Keynote Speakers
Wednesday Keynote Speaker, located in Ballroom 4 from 1-2p
Michelle Miller
The most effective voices in agriculture today aren’t just responding to misinformation—they’re reshaping the entire narrative. Michelle Miller, widely known as “The Farm Babe,” is one of those voices. She builds bridges between farmers and the public through a blend of storytelling, science, and humor that educates consumers, influences policy conversations, and celebrates the people who grow our food.
For more than a decade, Michelle has worked alongside farmers, ranchers, scientists, and food-system leaders across the globe—debunking myths, spotlighting innovation, and showing millions of people what modern agriculture really looks like. With a background in communications, journalism, and hands-on farm experience, she has built a platform reaching over 5 million people each month and a community of 400,000+ followers across her channels.
In a world overwhelmed by food fear and misinformation, Michelle believes real progress starts with transparency. Whether she’s on stage, posting on social media, traveling in her Sprinter van for on-farm video shoots, or organizing first-of-its-kind events like the Farm Cruise—a floating farm conference—her mission remains the same: break down silos between rural and urban, science and emotion, activism and truth.
Michelle’s work sits at the intersection of public education, policy, and culture. Today’s agricultural challenges—climate policy, biotech regulation, shifting consumer trends—require leadership grounded in facts, fluent in storytelling, and bold enough to stand up for farmers. That is exactly what Michelle brings to every partnership: energy, influence, and a commitment to making agriculture understood, supported, and celebrated.
Michelle is a trusted, powerful voice who helps audiences reconnect with the story of their food.
Thursday Keynote Speaker, located in Ballroom 4 from 1-2p
Daryl Ritchison
Daryl Ritchison holds the positions of Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (N-DAWN) and State Climatologist for North Dakota. He holds undergraduate degrees in Earth Science, Geography, and Geology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and master’s degrees in Geography with an emphasis in Atmospheric Sciences and Business Administration.
His professional responsibilities include conducting research, providing public outreach and tool development for NDAWN, a network of 253 weather stations spanning North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. As State Climatologist, he monitors climate trends in North Dakota, ensures the integrity of weather and soil water observations, collaborates with emergency managers on weather and climate-related issues, provides climate summaries, maintains official records for North Dakota, and serves on various committees.
Additionally, Daryl is a sought-after public speaker, sharing expertise on weather forecasts for agricultural regions, NDAWN utilization, weather risk management, and climate-related topics.
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