Agri-Cultured Foods

We specialize in traditionally fermented foods, like Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles and Kombucha. We're on a mission to heal people, one gut at a time.

Waukee, IA - Preserves and Vinegar

American Hazelnut Company

The American Hazelnut Company is a grower/investor company organized to process and market hazelnut-related products -- kernels, oil and flour, initially -- grown in the Upper Midwest. 

Gay Mills, WI - Grower/Producer

Asplund Winery

Aspelund Winery specializes in fruit wines made from tomato, cucumber, fennel, apples, elderberries, strawberries and raspberries. All fruits are grown locally and processes at our winery. Come, enjoy and taste the difference.

Kenyon, MN - Wine/Beer

Badger State Fruit Processing Inc. 

Badger State Fruit Processing is a family owned business and the largest independent supplier of cranberry products in the United States. We are cranberry specialists. Situated in the heart of cranberry country, we do it all. We are: Cranberry growers Cranberry processors Cranberry warehousers Cranberry transporters As a result, Badger State is the most vertically integrated and cost effective supplier of cranberry products.

Pittsville, WI - Grower/Producer

B&E's Trees

B&E's Trees crafts Organic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup at their off-grid Wisconsin farm. The maple soaked barrels are then used to age Central Waters Brewing Company's Maple Barrel Stout!

Viroqua, WI - Grower/Producer

Bang Brewing

Minnesota's first dedicated organic brewery.

St. Paul, MN - Beer

Bare Honey

Bare Honey pairs raw honey from hand-picked Midwest nectar sources with complimentary spices to create gourmet products such as Hot & Spicy and Lavender Blossom infusions, or Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon and Bee Pollen Infused honey spreads.

Plymouth, MN - Grower/Producer

Becky's Blissful Bakery

Our gourmet caramels are handcrafted and preservative-free and have been nationally recognized for their rich, buttery flavor.

New Berlin, IA - Bakery and Grains

The Bee Shed

The Bee Shed provides local, healthy and natural products from honeybees under a variety of product lines. Our honeybee products are available direct-to-consumer, at local farmers’ markets, and mail order.

Oronoco, MN - Grower/Producer

Bent Paddle

30-barrel production craft brewery that uses the amazing water of Lake Superior along with the talent of our brewers to make some of the freshest and most dependable craft beer possible.

Duluth, MN - beer/wine

Better For You Bakery

Better for You Bakery creates Gluten free and allergen friendly bakery mixes made from NON GMO sourced ingredients, includes more Gluten free whole grains and may easily be prepared free of all 8 major food allergens. We also manufacture a Gluten free Nut Blend Granola that includes multiple tree nuts and seeds and is made with NON GMO sourced ingredients. Our products are enjoyed by people with and without Celiac Disease that desire great taste, texture and increased nutrition in bakery items.

Jefferson, IA - Bakery and Grains

Blue Earth Valley Trading Company

Minnesota Grown Proud Member and producer of pure maple syrup, maple cream, maple sugar, honey and creamed honey located in Mankato, MN.

Mankato, MN - Grower/Producer

CannonBelles Cheese

CannonBelles Cheese is constructing an artisan cheese plant in Cannon Falls, MN. Working with local dairy farmers, they will make fresh and aged cheeses for the local Minnesota market.

Northfield, MN - Cheese/Dairy

Carlson Roasting Co. 

Artisan small batch coffee roaster.

Houston, MN - Beverages, Coffee

Clara's Comfort Food

Authentic german sausage that is free of additives and preservatives but FULL of flavor.

Eagen, MN - Meat

Chip Magnet Salsa

A small company in Eau Claire, WI, specializing in salsa, relish, hot sauce and other sauces. All non-gmo and all delicious. #SalsaTakeover

Eau Claire, WI - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

Colonel Pabst

We use and old Pabst family recipe to brew small-batch Worcestershire Sauce. Our main ingredient is a craft malt lager from Milwaukee. To that we add 20 other all natural ingredients from around the world. Blue ribbon winner!

