Northern State University Hosts Agriculture Business Symposium

Free event aims to inspire students to become next generation of agriculture leaders

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Northern State University is hosting a free student symposium on April 7, 2026 called "Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness." The event is open to high school and college students interested in agriculture and agribusiness, and will feature presentations from industry leaders, a student panel, and university faculty.

Why it matters

The symposium is designed to expose students to the intersection of agriculture and business, and inspire them to pursue careers in the agricultural industry. With Northern State University now offering a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, the symposium provides an opportunity for students to explore this field and connect with potential employers.

The details

The symposium will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms of the Student Center at Northern State University. Presenters will include representatives from Wells Lamont Company, an agricultural business partners panel, Dr. Matt Roberts speaking on "The Truth About Trade," and Brian Hefty of Ag PhD and Hefty Seed Company. Lunch will be provided, and space is limited so early registration is encouraged.

  • The symposium will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Registration is now open for the event.

The players

Northern State University

A public university located in Aberdeen, South Dakota that is hosting the agriculture business symposium.

Dr. Kristi Bockorny

Dacotah Bank Dean and professor of management at Northern State University, who is overseeing the planning of the symposium.

Alan LaFave

President of Northern State University, who will be providing greetings at the event.

Wells Lamont Company

An industrial company that will be presenting at the symposium.

Brian Hefty

Co-founder of Ag PhD and Hefty Seed Company, who will be speaking at the symposium.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to host our first Agricultural Business Symposium on campus. Our faculty committee has invested significant time and energy into creating a meaningful and engaging program, bringing together speakers who understand firsthand how agriculture and business intersect. This is an opportunity for students to gain insight into agricultural business industries and ask questions. We look forward to welcoming students to campus for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful day.”

— Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean and professor of management at Northern State University (newsdakota.com)

“We are thankful for the grant monies that the School of Business was awarded from the Aberdeen Energy Agriculture Fund, an Aberdeen Area Community Fund sub-fund, to help support this year's symposium.”

— Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean and professor of management at Northern State University (newsdakota.com)

What’s next

High school and college students interested in attending can register at northern.edu/ag-symposium. For questions, contact Lisa Anderson at lisamarie.anderson@northern.edu or 605-626-2400.

The takeaway

This symposium represents Northern State University's commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in the agricultural business industry. By bringing together students, faculty, and industry experts, the event aims to inspire and educate the future workforce that will shape the intersection of agriculture and business.