Great Plains Growers Conference
2024-01-11 - 2024-01-13 | Missouri Western University, 4525 Downs Drive, Saint Joseph, MO, 64507, United States
Great Plains Growers Conference (GPGC) is a great local conference for commercial fruit and vegetable producers from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and other Midwest states providing research-based information, from both vegetable research specialists and local growers, to help your farms grow and thrive.
Numerous topics will be covered in tracks and workshops, including two workshops that will be offered for FREE on Thursday, Jan 11: Worker Protection Standard Pesticide Safety/Produce Safety and Farm to School Grower Training.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Remote
2024-01-24 - 2024-01-25 | Zoom Meeting
THIS IS A TWO-DAY EVENT:
In light of the Covid19 situation, University of Missouri Extension and Kansas State Research and Extension are partnering to offer the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training remotely. The class will take place on January 24 AND January 25 from 1-5PM CDT each day. In order to receive a certificate of training, you will have to attend the entire training on both days, and we must be able to see a live video feed of you at least periodically throughout the entire training (or you need to speak or type into the chat when requested) to ensure that you are engaged throughout the entire training. You must participate in the training on a device larger than your phone (i.e. tablet or computer).
Note that it is very important that you are listening and engaged during the training to be eligible to receive the certificate of training. If you are a covered farm under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and need the training, this course will meet that requirement (for more information visit https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/produce/fsma/index.html). You will be required to return a course evaluation before you will receive your certificate of training.
This training is geared for produce growers in Kansas and Missouri (but participants from other states are welcome as space allows) and other regulatory or support personnel and will be limited to 30 participants. Registration will close on January 19 at 4PM.
Who to contact: If you are a Missouri grower and would like more information, please contact or Patrick Byers (417-859-2044 or byerspl@missouri.edu). If you are a Kansas grower and would like more information, please contact Katelynn Stull at kjstull@ksu.edu
Note that we need your shipping address to know where to mail your manual before the training and to know where to mail your certificate after you have completed all the requirements of the training. Please list a mailing address where we will be able to mail your manual for you to use during the training.
We will email everyone the zoom link to everyone registered for the course 2 days before the training.

Nebraska Local Food & Healthy Farms Conference
2024-01-26 - 2024-01-27 | Rivers Edge Convention Center, Columbus, NE, United States

FSMA Produce Safety Grower Training
2024-02-05 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | MO
You will receive a certificate if you attend all of this 8 hour training. Free for attendees from KS and MO. Registration and more information available from: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/ or listed below

February 5 and 8, 2024 – online (contact Katelynn Stull kjstull@ksu.edu if you are interested as there are only a few spots remaining)
Feb 21, 2024- online or at KSU Olathe: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fsma-produce-safety-grower-training-remote-delivery-and-in-olathe-tickets-812111095147?aff=oddtdtcreator
March 25, 204- Rich Hill, MO- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fsma-produce-safety-grower-training-rich-hill-mo-tickets-813514292147?aff=oddtdtcreator
May 7 and 8, 2024 – online

Extension Food Safety
Londa Nwadike, Ph.D.
Kansas State University
22201 W. Innovation Drive
Olathe, KS 66061
913-307-7391
lnwadike@ksu.edu
Produce Safety Extension Associate
Katelynn Stull, M.S.
kjstull@ksu.edu
913-307-7394
816-876-3591 cell

FREE Food Safety Training for Farmers
2024-02-06 13:30 - 15:30 | Yang Family Farm, 1213 Route U, Rocky Comfort, MO, 64861, United States
Join the University of Missouri and Lincoln University produce food safety team for a hands-on produce food safety workshop. The workshop will take place on a diversified vegetable farm, and all aspects of produce food safety will be demonstrated and discussed. Grab your free food safety supplies – available until they’re gone!

Missouri Selling at the Farmer's Market Webinar Series
2024-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | MO
February 12 through February 16 – Week Long Series – Webinar Each Day
Producers selling local foods at the farmers market can learn more about marketing strategies, state regulations, value added products, business planning, and how to boost their sales through fruit and vegetable incentive programs in this five-part online series in February presented by University of Missouri Extension.
Participants will hear from farmers, extension faculty, representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as representatives for MarketLink and the Mid-America Regional Council. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.
This weeklong webinar will occur during the lunch hour (12-1pm). Please login to zoom a couple minutes before class starts.
Please make sure that your zoom name appearing on screen is your first and last name. Cost: $10.00
Contact: Manita Ale, manita.ale@missouri.edu (314) 200-2705
Partners:
SARE

Food Business Start-up Panel & Resource Fair
2024-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Dreher Family 4-H Building, 2110 Harper Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66046, United States
Douglas County Food Policy Council (Kansas) is hosting a Food Business Start-up Panel & Resource Fair on Tuesday, February 13th from 6-8pm. We want to provide residents of Douglas County with the resources they need to start a food business! Learn valuable starting points to establish a solid legal and business structure for a successful launch!