Millkwaukee, WI - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

Country View Dairy

Country View Dairy makes artisan yogurt right on the farm in small batches with milk from our own cows. We offer original, greek, and soft serve frozen yogurt in many package sizes. Hawkeye, IA - Grower/Producer, Dairy

Creature Comfort Hot Sauce

Hand crafted, locally sourced spicy condiments. Full of flavor and just enough heat without going over the top.

Minneapolis, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

Croix Valley Foods

Croix Valley Foods is a family owned and operated company located in River Falls, WI that produces a line of all-natural, gluten free products. Their line consists of sauces, marinades, dry rubs, and Bloody Mary seasonings. They have won numerous local and international awards and owners, Damon and Lu Holter, are respected competitors in barbecue competitions and food competitions around the country.

River Falls, WI - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

CTL Foods

CTL Foods, the original home of Soda Fountain Malted Milk Powder, and All-Natural Kosher-Certified, Wisconsin-Made product. CTL has been blending and packaging Malted Milk Powder since 1972. 

Colfax, WI - Beverages

Curly Girlz Candy 

At Curly Girlz Candy we create tantalizing treats made from fresh, local ingredients and create them with the individual attention that allows you to taste the difference handcrafting makes. Our sugar-free and no sugar added candies contain our proprietary high fiber, natural sweetener blend for a treat that tastes exceptional with no aftertaste. Curly Girlz Candy, a naturally sweetened candy that is truly a handcrafted delight in every bite.

Owatonna, MN - Confections

Diana and Daughters, LLC

An old world Italian dipping/cooking sauce from my grandparents. Augusta's Antipasto is a garlic tomato sauce filled with fresh vegetables, variety of olives and artichokes. Two Varieties.

Manitowok, WI - Sauces and Seasonings

Falconer Vineyards Winery and Cidery

Falconer Vineyards located in Red Wing MN, produces wines and ciders utilizing cold hardy Minnesota grown grapes and apples. We sell direct to retail liquor stores and restaurants.

Red Wing, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

Ferndale Market

Since 1939 our family has grown free-range turkeys our farm in Cannon Falls. Today, you can find our Ferndale Market turkey products at your favorite natural food retailer or at our on-farm store.

Cannon Falls, MN - Meat

Fill My Recipe, LLC • Our innovative ‘Flavor Temptations’ recipe packs, with pre-measured authentic ingredients and time-tested recipes for Indian cuisine, help you to cook Indian food and make memories with family and friends.

Madison, WI - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings 

Forager Brewing

Gastro Brew pub producing a variety of handcrafted ales Focusing on the talents and Passion of our Brewer Austin Jevne.

Rochester, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

Frederick Sound Fish Co.

Hook and line caught, wild Alaskan salmon. Fisherman owned and operated. From the boat to Rochester, MN.

Rochester, MN - Meat

Gardenaire

At Gardenaire every product is organically grown and crafted by hand from the garden to the table. Gardenaire creates bold flavors that help home cooks bring creativity to the kitchen.

Rochester, MN - Preserves and Vinegar, Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

Grandma's Gourmets • We make amazing pickles, salsa and jams just like grandma, hand crafted in small batches from high quality ingredients.

Albert Lea, MN - Preserves and Vinegar, Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

Grand Rounds Brewery

Rochester's only downtown Brewery and Restaurant, serving made from scratch food with the best local craft beer happy hour in town and parking ramps located at each end of our block.

Rochester, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

Great River Organic Milling

A family owned organic flour milling company, that still grinds it's flours on red granite stones in Wisconsin, just a stones throw from the Mississippi!

Fountain City, WI -Bakery and Grains

Grlk

Grlk is a business built on family traditions and passion for hand crafted local food. Offering garlic sauce and hummus to health conscious, food loving foodies.

St. Paul, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

High Home Foods/ Smokin T's 

Smokin'Ts is a unique sauce, dressing, and marinade. We hand smoke tomatoes, add other fresh ingredients such as basil and onion to create a light, smoky flavored tomato sauce. Smokin'Ts is vegan, gluten free, and is extremely low in sugar. It comes in two varieties: Original and With a Kick, our spicy version. Our motto is you can put Smokin'Ts on Anything!

