Keith Olander presents at IFMA25, bringing Minnesota’s Farm Business Management expertise into a worldwide conversation.
ROSARIO, Argentina. (February 2026) – During the week of February 23–27, 2026, AgCentric Executive Director Keith Olander traveled to Rosario, Argentina to participate in the 25th International Farm Management Congress (IFMA25).
Keith attended as both a participant and presenter, contributing to the global conversation on farm management and agricultural education. He was joined on the trip by his wife, Denise.
The International Farm Management Association Congress is a globally recognized event that brings together agricultural professionals, educators, researchers, and policymakers from around the world to share knowledge, research, and innovation in farm management, agribusiness, and rural development.
A Global Perspective on Agriculture
Held in the heart of Argentina’s agricultural region along the Paraná River, IFMA25 provided a unique opportunity to experience agriculture on a global scale.
The week included:
- Plenary sessions featuring international speakers and emerging topics
- Research presentations and case studies from across the world
- Farm tours and field visits showcasing diverse agricultural systems
- Networking with professionals working in farm management across multiple countries
As a presenter, Keith had the opportunity to share insights from Minnesota while also learning directly from global peers.
“The real value in attending an international conference and spending time on farms with peers allows for me, as a leader of AgCentric, to gauge our effectiveness and value on an international scale of comparison,” said Olander.
Real-World Challenges in Argentina Agriculture
One of the most notable observations from the experience was the difference in infrastructure.
In Argentina, many rural roads function more like farm roads than the well-maintained systems commonly seen in the United States. Travel speeds are often limited to around 30 miles per hour due to rough, uneven conditions.
These challenges create real impacts for agriculture, including:
- Slower transportation of crops and inputs
- Increased wear and tear on equipment
- Added time and cost when moving commodities to market
This perspective highlights how infrastructure plays a critical role in the efficiency and profitability of agricultural systems.
Comparing Argentina and the United States
The experience also highlighted key differences between agriculture in Argentina and the United States.
While both regions are highly productive and agriculturally driven, factors such as infrastructure, logistics, and access to resources can significantly influence farm management decisions.
These insights provide valuable context for understanding:
- How geography and infrastructure impact efficiency
- Differences in production systems and logistics
- Opportunities to learn from global agricultural practices
Bringing Value Back to Minnesota
Keith’s participation in IFMA25 reinforced the strength of Minnesota’s Farm Business Management (FBM) programs.
Through conversations and presentations, it became clear that Minnesota’s approach is recognized for its:
- Structured programming
- Data-driven decision making
- Direct impact on farm profitability
“Another value I find in this experience is the opportunity to network with peers globally and compare best practices in supporting farmers in the area of record keeping and benchmarking,” Olander added.
At the same time, the Congress highlighted opportunities to continue learning from international partners, particularly in areas such as:
- Risk management strategies
- Technology adoption
- Global market awareness
Strengthening Global Connections
Beyond the sessions and tours, IFMA25 served as a platform for building relationships with agricultural leaders from around the world.
These connections help strengthen AgCentric’s ability to bring new ideas and perspectives back to Minnesota, benefiting students, educators, and industry partners.
Continuing to Advance Agricultural Education
Experiences like IFMA25 highlight the importance of staying connected to global agriculture.
By sharing Minnesota’s story and learning from others, AgCentric continues to support innovation, strengthen farm management education, and prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals.
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