The Minnesota Farmfest and Dakotafest have both canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, IDEAg Group LLC., the producers of the event announced.
IDEAg Group is owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
“We announce this decision with great disappointment but the well-being of our exhibitors, attendees, staff, volunteers and their families is paramount,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a statement. “We understand the impact this has on the ag community, but simply put, it is the right decision to make in these uncertain times.”
Farmfest was scheduled for Aug. 4-6 in Redwood County, Minnesota. The event has been going for 38 years. Dakotafest was set to to take place in Mitchell, South Dakota on Aug. 18-20, it was planning to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
“The Farmfest Political Forums are a highly anticipated part of our annual event, especially for the state’s ag industry and in this important election year,” said Melissa Sanders Carroll, executive director, IDEAg. “Providing people a virtual opportunity to learn about and participate in the issues that directly impact their farms, lives and families is essential to us.”
Virtual activities will be held on Farmfest.com and Dakotafest.com.