Delafield, WI - Preserves and Vinegar, Hot Sauce

Heil Ginseng Inc.

100% Wisconsin Grown 100% of the time. We are a local Wisconsin Ginseng producer for over 15 years. We are the first and only who has rights to use the registered Ginseng Board of Wisconsin trademark seal. Home of Edgar, WI.

Edgar, WI - Grower/Producer

Hoch Orchards

Hoch Orchard and Gardens is a 94 acre diversified organic and biodynamic farm. We offer seasonal on Farm sales, Apple cider, Sauces and an on Farm Hard Cidery.

La Crescent, MN - Grower/Producer, Beer Wine and Cider

Honestly Cranberry

Honestly Cranberry’s cranberries are just that...cranberries that have been honestly dried using no added sugars, juices, oils or anything! Honestly Cranberry, delivers the true tart taste of cranberry year round.

Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Preserves, Vinegar and Sauces

Iowa Choice Harvest

We provide co-packing services to small food businesses who are growing out of their home processing business. We also individually quick freeze Iowa fruits and vegetables and distribute them to grocery stores and other wholesale customers.

Marshalltown, IA - Grower/Producer

JACARANDA Seasonal Snacks

JACARANDA produces high quality Artisanal Snacks in Austin, Minnesota. Raquel Imbert, JACARANDA's owner, searched for the memories of her childhood in South America to create JACARANDA's line of products.

Austin, MN - Snacks

Jamazing!

Jamazing! jams and jellies are handcrafted in Montgomery, Minnesota and feature a mix of award-winning, locally-grown, organic and unique flavors.

Brooklyn Park, MN - Preserves and Vinegar

Jirik Family Farms

We are a small diversified family farm operation located in Southern Minnesota. We direct market and wholesale honey, maple syrup and maple cotton candy. We are exploring new ways to sell our product and expanding our operation.

Kilkenny, MN - Confections

Kakookies

Deliciously flavorful, grab n go snacks made with clean, superfood ingredients. Ideal for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, busy families, & anyone leading an active lifestyle. Good anytime, anywhere. Vegan & GF!

Plymouth, MN - Bakery and Grains

Kickapoo Gold LLC

We have a single ingredient product made from the sap of wild maple trees. It includes many trace minerals to produce the world's healthiest of all natural sweeteners. 

Viroqua, WI - Grower/Producer

Kinney Creek Brewery

Kinney Creek Brewery started out as a love for beer, and a lack of quality brewed, right priced beer. Now we are making several varieties of beer to accommodate the need for great Midwest brewed beer. We source as many of our ingredients that we can from our local neighbors to bring you the very freshest and eco-friendly beer on the market. 

Rochester, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

K-Mama Sauce, LLC

Vegan Korean sauce, made from my mom’s recipe. Initially sweet with a buttery middle, and a spicy kick at the end. Adds rich flavor to appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees.

Minneapolis, MN - Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

Larry Schultz Organic Farm

From our family to yours. Larry Schultz Organic Farm has been your local organic eggs, chicken, chicken sausage, and turkey source for the past 25 years.

Owatanna, MN - Farmer/Grower; Meat/Eggs

Locust Land Vineyards

Food products made from our MN grapes:baslamic, verjus and verjus sauces and other products.

Little Canada, MN - Grower/Producer, Preserves and Vinegar

Mama Doha

From the kitchens of Egypt to the kitchens of the Twin Cities. Mama Doha's is a small, Twin City-based, family business crafting the time-honored a​nd traditional delicacies of Mama Doha's Cairo childhood.

Edina, MN - Preserves and Vinegar

Mama Stoen's

We provide Gluten Free Products and strives to provide those who have the need or the desire to have Gluten Free options without sacrificing taste, texture and variety.

Owatonna, MN - Bakery and Grains

The McKnight Foundation   

The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations. We use all our resources to attend, unite, and empower those we serve.

