AURI

2 weeks left to apply! The Minnesota Cup offers mentorship, networking & a shot at $400K in non-dilutive funding. Open to MN startups under $1M in revenue. Apply by April 3. Got an idea? Go for it. #MinnesotaCup zurl.co/PnGyE

Last month at the Partners in Ag Innovation Conference, Brad Matuska, Business Development Director of Biomass Feedstocks at AURI, joined the conversation on advancing agriculture and building new opportunities across the industry.

🌱 National Ag Week Agriculture is more than what’s grown, it’s what’s possible. At AURI, we’re proud to support the people and ideas that are expanding the future of agriculture.

Join AURI this Wednesday (March 18, 12–1 PM CT) for a free webinar on emerging non-forage uses for alfalfa, from food applications to new protein technologies. Speakers: Beth Nelson, Meir Wachs, & Lynn Brakke. Free, but registration required. zurl.co/ukurl

Beyond Forage: Expanding Alfalfa’s Potential for Food Innovation Join us March 18 (12–1 PM) for a free webinar exploring emerging non-forage uses for alfalfa, including food applications and new protein technologies. Registration required: zurl.co/MFSmH

Help lead the next generation in agriculture! The Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (MARL) Program is now accepting applications for its next class through March 31. Apply here: zurl.co/LNgkT

Only a few seats remain for our Food Safety Assessment Pilot Program! Get a FREE one-day evaluation from a food safety expert plus a written assessment with compliance insights, risks & action steps for your food safety plan. zurl.co/VmmjU

In the latest Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman talks with Devin Hoffarth of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association about market development, new uses for corn, and collaborations driving innovation in the corn sector. zurl.co/g2SQ9

Thanks to our sponsors for supporting Fields of Innovation–Beyond Forage webinar March 18: 12–1 p.m. CT Your partnership helps drive new opportunities in alfalfa, from food innovation to protein tech. Free to attend. Register now! Part 2 on April 16! zurl.co/8Oj8s

Minnesota food businesses: AURI’s Food Safety Cost-Share Pilot Program is now open. ✅ 50% reimbursement (up to $2,500) ✅ First-come, first-served ✅ Support for critical food safety improvements Funds are limited. auri.org/food-safety-co…

Join AURI’s Fields of Innovation –Beyond Forage: Expanding Alfalfa’s Potential for Food Innovation (Part 1) March 18 from 12-1 p.m. to explore emerging non-forage markets & new protein technologies. Save the date for April 16 (Part 2). zurl.co/7s0uW

We extend our sincere thanks to Rep. Rick Hanson for his dedicated service on the AURI board! Over the past year, Rep. Hanson has provided thoughtful leadership and strong advocacy for agricultural innovation in his role as co-chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

The latest U.S. biogas report from the American Biogas Council shows strong growth in 2025: 🔹 70 new projects 🔹 $2B+ in new infrastructure 🔹 Capacity up 7.5% — enough to power 5.2M homes 🔹 Nearly 2,600 systems nationwide Read it here: americanbiogascouncil.org/investment-in-…

🎙️ New Ag Innovation News Podcast! Host Jamie Dickerman talks with Mary Oudekerk of 504 Corporation about how SBA 504 loans support MN ag & manufacturing businesses. Learn eligibility, benefits & how to apply. 🎧 Listen: youtu.be/bGVVLbuwK1I?si…

We are looking forward to seeing the American Biogas Council's newly released report tomorrow!

Join us for Fields of Innovation – Beyond Forage (Part 1) and explore human-grade food uses, RuBisCO protein extraction, and new markets boosting grower profitability. 📅 March 18 | 12 PM CT 💻 Free (registration required) 👉 zurl.co/3CekH

Meat processors in Minnesota — this one’s for you. We are offering a FREE pilot of the Meat and Poultry Benchmarking Service.📊 Compare financial performance 🔒 100% confidential 🚀 Unlock operational improvements: auri.org/wp-content/upl…

Big news for Minnesota ag! 🌱 AURI has elected Brian Hansen (Scoular) and Rep. Paul Anderson to its Board of Directors. Their expertise in food innovation, farming, and policy will help grow markets and strengthen rural economies statewide. Learn more: zurl.co/OsYp1

🌱 Fields of Innovation – Beyond Forage (Part 1) Alfalfa’s future goes beyond feed. Join AURI to explore food-grade uses, novel protein extraction and new market opportunities for growers. 📅 March 18 | 12–1 PM CT 💻 Free (registration required) 👉 zurl.co/3CekH

Excited to join @MBOLDmn’s Fueling the Future: Protein, Sustainability & Entrepreneurship this week — featuring AURI’s Shannon Schlecht and Jason Robinson as speakers. 🗓 Feb 12 | 5–7:30 PM 📍 SunOpta HQ, Eden Prairie Register: zurl.co/c0v21