In this episode of the Chamber Link, host Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce for the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, dives into the intersection of agriculture, innovation and economic growth. Joined by Andrew Jason (Ecosystems Director at Grand Farm) and Allison Weckman (National Science Foundation AgTech Engine in North Dakota), the conversation previews the highly anticipated AgTech Week Fargo. From massive federal investments to on-farm testing networks, discover how the Red River Valley is solidifying its legacy as a global leader in agricultural technology.Key Highlights From the EpisodeThe Midwest Agriculture Summit: AgTech Week officially kicks off on Tuesday, June 9, with the Chamber’s morning summit at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. The event features a powerhouse lineup, including the agriculture commissioners of North Dakota and Minnesota, the agriculture secretary of South Dakota and international perspectives from the Consul Generals of China, Canada and Mexico.NSF AgTech Engine & Field Forward: North Dakota hosts one of only nine regional innovation engines funded by the National Science Foundation, focusing on food security and blending modern technology with the generational knowledge of five tribal nations. The engine, which represents an investment of up to $180 million over 10 years, has successfully moved into its next phase of funding. They will host a free “Field Forward” event on Tuesday afternoon at Crooked Lane Farm, featuring live technology demos and on-farm testing insights from partners like AgLaunch.Grand Farm’s Cultivate Conference: Happening on Thursday, June 11, at the Sinclair Event Center, this conference will launch the Regional Agriculture Pain Point Report, outlining the top five challenges producers face. Content will be curated around these challenges, featuring over 50 speakers addressing crop diversification, agricultural cooperatives and new technologies.USDA National Proving Grounds Network: Grand Farm recently launched a pilot partnership with the USDA to scientifically evaluate and validate the return on investment (ROI) of novel technologies, starting with weed detection and destruction capabilities (such as lasers and see-and-spray systems). Testing is taking place both in North Dakota and through a partnership with the University of Georgia.A Fully Loaded AgTech Week: The week also features Bushel’s customer conference on Wednesday—highlighting how the local software company is digitizing grain delivery tickets—and wraps up on Friday with the Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society’s organic and regenerative AgTech field day at Grand Farm.