Minneapolis, MN - SPONSOR

Metz's Hart-Land Dairy , Honey & Creamery

We are a family owned and operated dairy farm with a creamery right on the farm. We make farmstead cheeses directly from the milk produced by our 4 breeds of dairy cows.

Rushford, MN - Dairy

Midwest Elderberry Cooperative • The MEC farmers work together in the wide-scale production of elderflowers and elderberries for subsequent cooperative processing and marketing of value-added elderflower and elderberry ingredients to Minnesota and regional value-added food processors.

Minneapolis, MN - Grower/Producer

Millner Heritage Winery

Best Minnesota Wines and Cider's using all viticulture and horticulture developed (Grapes&Apples) from the University of MN.

Kimball, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Working to enhance Minnesotans’ quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural economy.

St. Paul, MN - SPONSOR

Mixmi Brands

Mixmi brands manufactures delicious fiber rich frozen yogurt that is smooth & creamy like ice cream, but with the added benefits of 5 different live & active cultures for probiotic health.

Eden Prairie, MN - Dairy

Mystic-Chocolate

Artisan stone-ground raw vegan chocolates infused with flavors and spices that support the Chakra System -- the seven energy centers in the body. Featuring brand new line of CBD Oil infused chocolates (non-psychotoxic, full-spectrum oil derived from hemp).

Cedar Rapids, IA - Confections

My Sweet Greens MN

We are an urban farm-to-table grower specializing in Microgreens. Our business encompasses the best in fresh, garden-sweet product grown clean while promoting the best practices in green living.

Zumbrota, MN - Grower/Producer

Next Chapter Winery

Next Chapter Winery is a family-owned and operated winery sustainably crafting barrel-aged wine in rural Minnesota.

New Prague, MN - Beer/Wine

Ney's Premium Inc.

Wisconsin Sourced Meat Purveyor - Featuring the Prime Rib Burger "Official Burger of Wisconsin"

Hartford, WI - Meat

Nicolai Amende Signature 

We produce gourmet Five Pepper Blend brand hot sauces made with Minnesota grown non-GMO peppers. Our hot sauces have a high pulp-to-brine ratio, which produces a superior pepper flavor.

Mankato, MN - Sauces, dressings and seasonings

Northern Vineyards

Northern Vineyards Winery has been making wines since 1977, one of the oldest Minnesota wineries in operation. We are one of the first wine cooperatives in the United
States and the only one of the local wineries.  

Stillwater, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

North Mallow

All Natural Homemade marshmallows in a variety flavors such as Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Chip or Caramel Swirl!

Golden Valley, MN - Confections

Number 12 Cider House

Number 12 Cider House produces award-winning, traditional farmhouse ciders made from local apples and cared for in small batches; much the way Americans crafted ciders in past centuries.

St. Paul, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

Oak Valley Creations

At Oak Valley Creations we believe that organics are a great way to incorporate good health into your recipes and your life!

Savage, MN - Sauces, dressings and seasonings

O'Brien's Own Gourmet Granola 

O'Brien's Own Gourmet Granola. O'Brien's Own Gourmet Granola is located in a small farming community right in the center of our Nation's heartland. We prepare our "softer" health conscious granola with only the finest, all natural ingredients.

Centerpoint, IA - Snacks

Organic Independents LLC 

Certified organic, Blue Fruit Farm grows perennial fruits (aronia berries, black currants, blueberries, elderberries, honeyberries, juneberries, and plums). We sell locally to consumers and wholesale to restaurants and grocery stores.

Winona, MN - Grower/Producer

Pasta of the Prairie

Pasta of the Prairie stared by Tyler and Lindsey Steinkamp produces flavored pasta locally, for Superior taste and quality.

Marion, IA - Pasta

Pickle Creek Herbs

At Pickle Creek, we grow organic herbs and produce on our family farm and use original recipes to hand craft the best possible artisan infused oils and vinegars.

Fairfield, IA - Grower/Producer

Poorboy Candy

Poorboy Candy is an artisan confection and condiment company based in Minneapolis, MN. We strive to provide a unique sensory experience with all of our products.

Minneapolis, MN - Confections

Prairie Farms - Caves of Faribault

Our cheese is made from rBST free raw cow’s milk. Our AmaBlu® blue cheese is the first blue cheese made and marketed nationally. We faithfully follow the original recipe, making cheese by hand in traditional open vats with no artificial additives or flavor enzymes. 

Faribault, MN - Dairy

Rasmussen Apiary

We are family owned business started in 1984. We are now in our second generation of running the business.

Cazenovia, WI - Grower/Producer

We make it easy to feed your dog a balanced, raw food diet with only the highest quality ingredients.

Renewing the Countryside

We specialize in traditionally fermented foods, like Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles and Kombucha. We're on a mission to heal people, one gut at a time.

Minneapolis, MN - SPONSOR

Salem Glen Winery

Salem Glen is a family-owned and operated boutique winery specializing in small batches of wine made from regionally grown grapes.

Rochester, MN - Wine/Beer

Salsa Del Diablo 

Gourmet salsa.

Rochester, MN - Sauces and Seasonings

Sara's Tipsy Pies

Locally made hand pies that use local wine whiskey and beer. Mn state fair vendor, events, wholesale, weddings and corporate catering.

Oak Park Heights, MN - Bakery and Grains

Seven Songs Organic Farm

We are a 7 acre certified organic farm specializing in garlic, ginger, turmeric, tomatoes, peppers, raspberries, and eggs. We make and sell Escape Garlic Scape Pesto because everyone who tries it loves it!

Kenyon, MN - Grower/Producer

Shokolate Haven

Chocolate is more than just a food. It brings us together. Shokolate Haven produces the highest quality chocolate in small batches using only premium local ingredients. We offer our hand crafted chocolate and sweets for a catering, baby showers, business parties and weddings. Paraffin wax and preservative free, made in the USA by Americans that care about you and their product.

Lindstrum, MN - Confections

Silver Creek Specialty Meats

Family owned, Oshkosh business. Specializing in producing quality old fashioned products which derive their unique flavor from quality ingredients, special seasoning, recipes, natural smoking processes, and eliminating MSG or other additives.

Oshkosh, WI - Meat

Simply Snackin'

Family owned, Oshkosh business. Specializing in producing quality old fashion products which derive their unique flavor from quality ingredients, special seasoning, recipes, natural smoking processes, and eliminiating MSG or other additives. 

Oshkosh, WI - Meat

Sno Pac Foods

Sno Pac, America's 1st Family of frozen organic fruits and vegetables, family owned and operated since 1942

Caledonia, MN - Grower/Producer, Frozen Foods

Sociable Cider Werks 

Sociable is driven by a pretty simple vision. Cider should be much more than the lightly-alcoholic, made-from-concentrate, sweet apple juice boxes that currently dominate the shelf space. Sociable ciders are well carbonated, dry and always made from real apples. Simply put, they should be enjoyed like great draught beer. Sociable is not just hard cider, we're much more.

Minneapolis, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

Sogo Snacks

Sogo Snacks produces premium, on-the-go (non refrigerated), 100% grass-fed/finished beef and natural pork snack sticks made with simple ingredients. Products are allergen free with several flavors having no added sugar.

Decorah, IA - Snacks

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a donor-supported foundation, invests for economic growth in 20 Minnesota counties. The Foundation has provided more than $50 million in grants and loans within the region during the past 29 years. SMIF's key interests include early childhood and economic development.

Owatonna, MN - SPONSOR

Squash Blossom Farm

Our small permaculture farm bakes wood-fired sourdough breads and pizza featuring our own farm-grown and other local ingredients. We also host special events, classes, and dinners on the farm.

Oronoco, MN - Bakery and Grains

Stagecoach Brewing Company 

"Tracing its lineage back to 1857, the Stagecoach Brewing Company is a small, family-owned craft brewery nestled on the banks of Brewery Creek in South East Minnesota's Bluff Country.

Mantorville, MN - Beer 

Taking Stock Foods

Chicken Broth that's good enough to drink made out of 5 local and organically sourced ingredients.

