Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women
2025-01-21 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | MO
Multiple Day Event – Please Read:
This four-part farm succession planning workshop series is produced through a partnership by extension professionals at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Purdue University. Each session will be held at in-person sites across Kansas, Nebraska, and Indiana. The program will feature a livestreamed keynote presentation and local hands-on activity to motivate participants to create farm succession plans and facilitate family and business conversations around this vital topic. Sixty-three in-person sites are available across these three states, as well as a fully online version of the program.
Program Description
According to US Census data, 70% of U.S. farmland will transfer to the next generation in the next 20 years. The impact of farms transitioning, either successfully to the next generation or unsuccessfully in the form of a land and estate sale, has implications for rural communities and rural prosperity. As farms become fewer and larger, population decline has hurt many rural areas, affecting the economic viability of more than just those directly on farms.
This hands-on evening workshop series will provide educational presentations and resources to motivate participants to start the farm transition planning process or review their current transition plan. Communication, financial, and legal aspects will all be covered. The goal is for participants to acquire knowledge they can apply directly to their own farm/ranch situation.
Participants must register for the entire 4-part series, as sessions will build upon each other.
This program is just one example of K-State Research and Extension’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. While the program is designed to highlight women’s issues in agriculture, it is open to any participant without regard to sex.
For more information, contact Robin Reid, K-State Agricultural Economics at 785-532-0964 or robinreid@ksu.edu(link is external).
Program Schedule
**Note that times listed are in Central Time Zone. For the Syracuse & Goodland locations, all session will start at 4:30 pm Mountain Time***
January 21st, 2025:
5:00 pm Registration & Dinner
5:30 pm Motivation for Succession Planning – A Personal Story
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
January 28th, 2025:
5:00 pm Dinner
5:30 pm Family Communication around Estate and Transition Planning – Ashlee Westerhold and LaVell Winsor, K-State Ag Economics
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
February 4th, 2025:
5:00 pm Dinner
5:30 pm Financial Aspects of Estate and Transition Plans – Jessica Groskopf, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
February 11th, 2025:
5:00 pm Dinner
5:30 pm Legal Aspects of Putting Your Plan into Place – Holly Dobbs, Esq., Dobbs & Folz, LLC
7:00 pm Local Activity/Discussion
8:00 pm End
Registration Information
The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60.00 before Jan. 12th, 2025, which includes all four nights meals and educational materials. The fee increases to $75.00 after Jan. 12th, 2025, and a workbook is not guaranteed. For in-person registration, the fee will be collected at the local site the first night of the program. In-person participation is HIGHLY encouraged, if at all possible.
A fully online option is available for $75.00 for family members that may live out of state or people that cannot participate in an in-person site.

Kansas Black Farmers Association Quarterly Meeting
2025-01-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Bluemont Room K-State Student Union, 918 N M.L.K. Jr. Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States
Join us at the Bluemont Room in the K-State Student Union for an engaging event featuring the latest updates on programs like Land Access, Organic TOPP, and the 2501 Socially Disadvantaged initiative. Key discussions will explore the future of agriculture and land access, the vital connection between soil health and farm health, and updates from our partners at Sodexo and Freshpoint. Don’t miss our special guest speaker, Hardisha Fairbands from Global Impact Operations at General Mills, sharing her expertise on global agricultural operations and sustainability.
Kansas Black Farmers has an emphasis on supporting and educating black famers on resources.
Visit our website to register (free registration and event): KBFA | Kansas Black Farmers Association

2025 Regional Specialty Crop Training and Networking Workshops—KS Farm-to-School Program
2025-01-30 09:00 - 15:00 | ESSDACK Learning Center, 1500 E 11th Avenue, Hutchison, KS, United States
You are invited to attend the Farm to School Regional Workshops to explore ways to connect producers and schools to purchase locally grown Specialty Crop products! Registrations are limited. There are 4 workshops to choose from.
Learning/Networking Sessions are scheduled:

Thursday, January 30—Hutchinson – ESSDACK Learning Center, 1500 East 11th Ave. Deadline is January 16.

