Cropping Systems and Specialty Crop Innovation

Two University of Minnesota experts present to a group on the edge of a cornfield

To stay competitive in a global market, Minnesota must lead in both traditional row crops and high-value specialty sectors. AGREETT drives innovation in plant breeding, pest management, and crop diversification in commodity cropping systems as well as emerging and specialty crop systems. By developing new varieties and management strategies, AGREETT experts help farmers of all sizes improve yields and navigate challenges related to nutrient management, weather variability, and pest management. This work provides the foundation for Minnesota’s $112+ billion agriculture and food sector while also helping local food systems thrive.

Recent News

Workshops allow growers to explore innovative storage options

May 18, 2026

AGREETT Extension educator Annalisa Hultberg partnered with Whole Farm Strategies to host a hands-on workshop to walk farmers through how to build a produce cooler themselves. Walk-in produce coolers are beneficial for maintaining produce quality and safety as well as for farmers' profits, but the upfront cost of a new, traditional cooler are often cost prohibitive.

Meet the AGREETT cropping systems and specialty crops innovation experts

Annalisa Hultberg

Extension educator, Food Safety

Hultberg leads education on on-farm food safety and GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) to help farmers and gardeners keep their fresh fruit and vegetables safe and free from contaminants that can cause foodborne illness.

Learn more about Hultberg’s work:

Bailey Tangen

Extension educator, Water Resources & Soil Health

Tangen delivers research-based education that increases soil literacy, improves soil health and water quality, boosts farm profitability, and supports resilient agricultural communities

Learn more about Tangen’s work:

Brandon Miller

Assistant Professor, Horticultural Science

Miller supports the nursery and landscape industries through the development, production, and use of novel specialty perennial horticultural crops adapted to cultivation in northern climates.

Learn more about Miller’s work:

Debalin Sarangi

Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Scientist

Sarangi develops integrated weed management strategies to combat herbicide resistance in row crops and works with farmers to implement best management practices.

Learn more about Sarangi's work:

Jacob Jungers

Associate Professor, Agronomy and Plant Genetics

Jungers leads research focused on improving the profitability and sustainability of cropping systems and teaches undergraduate courses in the Plant Sciences major.

Learn more about Jungers’ work:

Jennifer Kimball

Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Plant Genetics

Kimball works across cultivated wild rice breeding, genetics, and agroecology to improve productivity and resilience while supporting long-term stewardship of Minnesota’s wild rice systems.

Learn more about Kimball’s work:

Laura Shannon

Associate Professor, Horticultural Science

Shannon uses genetics and breeding to develop more resilient and high-yielding potato varieties for Minnesota and teaches courses in genetics and breeding.

Learn more about Shannon’s work:

Lindsay Pease

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist

Pease leads research and works with farmers on drainage water management to reduce nutrient runoff and improve soil health in northern climates.

Learn more about Pease’s work:

Madeline Wimmer

Extension educator, Food Systems - Fruit Production

Wimmer works with fruit growers throughout Minnesota to help growers succeed in specialty crop markets and implement sustainable management practices.

Learn more about Wimmer’s work:

Matt Pfarr

Extension educator, Crops

Pfarr connects farmers and ag professionals with research-based solutions for crop management and agricultural technology.

Learn more about Pfarr's work:

Megan McCaghey

Assistant Professor, Plant Pathology

McCaghey studies soil-borne fungi that cause crop diseases, with a focus on understanding the ecology and epidemiology of soil-associated fungi and oomycetes and enhancing disease resistance to improve management.

Learn more about McCaghey’s work:

Melissa Wilson

Associate Professor and Extension Specialist

Wilson evaluates manure handling techniques and studies manure nutrient cycling to increase awareness and adoption of best practices and technologies that benefit farmers and reduce water quality impacts.

Learn more about Wilson’s work:

Natalie Hoidal

Extension educator, Fruit and Vegetable Production

Hoidal works with Minnesota's 3,000+ vegetable farmers on all aspects of vegetable production to support fresh market growers’ success and sustainability.

Learn more about Hoidal’s work:

Tim Gieseke

Extension educator, Agricultural Water Management

Gieseke leads statewide irrigation certification and drainage management programs to help Minnesota farmers optimize crop yields while protecting vital groundwater and watershed health.

Learn more about Gieseke’s work:

Yuxin Miao

Professor, Soil, Water and Climate

Miao develops precision agricultural management approaches focused on nitrogen management to optimize crop yields, resource use efficiency and profitability while protecting the environment and also teaches precision agriculture and nutrient management courses.

Learn more about Miao’s work: