MIDWEST AGRICULTURAL EXPORT SUMMIT

The sixth-annual Midwest Agricultural Export Summit is a unique opportunity to collaborate on export strategies that will enhance our region’s competitiveness in the global economy. The 2026 summit will focus on “Forging Forward: New Markets, More Sales” and include conversations featuring national, international, regional, and state agricultural and trade leaders.

The event is being held in Sioux Falls, SD on August 12th, 2026.
Agenda for Day of Event:
• 8:30 AM – Welcome Reception
• 9:15 AM – Welcome Remarks / Summit Begins
• 12:00 PM – Lunch
• 3:30 PM – Summit Concludes
• 3:30 – 4:00 PM – Ice Cream Networking Reception

Confirmed Speakers:

Christopher Kirigua, Kenya's Ambassador to the United States

Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s Representative to the United States

Luke Lindberg, Under Secretary of US Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

Mike Runds, United States Senator for South Dakota

Kip Tom, Retired, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, and chief of the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome, from 2019 to 2021 

Kimberly Reed, Former Chairman, Export-Import Bank of the United States

Bill Even, Commissioner of SD Governor's Office of Economic Development

Hunter Roberts, Secretary of SD Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India

Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada

Dr Klaus Beckmann, Interim Dean of Beacom School of Business at University of South Dakota

Dr William Snell, Extension Professor, Macro Farm Economy, Ag Policy, and Trade and Co-Director for the Kentucky Agriculture Leadership Program, University of Kentucky

Jim Sutter, President & CEO of United States Soybean Export Council

Krysta Harden, President & CEO of US Dairy Export Council

Attendance at the summit is by invitation only, and space is limited. Please contact Kyriel Clark at kyriel.clark@southdakotatrade.com for more information about attending or sponsoring the event.