Farm to Fork Summit & Expo - 6th Annual - 2024
2024-02-23 09:00 - 16:00 | Nevada Community Center, 200 N Ash Street, Nevada, MO, 64772, United States
The 6th Annual Farm to Fork Summit and Expo connects farmers, businesses, and consumers interested in regenerative agriculture, building food and farm business opportunities, and making sure everyone eats well. Matter of fact, we will have an entire day filled with education, exhibitors, your favorite agricultural organizations, and a catered lunch. The lunch is also sourced with locally produced ingredients!
Farm to Fork continues to grow and become a yearly tradition due to the content of the event. Bring the entire family to visit, learn, laugh, and enjoy an amazing meal!
We are excited to announce our 2024 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Heilman of Regenerative Wisdom LLC. Her topic: “The Joyful Drought Resilient Farm”
Who is Farm to Fork for:
FARMERS who want to know more about farm-to-fork practices and possibilities, from diversifying the family farm to supplying schools and grocers.
PEOPLE and ORGANIZATIONS interested in purchasing from nearby producers and making local foods an easy, everyday reality.
BUSINESSES that make local food work, from supplying seeds and equipment to providing processing and distribution.
COMMUNITIES interested in benefits ranging from good nutrition and good soil to more farm families on the land.
We hope you’ll join us this year in Nevada, Missouri – the event is bigger and better than ever!
2024 Farm to Fork Master of Ceremonies: W. Jackson Tough, Public Relations & Tourism Director, City of Fort Scott, Kansas
Farm to Fork is brought to you by New Growth, the New Growth Food Systems Team, and planning partners: New Growth Women’s Business Center, West Central Missouri Community Action Agency, City of Nevada, Osage Valley Electric Cooperative, and the University of Missouri Extension.
Visit the website to register for tickets and the event!

Business Resiliency Bootcamp - Kansas SBDC
2024-03-01 08:30 - 15:30 | Neosho County Community College, Student Union - Oak Room 209 800 West 14th Street, Chanute, KS, 66720, United States
Are you a business owner or manager who wants to learn about how to make your business
more successful, sustainable, and profitable? The Kansas SBDC is offering a Business
Resiliency Bootcamp in your area. This Bootcamp features three workshops to help existing
businesses (and aspiring business owners) have the skills, knowledge, and resources to enable
them to be resilient and adaptable during challenging times. The three workshops will target
strategies for financial management, thrifty marketing, and using AI tools.
The Business Resiliency Bootcamps are being offered under a grant from the U.S. SBA to assist
businesses in rural communities in response to the emergency drought proclamation for counties
in Kansas.

Food Business Conference - Independence, MO
2024-03-07 08:30 - 18:30 | MO
2024 Food Business Conference on March 7th – 8th in downtown Independence, 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.
This is a two-day conference:

8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

March 7th – 8th, 2024

201 North Forest Avenue, Independence, Missouri 64050

Weathering the Storm: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset
2024-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 | MO
March 12, 2024, 12:00 – 1:30 pm, FREE
Register: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/weathering-the-storm-how-to-cultivate-a-productive-mindset
In-person at MU Extension at MU Extension at Truman Habitat for Humanity, 501 N. Dodgion St., Independence, MO
If you recognize a gardener or producer who is struggling with the stress of everyday challenges, find out how you can help them by attending the upcoming workshop.
This event provides an overview of the stressors experienced by gardeners, producers, farmers, naturalists, and their families and shares best practices for connecting them with local, state, and national resources.

To recognize the signs of stress in the body, mind, and behavior.
To understand the root causes of stress or common stressors for farmers and their families.
How stress affects the body.
Practical coping skills and three strategies for managing stress.
Helpful local, state, and national resources.