Thursday, February 6—Lyons- Rice County Extension Office, 701 E Main St. Deadline to register is January 23.

Friday, February 7—Caldwell – Sugar Sisters Restaurant, 20 S Main St. Deadline to register is January 24.

Tuesday, February 13—Kansas City, MO- Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, 3700 Woodland Ave. Deadline to register is January 30.

Workshops are scheduled 9am to 3pm.
Register here: 2025 Regional Specialty Crop Training and Networking Workshops—KS Farm-to-School Program — Kansas Specialty Crop Growers Association

NSAS Annual Healthy Farms Conference - 2025
2025-01-31 07:30 - 2025-02-01 17:00 | Lied Lodge and Conference Center, 2700 Sylvan Rd, Nebraska City, NE, 68410, United States
Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society (NSAS) is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization. Initiated over 40 years ago by farmer members, NSAS has grown into a dynamic organization with members from across Nebraska. We welcome farmers, eaters, supporters of local food and everyone with an interest in our lands and communities. Join us for the NSAS Annual Healthy Farms Conference in 2025!

When:

Jan 31, 2025, 7:30 AM – Feb 01, 2025, 5:00 PM

Where:

Lied Lodge and Conference Center,

2700 Sylvan Rd, Nebraska City, NE 68410, USA

Cost:
Range from $80.00 to $150.00

For more information, please visit the registration link: NSAS Annual Healthy Farms Conference – 2025 | My Site

KDA Farmer’s Market & Food Producer Workshop
2025-01-31 09:00 - 15:00 | Pottorf Hall, Riley County Fairgrounds, 1726 Avery Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66506, United States
The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer six regional Local Food Producer Workshops to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers.
Workshop topics will vary slightly by location. Highlighted topics include:

Marketing
Food Safety
Regulations on Selling Meat, Eggs and Poultry
Sales Tax for Vendors
Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Training

KDA’s weights and measures program will also offer free scale certification at the workshops for attendees.
Dates and locations for the Local Food Producer Workshops are as follows:
Friday, January 31 — Manhattan: Pottorf Hall, Riley County Fairgrounds
Saturday, February 1 — Wichita: Sedgwick County Extension Education Center
Friday, February 7 — Olathe: K-State Olathe
Friday, February 21 — Chanute: Neosho County Community College
Friday, February 28 — Hays: K-State Agricultural Research Center
Friday, March 28 — Garden City: Southwest Research–Extension Center
Registration for the workshops is now open and is $25 per participant. Registration and more information can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop, at K-State Research and Extension, ksre-learn.com/food-producer-workshops, or at local extension offices.
For more information, contact Robin Dolby, KDA’s From the Land of Kansas marketing coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or fromthelandofkansas@ks.gov. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and sponsored by KSRE and KDA.

Annual Farmers & Friends Meeting - Cultivate KC
2025-02-01 08:00 - 14:30 | El Torreon Event Space, 3101 Gillham Plaza, Kansas City, MO, 64109, United States
Every winter, Cultivate KC convenes local and regional farmers and food activists to connect, converse and contribute ideas regarding issues affecting our city’s urban farming community. This, our 20th anniversary event, will focus on the theme of The Past, Present, and Future of Farming in Kansas City.
We are excited to welcome our keynote speakers, Tepfirah Rushdan and Patrice Brown.
Event Schedule:

8:00 – 9:00: Coffee and Pie Potluck Breakfast!
9:00 – 9:30: Welcome & Presentation of the John Kaiahua Mentorship Award
9:40 – 10:40: Breakout session 1

Session Descriptions COMING SOON

10:50 – 11:50: Breakout session 2

Session Descriptions COMING SOON

11:50 – 12:30: Lunch – Pizza buffet, with poetry reading by Sharon Autry
12:30 – 1:30: KEYNOTE ADDRESS with Tepfirah Rushdan and Patrice Brown
1:30 – 2:30: Resource room, networking discussion tables, & seed swap
2:30 pm: Head out into the world renewed and inspired!

