MFU was a sponsor of SFA‘s 13th annual Midwest Grazing and Soil Health Summit in Willmar on March 3rd and 4th, 2026. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. Temple Grandin, a pioneer in animal welfare and autism advocate. A documentary screening featured a new film from Colorado State University about Grandin’s life, and audience members had the opportunity to ask Grandin questions and buy her book, Visual Thinking. Grandin gave two keynote talks during the summit that were focused on visual thinking and strategies for humane livestock handling. 

Topics for the 2026 summit breakout sessions included pastured pork management, silvopasture, cover crops and profitability, and grazing that promotes wildlife. Attendees had time between sessions to browse exhibitor tables from over 20 sponsors including the North Central Sare, Practical Farmers of Iowa and many more. NRCS showcased their Grazing Equipment and Demonstrations trailer at the summit, which includes essential fencing and watering system components and other grazing related materials.