Business Resiliency Bootcamp - Kansas SBDC
2024-03-14 08:30 - 15:30 | Emporia State University, Cremer Hall - Roe Cross Conference Room 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, Kansas, 66801, United States

Business Resiliency Bootcamp - Kansas SBDC
2024-03-18 08:30 - 15:30 | Hutchinson Community College, Shears Technology Center Justice Theatre 1300 North Plum, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States

Business Resiliency Boot Camp - Kansas SBDC
2024-03-20 08:30 - 15:30 | Municipal Service Building – Strobel Solution Center, 100 Chaffin Road, Dodge City, KS, 67801, United States

KSRE Morel Mushroom Identification - Online
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:00 | MO
** There is an alternate time in the evening for this webinar. Please see below.
K-State Research & Extension will provide morel mushroom identification training in an upcoming online training. This training will help people earn the necessary approval to sell wild morel mushrooms.
The classes are intended to help ensure that wild harvested mushrooms sold as morels in the state of Kansas are safe to consume. Current regulations under the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program require that mushrooms picked in the wild for sale must be individually inspected for safety by an approved mushroom identifier. Upon completion of this class, participants will be recognized as approved morel identifiers in order to meet this regulation.
The zoom link for accessing the training online will be sent the day before the training. The same training will be offered two different times, so participants can select which time works better for them.
March 21, 2024: Noon to 1:00 p.m. online
March 21, 2024: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. online
For e-tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ksre-morel-mushroom-identification-online-tickets-796024780547

Business Resiliency Boot Camp - Kansas SBDC
2024-03-22 08:30 - 15:30 | Fort Hays State University, 600 Park Street Memorial Union, Black & Gold Room, Hays, KS, 67601, United States

FSMA Produce Safety Grower Training - Rich Hill, MO
2024-03-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Rich Hill, Missouri, 11066A SW County Rd 3007, Rich Hill, MO, 64779, United States
FSMA Produce Safety grower training. Cost is free.
*Note- the training will be in a location without electricity and basic toilet facilities.

HACCP Workshop
2024-03-26 08:00 - 16:00 | Eckles Event Hall-Dep. Food Science, MU-Columbia, 1400 Rollins St, Columbia, MO, 65201, United States
There are additional dates for this event. See below.
The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF), USDA and FDA highly recommend implementing a HACCP plan in a food processing plant assuring food safety from harvest to consumption.
Dr. Lakshmikantha ‘Kantha’ Channaiah, state extension specialist in food processing and an assistant professor in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), and Associate Professor Dr. Andrew Clarke will lead the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) training.
This in-person course helps food professionals learn the latest food safety issues that affect their products as well as how to develop an effective HACCP plan.
Channaiah and Clarke are leading food safety experts with each having more than 20 years of experience in teaching, training, and research. The course is accredited by the International HACCP Alliance.
Lunch will be provided on March 26 and 27.
Date and Times:
March 26 & 27: 8 AM – 4 PM
March 28: 8 AM – 12 PM
A certificate with the International HACCP Alliance seal will be presented to participants at the end of the course.
Cost: Free
Register at: HACCP and Course Registration (k-state.edu)

Produce Safety Refresher/Annual Supervisor Training - ONLINE
2024-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 | MO
K-State Research & Extension and the University of Missouri Extension will provide Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) Annual Training for Supervisors. This 90-minute training was designed to assist farm supervisors meet the annual training requirement outlined in the PSR. This training is not intended for agricultural workers – instead, it has been developed for farm owners and managers who have already attended the full day FSMA PSA Grower Training. This training will also review how farm managers can adequately train their agricultural workers in compliance with the PSR. This training can also serve as a refresher for those who have already attended the full day PSA Grower Training, as well as those looking for an abbreviated introduction to the FSMA PSR.
Note that completing the full day FSMA PSA Grower Training is not a prerequisite for this supervisor training!
This program is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007412 totaling $380,743 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Growing for Market - Nebraska
2024-03-27 08:00 - 2024-04-23 12:00 | MO
Programs & Resources for Commercial fruit & vegetable growers preparing for Farmer’s Markets.
There are multiple dates and locations for this event- please see below.
Session Topics:
Pesticide Updates – Learn about how pesticides can impact the growth of your plants, how it moves to non-target plants and what herbicide injury on your plants. Participants will also learn what to do to help protect your plants from drift and what to do if they are hit by herbicide drift.
Pricing and Marketing – Standing out at a market can be a challenge! Join us as we talk about branding your booth at the market and how to decide what your marketing plan and pricing strategy is going to look like going into the 2024 selling season.
Ecology of Production – Growing and managing a healthy crop is about more than just the plants. Supporting pollinators and other beneficial insects and wildlife can be just as important to the success of your harvest. Non-crop plants can increase productivity while decreasing inputs. From pollinator-friendly buffer strips to cover crops. This will provide some basic background and tips to support the whole ecosystem that is your farm.
Resource Panel – Learn more about your local resources to assist you in growing your operation. Resources may include: local NRCS, Farm-to-School, SARE, and other groups that are focused on helping and promoting producers in your local area.

