2026 Program

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Keynote Speaker: Shaun Haney

"Ag Technology – The Future is Here"

Join Shaun Haney for a compelling keynote on the latest trends in agricultural technology. Shaun explores advancements in:

Precision farming
Automation
Artificial intelligence
Data analytics

With his extensive industry knowledge, Shaun highlights how these technologies can address challenges such as labor shortages, environmental sustainability, and efficiency. His presentations provide practical advice on adopting and integrating new technologies, empowering farmers and agribusinesses to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven agricultural landscape.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Register at the Challenge Booth during Ag Expo

Get Your Team Together for the Applicator & Agronomy Challenge!

Test your skills, show off your ag knowledge, and compete for cash prizes at the Agronomy & Applicator Challenge, held during Ag Expo 2026!

Form your two-person team, visit participating booths, and tackle questions in one of two categories: Agronomy or Applicator. It’s a fun, interactive way to connect, learn, and maybe take home some serious prizes!

The Challenge is open to all employees of Dealer and Branch members of the South Dakota Agri-Business Association (SDABA). Team members must be from the same company—but can represent different branches.

Prizes:

Gold Medalists: $1,000 cash, plaque & official Challenge jackets
Silver Medalists: $700 cash & official Challenge jackets
Bronze Medalists: $500 cash & Challenge jackets

Are you up for the challenge? Gather your team and get ready to compete!

Click here for more information!

SDABA Showcase Stage Returns!

Back by popular demand, the SDABA Showcase Stage will once again take center stage on the Exhibit Floor. Throughout the show, top industry leaders will tackle today’s most pressing ag topics.

Don’t miss your chance to hear from experts and Ag Expo exhibitors:

Wednesday, January 14

9:30 AM — Exhibitor Showcase - Discover innovative ideas and the latest products from leading exhibitors.
10:30 AM — “Market Outlook” - Presented by StoneX
2:00 PM — “The New Rules of the Game: ESA Strategies That Change How We Spray” - Panel Discussion

2026 Applicator of the Year Award

Join us at Ag Expo 2026 as we celebrate excellence in the field! The Applicator of the Year will be announced during the Awards Luncheon on January 14, 2026.

The winner will be honored with a plaque, jacket, and a $250 cash prize.

Annual Meeting: Brews & Bites with SDABA

All SDABA members are invited to join us for the Annual Meeting, featuring brews, bites, and board updates!

Enjoy refreshments while hearing the latest from your Board of Directors and connecting with fellow members.

During the meeting, members will:

Elect a new Industry Board Member
Hear from the Executive Director
Learn what’s ahead in the 2026 Legislative Session

Come for the brews and bites—stay to help shape the future of South Dakota agribusiness!

Wednesday Evening Social

Kick back, connect, and enjoy the Wednesday Evening Social at Ag Expo 2026! This informal gathering is the perfect chance to network with attendees and exhibitors while enjoying great food, drinks, and entertainment.

Highlights include:

Extended Happy Hour from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Access between the ballroom and tradeshow floor
Gun raffles and silent auction
Hearty Hors D’Oeuvres and cash bars

Don’t miss this fun-filled evening—relax, mingle, and make the most of Ag Expo!

Try your luck and support a great cause! The Ag Expo Gun Raffle features exciting prizes and is open to all attendees. Don’t miss your chance to win while enjoying the show!

Silent Auction for Tomorrow’s Ag Leaders

Support the future of South Dakota agriculture!

This year, SDABA will host a Silent Auction to benefit the Tomorrow’s Ag Leaders (TAL) Program—a leadership development initiative designed to strengthen the skills of South Dakota agribusiness professionals.

All auction items will be on display inside the Exhibit Hall and promoted throughout the show.

Every bid helps grow the next generation of ag leaders. All proceeds support the Tomorrow’s Ag Leaders Program.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Commercial Applicator Recertification

Stay certified and up to date!

Join us for the 2026 Professional Ag Applicator Recertification Training on the second day of Ag Expo — Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

This session fulfills the biennial training requirement needed to maintain a Commercial Applicator License in South Dakota.

The training is sponsored by SDSU and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

Pre-register online [HERE] (registration for this session is not included in your Ag Expo registration). Register by January 8, 2026.

For questions about registration or licensing, please contact:
SDDAAgronomy@state.sd.us

Returning in 2026: Grain Grading School

Thursday, January 15, 2026
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

The popular Grain Grading School returns to Ag Expo 2026! This hands-on training offers a cost-effective and practical way to strengthen your team’s grain grading skills.

Participants will explore:

The latest information on grain quality
Corn and soybean grading demonstrations with real samples
The grading and appeal process
How to identify major grain damage factors
What the official U.S. grades are and how to obtain a representative sample

The session is designed for individual attention and hands-on learning, and class size is limited to 30 participants to ensure a high-quality experience.

Cost: $75 per person (includes full Ag Expo access)
Registration: Register for Ag Expo and select the Grain Grading School add-on during checkout.

Schedule:

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Registration Desk Open
- Small Booth Set-Up
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 2026 TAL Class Seminar I
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM SDABA Board of Directors Meeting
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Welcome and Exhibitors Reception
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM TAL Alumni Gathering

Wednesday January 14, 2026

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Trade Show Open
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Applicator and Agronomy Challenge Registration
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Silent Auction for Tomorrow's Ag Leaders
9:30 AM Exhibitor Showcase @ The Showcase Stage
10:30 AM "The Big Picture: An Overview of Current US Economy & Grain Market Outlook" – Mark Lucas, StoneX @ The Showcase Stage
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM Luncheon with Keynote Speaker – Shaun Haney, “Ag Technology – The Future Is Here”
- Leon Wrage Award presentation
- Applicator of the Year presentation
- Recognition of the 2025 TAL Class.
2:00 PM "The New Rules of the Game: ESA Strategies That Change How We Spray" – Panel @ The Showcase Stage
3:00 - 4:00 PM SDABA Annual Meeting with Brews and Bites
4:00 - 6:00 PM Ag Expo Social with Games and Gun Raffles

Thursday January 15, 2026 (Also Student Career Day)

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Trade Show Open
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Applicator Recertification*
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Grain Grading Workshop*
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Student Day Program
10:00 AM - 11:45 AM Tradeshow Bingo for Students
12:00 PM Exhibitor Move-Out

*Additional Registration Required

Student Career Day

The importance of keeping youth engaged in agriculture is behind the creation of the Student Career Day during Ag Expo. With the decline in interest for agriculture as a career, this is an opportunity for youth to see all of the different ways they can use their education and talents outside of traditional farming, and help them see the relevance of their career choice. This is a chance for exhibitors to show that agricultural careers can be intellectually stimulating and economically sustainable, and visit with prospective future employees.

Thursday

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Panelist of Professionals in the Industry (Ballroom A)
10:00 - 11:45 AM Bingo in Tradeshow
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Students Only Lunch (Ballroom A)