By Blake Jackson
The Midwestern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (MASDA) gathered in Madison, Wisconsin, from June 22-24, 2026, for its annual regional meeting, bringing together agricultural leaders from 13 Midwestern states.
Hosted by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski, who currently serves as MASDA President, the event featured business meetings, educational panels, and tours highlighting Wisconsin’s agricultural strengths.
“It has been an honor to lead the MASDA organization this year, facilitating conversations and connecting the dots across the region,” said Romanski. “I was proud to welcome the meeting attendees to Wisconsin and showcase the diversity of the state’s agriculture industry.”
Representatives from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin met to discuss regional agricultural priorities, policy issues, and opportunities for collaboration.
Attendees explored Wisconsin’s leadership in bovine genetics, conservation practices, and meat and dairy processing through a series of industry tours.
The conference also featured panel discussions focused on youth involvement in agriculture, the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports.
The meeting also included a session of the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export Midwest), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding export opportunities for Midwestern food producers.
During the event, Romanski was elected President of Food Export Midwest, where he will help guide the organization’s efforts to strengthen agricultural trade across international markets.
The next MASDA and Food Export Midwest meetings are scheduled to take place during the 2026 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting in September 2026.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Government & Policy