CLC Ag & Energy Research Center Field Day Returns August 28 

Central Lakes College will host its 2026 Field Day on Friday, August 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CLC Ag & Energy Research Center, located at 26505 County Road 2 in Staples. 

The annual event gives farmers, agricultural professionals, families and community members an opportunity to explore current agricultural research, technology and educational activities taking place at the center. Field Day is free and no registration is required. 

Morning sessions will be offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and repeated from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Topics include: 

• Rethinking the Row: 60-Inch Corn, Cover Crops and Soil Moisture Sensors, presented by Taylor Thompson of the CLC Ag & Energy Center and Amy Robak of Centra Sota 

• Drone Applications, presented by CRK Aerial 

• Field Research in Edible Bean Production and Partnerships in the Plot, presented by Juan Osorno of North Dakota State University and Andy Hacker of Bonanza Bean LLC 

• Living Legacy Garden Tours, led by Tammy Rick 

• Precision Irrigation Systems, presented by Grand Irrigation 

Children’s Garden activities will be offered during the second session from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Young visitors will have an opportunity to dig potatoes, cut flowers and learn about agriculture through hands-on activities. 

Field Day will also feature tractor and combine ride-n-drive opportunities provided by Midwest Machinery,w ith refreshments and agricultural vendors inside the main shed. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Legacy Ag Trail will take place at 11:45 a.m. The trail creates a new walking route around the Ag & Energy Research Center and was developed through partnerships involving Central Lakes College, the City of Staples, CLC Heavy Equipment and Ideal Construction. Partners and supporters who helped make the trail possible will be recognized during the lunch program. 

A free lunch and program will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. and will feature Minnesota Farm Service Agency Executive Director Kurt Blomgren as the guest speaker. 

The afternoon will continue with ride-n-drive activities from 1 to 2 p.m. A free ice cream social will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Living Legacy Gardens, featuring live Scandinavian violin music by Skal Klubben. The ice cream social is sponsored by the Central Lakes College Foundation. 

For additional information, visit www.clcagandenergy.org/events or contact Tyler Grunewald at 218-894-5141. 

About the CLC Ag & Energy Research Center 

The Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Research Center in Staples conducts applied agricultural research, demonstrates emerging practices and technologies, and provides educational opportunities for students, producers, agricultural professionals and community members.