St Paul, MN - Preserves and Vinegar

Timberlake Orchard

Timberlake Orchard is about 8 miles south of Fairmont, MN. We have popular apple varieties of apples to include Honeycrisp, Sweetango and Haralson. We also make our own Pies and Turnovers from scratch. We also offer freshly pressed cider.

Fairmont, MN - Grower/Producer

Treats by T

We are a husband and wife team. We make a ghost pepper sauce that is sweet and finishes with a little heat. Hand crafted in small batches from our garden to you. A versatile sauce that can be used as a glaze, dipping sauce, or accompaniment to your favorite dish.

Northfield, MN - Preserves and Vinegar, Sauces, Dressings and Seasonings

Whitewater Gardens Farm

Whitewater Gardens Farm is a certified organic producer of quality fresh vegetables. We specialize in fresh sweet potatoes and greenhouse tomatoes, selling at local farmers markets as well as wholesale.

Altura, MN - Grower/Producer

Winehaven

Founded as Chisago County's first estate winery in 1995, WineHaven has become a cornerstone of Minnesota winemaking, producing highly acclaimed wines that capture the distinctive flavors of its vineyards and region. 

Chisago City, MN - Wine, Beer and Cider

WW Homestead Dairy

WW Homestead Dairy produces a full dairy product line, with all natural ingredients that are locally produced and processed, including milk, butter, ice cream, cheese curds and block cheddar cheese.

Waukon, IA - Dairy, Grower/Producer

Yellow River Dairy

Yellow River Dairy is a farmstead goat dairy and creamery. We manufacture both hard and soft goat cheeses from our dairy. All our milking does are on pasture and we raise our own non-gmo forage. Our product line is available year round in regional stores.

Monona, IA - Cheese and Dairy

Zaza's Pastas, LLC

Hand-crafted, artisan pastas. Made in Iowa with local and organic ingredients.

Cedar Rapids, IA - Bakery and Grains

Local Chef

Demonstrations

Healthy Living

and

DIY Workshops

Featured collaboration for 2017:

Registered Feast! exhibitors are eligible for FREE REGISTRATION to attend the Midwest Food Products Association Convention, Wednesday, Nov 29 - Thursday, Nov 30 at the Mayo Civic Center!

Peruse the exhibits of 150 businesses that service the food manufacturing industry and attend breakout sessions offered by the Artisan Food Products Network especially geared towards small- to mid-sized regional businesses.

Read more and register HERE.  

TIME

SESSION

SPEAKERS

LOCATION

7:00-8:30

Exhibitor setup & registration

Exhibit Hall & Auditorium 

8:30

Support Services mini-Expo opens

Auditorium 

8:50

Welcome

Feast! planners

Auditorium 

9:00

Keynote: Tough Love for Big Dreams

Tera Johnson, University of Wisconsin-Extension Food Finance Institute

Auditorium

10:00

Strategies for Financing your Business

Al Zeitz, Timberlake Orchards; Eric and Lisa Klein, Hidden Stream Farm; 

Sai Thao, Compeer Financial; Jude Conway, Ag Ventures Alliance 

McDonnell Room

10:00

Best Practices for Engaging Buyers

Tera Johnson, Food Finance Institute; Tony Saarem, GoMacro;

Jami and Christine Stoen, Mama Stoen's

Auditorium

11:00

Strategically Investing in Your Brand

Rita Katona, So Good, So You; Sarah Wangler, Sweet Marketing Success;

Emily Stickler, Curb Crowser

McDonnell Room

11:00

Entrepreneur Essentials

Tony Saarem, GoMacro;

Jami and Christine Stoen, Mama Stoen's

Auditorium

1:00

Buyers Panel

  Mike Byrne, People's Food Co-op; Mindy Hauge, Whole Foods;

Ali Shouman, BUILD Sales Management, John Byom, Classic Provisions

2:00

Networking break*

Auditorium

3:00- 6:00 

Tradeshow Expo Open

 Exhibit Hall

Tera Johnson

Keynote Address: Tough Love for Big Dreams, 9am

Got big dreams for your business? You should, and Tera Johnson can give you some good reasons. From her background as founder of tera's whey to her current passion of helping entrepreneurs succeed through her work as Director of the UW-Extension's Food Finance Institute, her journey will inspire. She'll present her unique view of current trends in the food space, and remind you that you need to be tough in the face of the changing world. Tough enough to face the finances that will determine your longevity in the marketplace.

