Mid-State Technical College hosted its 49th annual Farm Tour on Tuesday, March 10, bringing together more than 100 farmers, industry professionals, educators, students and agricultural partners for a day of hands-on learning, networking and exploration of modern farming practices.
Presented by Fox Cities Builders, the 2026 Farm Tour highlighted data-driven insights and the strength of collaboration in Wisconsin agriculture. The event was also recognized as an Outreach and Dissemination project by the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement (C2A3) and supported in part through C2A3 funding.
“Mid-State’s Farm Tour is really about bringing people together and showcasing agriculture,” said Dr. Alex Lendved, dean of the Marshfield Campus and School of Applied Technology. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to see innovation firsthand and have real conversations about what’s working in agriculture today.”
Participants visited Elusive Hill Dairy in Loyal, Wisconsin, where they toured a modern dairy operation showcasing recent facility expansions and technology upgrades. The farm recently completed construction of a BouMatic 72-cow rotary milking parlor designed to improve efficiency, cow flow and daily labor management.
The tour also included a field presentation at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, a nationally recognized center for applied agricultural research focused on crop production, soil health, water quality and sustainable farming practices.
Agricultural specialists from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service shared insights on practical strategies farmers can implement on working operations. Adam Abel, state grazing lands specialist, discussed grazing systems and forage management, including the use of grazing cropland and cover crops. His presentation highlighted regenerative agriculture practices that support pasture productivity while promoting long-term land and resource stewardship.
Jamie Patton, state agronomist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, focused on practical soil health assessment methods. She demonstrated simple, in-field tools producers can use to monitor changes in soil conditions within grazing systems, emphasizing evaluation techniques that integrate easily into day-to-day farm management.
Patton also delivered the event’s keynote address, sharing current trends and practical applications in soil health and regenerative agriculture.
In addition to the tour stops and presentations, attendees engaged in networking and discussion with agricultural professionals and industry experts. These conversations continue to be a key part of the Farm Tour, helping connect education, research and real-world farming experience, reinforcing Mid-State’s role as a regional hub for applied agricultural education and workforce development.
The College invites everyone to join them next year as the event celebrates its 50th Annual Mid-State Farm Tour on Tuesday, March 9, 2027.
Mid-State offers a range of agriculture-focused degree programs, technical diplomas and professional development opportunities designed to meet the evolving needs of Wisconsin’s agricultural industry.
For more information about Mid-State’s agriculture programs and upcoming events, visit mstc.edu/ag-pathway.
