grew up on a farm near Rushmore and has worked in agriculture education, FFA and 4-H. She says one of the strengths of SMSU's agriculture programs is the close relationship between students and faculty. 'We have such a great faculty and staff-to-student ratio at SMSU that these students get to know their professors and staff one-on-one very early, very quickly,' Jacobs said. She said those relationships can help students find scholarships, internships and jobs that match their interests. 'The relationship grows so much earlier and you can pass those opportunities along to students so much quicker because they have that relationship already built,' Jacobs said. Jacobs also said agriculture students have a wide variety of career opportunities available to them. 'Students are really excited about agriculture,' she said. 'They learn that agriculture is more than just farming. There's floriculture, there's forestry, there's welding. There's so many different things and there's so many different career options.' Hunt said SMSU's hands-on approach is especially important for students preparing for careers in agriculture. 'Not everything can just be out of a book or on a screen,' Hunt said. 'You have to have those people who are out there doing it for us, for us to live, for us to be here.' Following the Agronomy Field Day, SMSU will host its 20th annual Ag Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 12. Ag Bowl activities will run from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by the SMSU football game against Northern State at 5 p.m. The event will feature agriculture-related activities, a farm safety trailer from the Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, SMSU information tables and family activities. Hunt says Ag Bowl provides a different experience than a typical football game. 'There isn't another football game besides maybe homecoming that is like Ag Bowl,' Hunt said. 'The stands are full. Everybody's excited to be there.' She said the event gives families a chance to experience agriculture through activities such as a petting zoo and mechanical bull, while also meeting community members and seeing agricultural equipment. 'They're not just there to watch the football game. They're there to get the experience,' Hunt said. Jacobs says Ag Bowl is also an opportunity to bring together farmers, businesses, alumni, students and other members of the community. 'If someone's interested in getting connected with people in the agricultural industry and doesn't necessarily know how, this is a great opportunity,' Jacobs said. The Agronomy Field Day is free and open to the public. Lunch begins at noon, with plot tours continuing until 1:30 p.m. Registration for lunch was requested by Tuesday, Sept. 8 through SMSU's website. The Agronomy Field Day is sponsored by Ralco, Deutz Heritage Farm, Millborn Seeds, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, BASF and the SMSU Foundation.