Come for the pie, stay for the conversation and connection! We can’t wait to see you all! Visit our site for additional information:
20th Annual Farmers & Friends Meeting – Cultivate KC

2025 Stone Co Livestock & Forage Conference
2025-02-06 18:00 - 20:45 | First Baptist Church, 30 Hallelujah Ave., Crane, MO, 65633, United States
This year’s program includes:

Matching Cows to Their Environment – Dr. Jamie Courter, MU Beef Genetics Specialist, Columbia
Forage Based Nutrition for Cows – Ian McGregor, Field Specialist in Livestock, Mt. Vernon
Ag Business Insights: What Livestock Producers Need to Know for 2025 – Jake Hefley, Field Specialist in Ag Business, Forsyth

There is no charge to attend thanks to our generous sponsors.
Registration information: Personal Information – 2025 Stone Co Livestock & Forage Conference
Contact: Tim Schnakenberg, SchnakenbergC@missouri.edu, 417-357-6812
Flyer

Location:

First Baptist Church
30 Hallelujah Ave.
Crane, MO 65633
Directions

Cultivating Community - Missouri Farmer's Market Assoc. 2025 Conference
2025-02-23 13:00 - 2025-02-24 17:00 | Neosho Public Library, 201 W Spring Street, Neosho, MO, 64850, United States
Join the MFMA (Missouri Farmer’s Market Association) on February 23 (Sunday-tour and social) and 24 (Conference) in Neosho, Missouri for their upcoming annual conference!
For information and registration – please visit their website: MISSOURI FARMERS MARKET ASSOCIATION – Home
Be sure to reach out so you don’t miss the Farm Tour at Lykou Lee Farm! You’ll also want to join them for the meet and greet at Indian Springs Brewing Company. For more information on this and more, follow this link: Conference – MISSOURI FARMERS MARKET ASSOCIATION
The conference will be held in the Community Room of the Neosho Public Library – amazing information, speakers, resources, and more!

Crack the Code on Pricing: Understand your Break-even Costs and Units
2025-02-26 11:30 - 12:30 | Callaway Chamber of Commerce, 510 Market Street, Fulton, MO, 65251, United States
Are you a small-scale farmer or food-based entrepreneur struggling to find the sweet spot between profit and customer satisfaction? Join this workshop where we’ll demystify the art of pricing your value-added food products. Mallory Rahe, from University of Missouri Extension will walk through an interactive session to set prices based on the cost of production and examine how your business profits could change under different sales goals or prices. Whether you’re selling at the farmers’ market, online, or through a CSA, this session will empower you to price your value-added food product with confidence and boost your bottom line!
For questions, please contact Mallory Rahe at Mallory.rahe@missouri.edu or 573-884-7606.
Register for this event at; https://business.callawaychamber.net/events/details/crack-the-code-on-pricing-understand-your-break-even-costs-and-units-11771
In Person Event in Fulton, Missouri

2nd Annual National Farm Stop Conference
2025-03-02 08:00 - 2025-03-04 17:00 | Washtenaw Community College, 1200 Packard Street, 4800 East Huron River Drive, MI, 48105, United States
The 2nd Annual National Farm Stop Conference will be held March 2–4, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, bringing together leaders from across the U.S. local food movement to explore the growth and future of the innovative “Farm Stop” retail model.
Farm Stops provide a year-round, daily platform for farmers to sell their products in an exclusively local, professional grocery setting. These unique stores prioritize small farm revenue, aiming to rebuild local food systems while offering consumers access to fresh, sustainably sourced products.
Over the past year, Farm Stops have experienced remarkable growth, with the model now expanding into over 10 states, from Washington to New York, and Michigan to South Carolina. This expansion reflects a growing demand for local food systems that strengthen communities and provide greater support to small farmers.
Unlike traditional grocery stores, the Farm Stop model allows farmers to retain ownership of their goods and set their own prices. Close communication between Farm Stops and farmers ensures robust year-round sales and exceptionally low food waste. The result is a win-win: farmers earn more, and consumers enjoy convenient access to high-quality, locally grown food.
Dates:
March 2–4, 2025
Location:
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Website:
farmstops.net
Hosted by Argus Farm Stop and presented in partnership with the Fair Food Network, the conference promises to be a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in the local food movement.
No refunds. Please visit the website for additional cost and travel information.