Tera Johnson is a serial entrepreneur whose mission is to create the next generation of environmentally and economically regenerative food and farming businesses. The founder of teraswhey®, Tera participated in the full arc of creating a successful investor-financed company. Now the founder of the Food Finance Institute at UW Extension, Tera is a frequent speaker, teacher, and financial consultant to sustainable food and farming businesses, social venture funds, and investors. 

Tim Jenkins, James Roettger, Lou Cha, Keri Plude

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Food Safety Specialists 

Jim Roettger has been with MDA for 34 years. working in compliance, enforcement, plan review, and inspection. He can answer most questions concerning the law and regulations., ie labeling, licensing, exemptions, special processes, HACCP. He's currently the licensing liaison and help desk staff for FFSD.

Lou Cha has worked for MDA for 10 years. As an Agriculture Advisor in the Manufactured Food Program, he conducts food manufacturing and food storage facility inspections. He also performs field training work with new inspectors. He is based in Rochester, MN. When he's not working he enjoys the outdoors and stays busy with three young sons. 

Keri Plude has worked for MDA for 10 years. As an Agriculture Consultant in the Manufactured Food Program, she performs inspections and handles training development and presentations along with specialized inspection work. She is based out of Chatfield, MN. When she's not working she enjoys spending time with her young daughters and showing horses.

Shannon M. Coleman, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist, Food Safety, Iowa State University

Shannon M. Coleman is an Assistant Professor and State Food Safety and Consumer Production Extension Specialist in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University (ISU). Dr. Coleman’s teaching, research and outreach efforts at ISU focus on improving food safety along the local food system which includes projects on best practices for home food and bakery operations (cottage foods), small (start-up) food manufactures, farmer’s market vendors, and gardeners.

Carol Johnson, RS, MS

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Food Safety Specialist

Carol Johnson is a Food Scientist with Wisconsin DATCP working in the Food and recreational safety Division.  Carol works with food businesses assisting them with the licensing process, plan review and code interpretation.

Jude Conway, Ag Ventures Alliance

Strategies for Financing your Business, 10am

Jude has been involved with seed/venture funds for the past 30 years, currently with Ag Ventures Alliance out of Mason City, Iowa where he manages a fund that is fostering twenty-one companies from across the central United States from Minnesota to Texas. His background in food innovation includes founding the American Food Venture Forum, a conference to bring together the nation’s food technology companies and venture capital funds, held in conjunction with the World Food Prize. 

Lisa and Eric Klein, Hidden Stream Farm

Strategies for Financing your Business, 10am

Eric and Lisa Klein are the owners of Hidden Stream Farm LLC, a family operated farm and small local food distribution company in Elgin MN.  Just this spring they also opened Dover Processing a USDA inspected meat processing facility located in Dover, MN.  Eric and Lisa have been in the local food scene since 1999 when they started their very first farmers market with new baby in tow.  18 years and 6 kids later they still continue with farmers markets locally and provide local food distribution for their own products and other famers in a 100 mile radius.  They distribute primarily to the regional SE Minnesota and Twin Cities markets offering deliveries twice a week.  

Sai Thao, Compeer Financial

Strategies for Financing your Business, 10am

Sai Thao is lending officer of Mission Financing at Compeer Financial. Sai has worked with many entrepreneurs, helping them with a full range of services, including creating business plans, and guiding them on how to obtain financing for their businesses. Sai’s interest in agriculture and local food stems from growing up working at his family’s fruit and vegetable farms in California and Washington State.

Al Zeitz, Timberlake Orchard

Strategies for Financing your Business, 10am

Raised on a farm in Southern MN, Al served in the Marine Corps on Active duty for 9 years. He attended Southwestern Technical College and has worked in the wind industry for almost 24 years, currently at Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative as Renewable Energy Services Manager. He purchased Timberlake Orchard in October of 2015 and has plans to grow and expand the business.

Christine & Jami Stoen, Mama Stoen's

Entrepreneur networking track, 10am & 11am

Christine was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2009. After her diagnosis she was concerned about the shift in lifestyle and food choices for herself and her family. For 6 years she worked on creating a Gluten Free product that not only tastes great and is Gluten Free, but also excluded the top 8 allergens as well. The Stoen Family has enjoyed sharing their Mama Stoen's products with individuals who are in need of Gluten Free/Allergen Free products, and have taken a gloomy situation and found great pleasure in helping others. 

Tony Saarem, GoMacro

Entrepreneur networking track, 10am & 11am

Tony is Director of Operations at GoMacro, a vegan nutrition bar company based in Viola, WI. Tony joined GoMacro in 2011 when the company had 5 employees and manufacturing took place in a converted milk parlor. Since then, GoMacro has grown to over 70 employees, and sales have expanded by 2500%. Managing this rapid growth and business expansion has given Tony the unique experience of building a staff, a high-volume manufacturing process, a benefits program, workplace policies, and a nationally recognized brand, from the ground up.

Emily Stickler, Director of Strategy, Curb Crowser

Strategically Investing in your Brand,11am

Determined dreamer. Question asker. Insights lover. Adventure seeker, ultra runner & wannabe chef.

More specifically, a strategic marketing and communications leader with a passion for insights-driven strategy and creating programs for brands that deliver at market. With expertise in brand building, digital and social strategy, internal and external communications, executive communications, and media relations, Emily brings a diverse background of retail, non-profit, start-up and higher education work to her role at Curb Crowser.

Rita Katona, So Good, So You

Strategically Investing in your Brand,11am

Rita built on 12+ years in corporate retail, merchandising, e-commerce and procurement to launch her company, So Good So You, in 2014. Originally a cafe called "Juice So Good," the brand now includes additional cafe locations and three product lines that are carried by TARGET, Whole Foods, Kroger and specialty grocers. From her early childhood in Hungary she was instilled with a love for wholesome, pure foods—now translated into her company's mission. 

Sarah Wangler, MBA, Sweet Marketing Success

Strategically Investing in your Brand,11am

Sarah works for Sweet Marketing Success, specializing in food marketing and branding. Sweet Marketing Success nurtures business growth for iconic brands and start-ups (the next iconic brands) by helping companies create new brands, food packages, shipping/display cartons, websites, marketing/sales materials, and digital marketing. Sarah has an MBA in Food Marketing and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP), both from the University of St. Thomas. She is President of the Institute of Packaging Professionals-MN Chapter and past-president of Food & Consumer Science Professionals.

Bleu Duck Kitchen

www.bleuduckkitchen.com

Brothers Bar and Grill

www.brothersbarandgrillrochester.com

Cafe Steam

steam.coffee

Cellar

porchandcellar.com/cellar

Chester's Kitchen and Bar

chesterskb.com

The Doggery

www.doggerybar.com

Forager Brewery

foragerbrewery.com

Grand Rounds Brewing Co.

 grandroundsbrewing.com

The Half Barrel Bar and Kitchen

halfbarrelbar.com

The Loop

rochester.looprestaurants.com

NOSH Restaurant and Bar

noshrestaurant.com

Peoples Food Co-op

www.pfc.coop

Porch

porchandcellar.com/porch

Tonic - Local Kitchen & Juice Bar

www.tonicfreshjuice.com

Zzest Cafe and Bar : Located in Rochester, MN, Zzest started as a tiny market and has expanded into a full on cafe and downtown lunch counter. They put out truly amazing modern plates, create three-course chef tastings every night, and have a craft cocktail bar.

 Tonic : Located in Rochester, MN, Tonic is a local kitchen and juice bar that uses locally sourced ingredients. Serving hearty breakfasts, wraps, salads, and soups, as well as juices featuring fresh berries and veggies, Tonic knows its community and its suppliers.