GILFILLAN ESTATES — Minnesota Farmfest 2021 returns to Gilfillan Estates Aug. 3-5 with self-driving mowers, spray drone and farm safety demonstrations, and ag policy discussions.

The pavilion schedule includes giveaways including sunblock, prescription deactivation kits, personal protective equipment, and resources in respiratory protection, grain bin health and safety, mental health, ATV, UTV, and youth farm safety.

Cowbot, an autonomous mower developed and tested by the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Development Center, and the Toro Company for mowing down cattle pastures, will be demonstrated at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily between 1st and 2nd streets.

An open, moderated panel discussion of U.S. ag policy followed by audience questions begins at 10:30 a.m., Aug. 3, in the Farmfest Center.

Invited panelists include Congress members Jim Hagedorn and Michelle Fischbach, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, American Farm Bureau President “Zippy” Duvall, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew, American Soybean Association Board Chairman Bill Gordon, and former USDA Agriculture Under Secretary Bill Northey.

A session on climate change, carbon sequestration and discussion of carbon credits, ag policy incentives, CRP, and other conservation programs begins at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 3.

Panelists include Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, 2021 American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award winner Brian Ryberg of Buffalo Lake, and Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Hall of Famer and Brooten cattle producer John Reed.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation sponsors a free pancake breakfast to the first 1,000 people in the Farmfest Center at 8 a.m., Aug. 4.

A forum on Farm Bill recommendations and tax policy begins at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4, in the Farmfest Center. Panelists include former Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson, National Cattleman’s Beef Association President Don Schiefelbein, National Corn Growers Association Vice President Tom Haag, Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap, Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish, Murdock farmer Mike Yost and Minnesota Milk Producers Association Executive Director Lucas Sjostrom.

Beginning at 1:15 p.m., panelists will discuss the Biden Administration’s U.S. energy plan and Minnesota clean energy plan, and how expansion of ethanol, biodiesel, and other renewable fuels fit and the limitations of wind, solar, and electrical energy.

Speakers include Congresswoman Angie Craig, Sen. Tina Smith, Minnesota State Sen. Gary Dahms, Minnesota Corn Growers President Tim Waibel of Courtland, and others.

The 2021 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year will be honored following a 10 a.m. discussion on women in agriculture in the Farmfest Center.

Tickets are $8 online, $10 at the gate.

Visit https://www.ideagroup.com for more information.