Food Biz Con - Learn, Launch, and Level Up Your Food Business!
2025-03-06 08:30 - 2025-03-07 18:00 | Mid-Continent Public Library – Woodneath Library Center, 8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64157, United States
Whether you are currently growing a food business or have an amazing idea for one, you’ll find something valuable at the 4th annual 2025 Food Business Conference on March 6th – 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
This free, two-day conference offers topics related to mobile food businesses, manufacturing, restaurants and agriculture. It also will connect food entrepreneurs with support organizations, coaches and information. A variety of sessions, workshops and networking opportunities will equip you with the tools to strengthen your business.
Whether you are currently open for business or still have a food business dream, we have what you need to learn, launch and level up your food business!
Time & Location

Mar 06, 2025, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM and Mar 07, 2025, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Kansas City, 8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157, USA
Register here for Day 1: Food Biz Con – Day 1 | Food Biz Con
Register here for Day 2: Food Biz Con – Day 2 | Food Biz Con
Registration is made free by a generous grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Kansas Agritourism Advantage Summit
2025-03-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Prairie Band Casino & Resort, 12305 150 Rd, Mayetta, KS, 66509, United States
Mastering Customer Service & Marketing
View the tentative schedule herePDF File.
We’re excited to have you join us for The Agritourism Advantage: Mastering Customer Service & Marketing Program! The program will take place on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Prairie Band Casino & Resort, 12305 150 Rd, Mayetta, Kansas 66509, beginning at 10:00 a.m. We’re looking forward to a day focused on strengthening your agritourism business!
Get ready for insightful discussions, expert-led sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. This workshop will dive into the golden standards of customer service and effective marketing strategies to help enhance your agritourism operation.
Registration is $15 and includes a full day of learning, lunch, and optional general consulting sessions once the program concludes. We look forward to seeing you there!
More info: Kansas Agritourism Advantage Summit

Food for Health Summit and Market, Kansas City
2025-03-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Avila University, 11901 Wornall Rd, Kansas, MO, 64145, United States
Coming together to learn about the soil and our health has never been more important. At the Food for Health Summit and Market, you have the unique opportunity to gain understanding about our food, your health, and to practice what you learn by purchasing farm-fresh food.
Where: HJ’s Community Center 6425 Wornall Rd, KCMO
When: March 29, 9am-2pm
Meet the Farmers!
Enjoy the great spring weather while visiting with farmers and learning about their specific offerings and growing methods.
Speakers & Farmer Panel!
Relax indoors while learning about the ways food has been used to influence and impact health.
Farm-Fresh Food
Savor a delightful array of food available for purchase from local farmers
Summit indoors 9:30am -12:30pm
Market outdoors 9am-2pm

This is a collaboration of The Food Circle, Brookside Farmers Market, HJ’s Community Center, and Greater KC Food Policy Coalition

National Rural Grocery Summit, Fargo, ND
2025-05-05 09:00 - 2025-05-07 17:00 | Holiday Inn, 3803 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND, 58103, United States
The Rural Grocery Initiative is excited to co-host the 2026 Summit with two organizations that have a long history of supporting rural grocers in their states: the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC).
The National Rural Grocery Summit, hosted every other year, is the premier networking and resource-sharing venue for independent grocers and rural food access stakeholders. It brings together grocery store owners and managers, community leaders, food suppliers, academic researchers, healthy food access stakeholders, policy makers, and funders to connect and share lessons learned. The event is focused on sustaining locally-owned rural grocery stores and improving access to healthy food in rural communities.
Don’t miss an announcement! Be the first to know when registration opens by signing up for email updates.
Key Information
The 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit will be held at the Holiday Inn – Fargo in Fargo, ND.
Opportunities to present will be launched in Summer 2025.
This event is not possible without sponsorship. Reach out to rgi@ksu.edu for more details on sponsorship.
Registration will open early 2026.
Summit Objectives
Explore the connections between rural grocery operations and community vitality
Provide rural grocery store owners and rural grocery stakeholders the opportunity to network and learn from each other
Highlight innovative models and strategies for strengthening healthy food retail in rural communities
Chart a path for robust rural food systems that improve the health and well-being of rural communities
For more info on attendance cost, travel, and more: Rural Grocery Summit 2026

Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation (El Dorado, Kansas)
2025-05-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Kansas Oil Museum, 383 E Central Ave, El Dorado, KS, 67042, United States
Step into the future of small business success with our immersive, day-long workshop designed especially for Small Business Owners. In the heart of Kansas, discover how artificial intelligence can streamline your operations, spark creative innovation, and elevate your marketing strategy—all tailored to your unique needs.
Session Highlights:
-Streamline & Save: Learn how AI can transform your daily operations by saving time, boosting efficiency, and simplifying your business processes.
-Master Prompt Engineering: Dive into the art of crafting powerful prompts to create eye-catching videos, vivid images, and detailed SOPs, putting cutting-edge technology at your fingertips.
-Everyday Uses: Get hands-on with practical marketing & financial analysis, while learning about cybersecurity.
Join us, Monday, May 5th, 2025, for an engaging and interactive day of learning, where you’ll gain actionable insights and practical tools to unlock the full potential of AI for your small business needs. Whether you’re looking to optimize operations, create compelling content, or revolutionize your marketing, this workshop is your gateway to a more streamlined, innovative future.
Reserve your spot today, as spots are limited, and take the first step towards transforming your business with AI
Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: HELD IN EL DORADO, KS
383 E Central Ave, El Dorado, KS 67042, Kansas Oil Museum
Link for more information: 05/05/25 – Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation

Farm & Food Business Workshop - Lincoln, NE
2025-05-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherry Creek Rd, Suite A, Lincoln, NE, 68528, United States
Farm & Food Business Workshop
Hosted by the Heartland Regional Food Business Center and the University of Nebraska Extension
Basic Information
Join us for a specialized business development workshop for food and farm entrepreneurs. In this workshop, you will learn about: Resources Available from the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, Marketing Best Practices, General Business Development, Distribution Strategies, and more. At each workshop, we will be joined by several resource providers, including the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Center for Rural Affairs, No More Empty Pots, and others (please note that resource providers may vary by location).
Other Details
You will receive a confirmation email with dates, locations, and times based on the workshop you registered for. Three workshops will be held and in three separate locations for your convenience! We will have one in Lincoln, one in Scottsbluff, and one in Grand Island! Click the Qualtrics link below to obtain more information. Thank you!
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
For questions, contact:
Rulon Taylor – rtaylor31@unl.edu

Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation (Wichita, KS)
2025-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th ST. N., Wichita, KS, 67260, United States
Step into the future of small business success with our immersive, day-long workshop designed especially for Small Business Owners. In the heart of Kansas, discover how artificial intelligence can streamline your operations, spark creative innovation, and elevate your marketing strategy—all tailored to your unique needs.
Session Highlights:
Streamline & Save: Learn how AI can transform your daily operations by saving time, boosting efficiency, and simplifying your business processes.
Master Prompt Engineering: Dive into the art of crafting powerful prompts to create eye-catching videos, vivid images, and detailed SOPs, putting cutting-edge technology at your fingertips.
Everyday Uses: Get hands-on with practical marketing & financial analysis, while learning about cybersecurity.
Join us, Friday, May 9th 2025 for an engaging and interactive day of learning, where you’ll gain actionable insights and practical tools to unlock the full potential of AI for your small business needs. Whether you’re looking to optimize operations, create compelling content, or revolutionize your marketing, this workshop is your gateway to a more streamlined, innovative future.
Reserve your spot today, as spots are limited, and take the first step towards transforming your business with AI
Date: Friday, May 9th, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: HELD IN WICHITA, KS
5015 E. 29th St N. Wichita, KS. Hughes Metropolitan Complex
Link for more information: 05/09/25 – Unlock AI for Your Business: A Day of Innovation

Farm & Food Business Workshop - Scottsbluff, NE
2025-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Panhandle REC, 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361, United States

Farm & Food Business Workshop - Grand Island, NE
2025-06-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Hall County Extension, 3180 W Highway 34, Grand Island, NE, 68801, United States

What's on Your Label? -A Bite-Sized Food Labeling Course for Small Food Businesses
2025-06-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Polk County Extension and Outreach, 1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A, Altoona, IA, 50009, United States
We’re excited to offer a new hands-on workshop this summer titled “What’s on Your Label? A Bite-Sized Food Labeling Course,” designed to help small food businesses navigate the complexities of food labeling regulations.
Important Details
Held on June 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in Altoona, Iowa, at
Polk County Extension and Outreach
1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A
Altoona, IA 50009
(Virtual option available)
Led by Troy Crowe, a food scientist with over 30 years of experience in product and process development, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, technical solutions, formula optimization, plant operations and management, and Quality Systems.
Workshop registration is $50, and space is limited to ensure a quality experience for all participants.
Please register by June 2, 2025.
Seats are limited, and registration closes June 2, 2025.
Click here to register
Questions
Email Alex Van Alstyne, Food Business Specialist, Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
alexv@iastate.edu

QuickBooks Online for Beginners
2025-06-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th ST. N., Wichita, KS, 67260, United States
Learn how to use QuickBooks Online software to help manage your company’s finances from anywhere using the cloud. This webinar covers setting up your company account, navigating the user interface, recording common transactions, and running reports to assess your company’s performance. Learn how to set up products and services, customers, vendors, sales tax, and more. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Tuesday, June 10 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: In Person. Hughes Metropolitan Complex 5015 E. 29th ST. N. Wichita, KS 67260
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, June 9th, 2025
For more information: 06/10/25 – QuickBooks Online for Beginners

QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users
2025-06-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th ST. N., Wichita, KS, 67260, United States
Build on the skills learned in the Beginners course and learn how to make the most of this cloud-based accounting software to manage your company’s finances more efficiently. This webinar covers more complex concepts including setting up sales tax, creating estimates, recurring transactions, inventory management, journal entries, and payroll. Also learn how to manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, reconcile accounts, and analyze reports. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Tuesday, June 10th 2025
Time: 1:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: IN Person. Hughes Metropolitan Complex 5015 E. 29th ST. N. Wichita, KS 67260
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, June 9th, 2025
For more info: 06/10/25 – QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users

Farm & Food Celebration - Iowa
2025-06-13 10:00 - 19:00 | Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center, 1115 8th Ave, Grinnell, IA, 50112, United States
Join us on Friday, June 13, in Grinnell, Iowa for the first ever Farm & Food Celebration!

This bi-annual event, hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition, in partnership with the Iowa Food System Coalition, will feature farm tours, local eats, and celebrate Iowa’s food systems. Join us to learn from local farmers and food businesses, and engage with food system practitioners, early care providers and other food system organizations.
The Farm & Food Celebration will be hosted every other year, alternating with the Community Food Systems + Farm to School and Early Care Conference. The purpose of this bi-annual event is to provide space for engagement and networking in the off-year.

We want this event to be accessible to all. We are offering the following registration options so you can select the best fit for your schedule.
Full Day: $100 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm)
Community Dinner Only: $50 (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm)

Scholarships: Apply by May 16
For more information and to join us: Farm & Food Celebration | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development
Bre Miller

millerb@iastate.edu
(515) 294-3086

Harvest Your Brand: A SKF Marketing Workshop for Growers
2025-06-16 10:00 - 13:00 | American Ag Credit Building, 4105 North Ridge Road, Wichita, KS, 67202, United States
This half-day workshop led by Laurie Bruce from Bruce’s Bullseye Farms will provide you with the tools and strategies needed to build a strong brand presence and the ability to market your products successfully.
What You’ll Learn:
Developing your brand and look
Crafting your story and hook
Planning your website and social media strategy
The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 16 at the American AgCredit building, 4105 North Ridge Road in Wichita.
Lunch will be provided.
Space is limited to 15.
For more info: Harvest Your Brand: A SKF Marketing Workshop for Growers in Wichita | Shop Kansas Farms | Brought to you by Kansas Farm Bureau

Regional Buffalo to School Conference - Rapid City, SD
2025-06-22 07:30 - 2025-06-24 19:30 | Western Dakota Technical College, 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD, 57703, United States
TRAINING
Join us for this first-of-its-kind training designed to help school food service staff, school administrators and buffalo producers begin or continue Indigenizing school meal menus with buffalo!
All are welcome to join us for the pre-training Cultural Buffalo Harvest with Lisa & Arlo Iron Cloud Sunday, June 22 at the Dakota Partnership Ranch. Then, the training will take place at Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City, South Dakota on Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24. You won’t want to miss the Taste of Indian Country – A Celebratory Indigenous Food Tasting Event with Chef Sean Sherman on Monday evening!
We’ll celebrate the cultural, spiritual, ecological, and nutritional importance of the buffalo; figure out the logistics of getting buffalo from the prairie to the plate and build connections among like-minded folks working on this issue. There will be special, hands-on content for school chefs focused on incorporating buffalo into school meal menus and preparing recipes with various cuts of buffalo.
Learn more, check out the agenda, register, sign up to have a booth, and more here.
Contact KayAnn or Lisa with questions: kayann@mtpech.org; lisa@mtpech.org
EARLY BIRD Registration, $85
REGULAR Registration, $125
LAST-MINUTE/ONSITE Registration, $165
This event is brought to you by Intertribal Buffalo Council, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Buffalo Authority Corporation, Tanka Fund, the Great Plains Food Sovereignty Corporation, World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Partnership with Native Americans, and other partners.

Harvest Your Brand: A SKF Marketing Workshop for Growers
2025-06-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Douglas County Farm Bureau Building, 101 West 10th Street, Suite B, Eudora, KS, 66025, United States
This half-day workshop led by Megan Gilliland from Next to Nature Farm will provide you with the tools and strategies needed to build a strong brand presence and the ability to market your products successfully.
What You’ll Learn:
Developing your brand and look
Crafting your story and hook
Planning your website and social media strategy
The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 23 at the Douglas County Farm Bureau building, 101 West 10th Street, Suite B in Eudora.
Lunch will be provided.
Space is limited to 15.
For more info: Harvest Your Brand: A SKF Marketing Workshop for Growers in Eudora | Shop Kansas Farms | Brought to you by Kansas Farm Bureau

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference - Kansas
2025-06-25 08:00 - 2025-06-27 17:00 | The Hangar, 126 North Main Street, Kingman, KS, 67068, United States
Entrepreneurial communities are those cities, neighborhoods, or townships that are continuously working to develop an environment that fosters entrepreneurship to promote community economic development. They have created networks, cultures, resources, and policies enabling invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Whether you work in economic development, business, arts and culture, government, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, or education, you have an important role in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurial development in communities. There is something for everyone!
The first-ever Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference will be held in Kingman, Kansas, on June 26, and 27, 2025 with a pre-conference concert event on June 25.
June 20th is the deadline to register at the normal conference rate. After June 20th, the cost of registration will be $200.
If you need to cancel your registration, email nkdaniels@ksu.edu. Refunds are available if canceled by June 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities gathering is held over four blocks in downtown Kingman, Kansas. Participants have 15 minutes to move from workshop to workshop. Each workshop is held in a downtown venue or business. The downtown streets are accessible; however, many events take place in historic buildings and may not be fully ADA-compliant. If you have questions about accessibility, please reach out to Emily Everts, Accommodations Specialist at eeverts@ksu.edu or 785/532-1908.
Due to limited lodging, rooms have been blocked at most locations. Please call the hotel/lodge/bnb and tell them you are booking for the conference. Don’t try to book online. In addition, there are several AirBnB options in the area.
For additional information: Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
Event Agenda: CEC 2025 Agenda

Building Blocks 101: Essentials for Starting a Business - Sioux City, Iowa
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Western Iowa Tech Community College, 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IA, 51106, United States
Thinking about starting your own business? Not sure where to begin?
Join the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Iowa Tech for our Intro to Business Workshop — a free, monthly session designed to help new and aspiring entrepreneurs build a solid foundation for success.

Each workshop will walk you through the essentials of launching a business, including business structure, strategic planning, and critical next steps. Whether you have a fully formed idea or are just starting to explore entrepreneurship, this workshop will give you practical tools, resources, and expert advice to confidently move forward.

Workshops are held the first Tuesday of every month. Tuesday, July 8th 12:00 PM (Noon) Western Iowa Tech Community College4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IARoom L136 (across from the cafeteria)

Cost: FREE
More info: Building Blocks 101: Essentials for Starting a Business – Iowa SBDC

2025 Small Business Marketing Meetup - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-07-11 10:00 - 14:15 | Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th ST. N., Wichita, KS, 67260, United States
Elevate your marketing with real-world strategies, expert insights, and practical tools designed for small businesses. This year’s Marketing Meetup brings together marketing professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs for an energizing day of hands-on learning. Dive into sessions on sharpening your marketing strategy, leveraging data-driven research, and uncovering hidden website pitfalls. You’ll also explore the power of Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to boost your local reach without needing a mailing list.
Walk away inspired and equipped with actionable tactics to improve your customer journey, increase visibility, and drive real results, starting now!
Morning Session
Better Strategy, Better Results – Presented by Doug Stucky- Assistant Dean and Director of Curriculum and Program Development
Work through practical exercises to sharpen your marketing strategy and boost results. Learn to read customer and industry signals, improve the customer journey, and stand out in your market—all while building a focused, winning strategy you can start using immediately.
Breakout Session
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) – Presented by Koell Collins- Wichita American Marketing Association, Programming VP & Founder, STBL Strategies
Learn how to use EDDM, a low-cost USPS program, to target neighborhoods without a mailing list. Discover how this powerful tool can help small businesses and local organizations increase visibility and grow their customer base efficiently.
Breakout Session
The Hidden Costs of a Bad Website – Presented by Marisa Vanskiver- CEO and Senior Educator
Discover how your website might be secretly costing you leads and sales. This talk reveals the hidden drains of poor user experience (UX) and inaccessible design, and then provides simple, actionable tweaks you can implement right away to boost your online performance and stop the leak of potential revenue.
Afternoon Session
From Ideas to Impact: Using Research To Build Your Business – Presented by Dr. Lynn Matthews- Assistant Professor of Marketing, Barton School of Business, Wichita State University
Turn instincts into impact by learning how to use research to guide your business decisions. Discover how to frame the right questions, choose effective research methods, and apply insights that drive smart, strategic growth.
Date: Friday, July 11th, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:15 pm (Check-in at 9:30 am)
Cost: $10.00 to attend. Registration is required.
Registration closes on Monday, July 7th, 2025
More Info: 07/11/25 – Small Business Marketing Meetup
**Disclaimer: Sessions will not be recorded. However, all attendees will receive presentation materials via email after the event. Lunch will be available for purchase. Please note that per SBDC policy, refunds are not available. Free parking is provided at the WSU Metroplex.

Shop Kansas Farms - Market of Farms at The Heritage Andover
2025-07-12 09:00 - 15:00 | The Heritage in Andover, 360 South Heritage Way, Andover, KS, United States
We’re thrilled to announce our next Market of Farms will take place at The Heritage in Andover on July 12! This stunning new development blends luxury apartments, vibrant commercial spaces, and scenic views with a welcoming public plaza.
For a unique twist, we’ll be setting up inside the parking garage — offering a fresh and exciting atmosphere unlike any of our previous Market of Farms events.
Sell your products to consumers who want to connect directly with growers.
For more info: Andover Market of Farms sponsored by The Heritage | Shop Kansas Farms | Brought to you by Kansas Farm Bureau