Sites include:

Scottsbluff, Panhandle Research and Extension Center – Bluestem Room, Wednesday, March 27th 8am-noon
Norfolk, Northeast Community College, Thursday, March 28th 1-5pm
North Platte, Lincoln County Extension Office, Friday, April 12th 8am-noon
Nebraska City, Kimmel Orchard, Tuesday, April 23rd 8am-noon

$25 per person at all of the locations.
For more information, contact any member of the Growing for Market team. Register now
CONTACT:

David Lott, Lincoln-Logan-McPherson Counties | 308-532-2683
Ian Peterson, Dodge County | 402-727-2775
Emily Stine, Panhandle Research & Extension Center | 308-632-1230
Nicole Stoner, Gage County | 402-223-1384
Carol Waters, Cass County | 402-267-2205

Community of Practice Community Food Project Webinar
2024-03-27 13:00 - 14:15 | MO
For those on eastern time: March 27th 2-3:15
Presented by The Food Systems Leadership Network and Institute for Social and Economic Development Solutions, this series focuses on Community Food Projects with speakers from a variety of projects around the country.
This week we will be exploring the topic of Food Sovereignty, and will be joined by Dr. Reggie Flynn, Executive Director of the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, and Steph Wiley, co-founder of Brooklyn Packers. They will talk about their experience working within a food cooperative framework, and how this model can create more equitable local food systems for underserved communities.
Register here.

Preventive Control Qualified Individual (Human Food) Training
2024-04-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Eckles Event Hall-Dep. Food Science, MU-Columbia, 1400 Rollins St, Columbia, MO, 65201, United States
*There are additional dates for this training. See below.
As per the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), all registered food manufacturing facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold human food must abide by the Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) rule’s new food safety requirements specified in 21 CFR Part 117.
Additionally, each registered entity must have a Preventive Control Qualified Individual (PCQI) to develop an effective food safety plan that ensures the safety of finished food products.
A PCQI is a qualified individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls at least equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the FDA or be otherwise qualified through job experience to develop and apply a food safety system. This course/ training helps food professionals learn the latest food safety issues and regulations that affect their products and as well as how to develop and implement effective preventive control programs and appropriate corrective actions.
Additionally, this training will help the participants to lead, manage, and monitor FSMA specific requirements such as Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls (HARPC) rule ensuring safety of the finished food products.
Who should attend this training:

Quality assurance and quality control
Personnel line supervisors, operators, sanitation supervisors
Quality managers, and owners

This training is free for the Missouri participants (with a limit of 30 participants).
Who is eligible for this NO COST PCQI (Human Food) Training:

Small food producers in Missouri
Small Farmers in Missouri
Start up food companies in Missouri
State and local food inspectors in Missouri

Dates and Times:
April 2 & 3: 8 AM – 5 PM
April 4: 8 AM – 12 PM
Lunch will be provided on April 2 & 3.
For more information, please contact Kantha Channaiah, lchannaiah@missouri.edu, 573-882-2673.

Business Plan Basics - 4 sessions (April 2-23) - FREE
2024-04-02 17:30 - 2024-04-23 19:30 | Wood River Community Center, 108 W. 1th St, Wood River, NE
Are you planning to go into business and don’t know where to start? Planning is key to success, and these hands-on exploratory sessions are designed for those thinking of starting a business, businesses that need a boost, and business owners considering expansion. Sessions will cover important information to help you complete a business plan.

Women Landowners Ag Conference 2024
2024-04-05 08:30 - 16:00 | Concordia Community Center, 802 S Gordon, Concordia, MO, 64020, United States
For 22 years it has been the intent of the conference to educate women whose lives are rooted in the agricultural community. We hope you join us for a day filled with informative sessions on issues that affect your farm and daily lives.
This years topics include:

Attracting and the Benefits of Pollinators
Flock to Fork: The Basics of Poultry Farming for Eggs and Meat
Know Your Numbers: Mastering Farm Finances
Companion Planting/Trap Planting: Keeping Pest where they belong
Social Media Marketing for Farm Businesses
Co-grazing with Small Ruminants
Small Farm Business Planning
Land Values, Rental Rates and Arrangements

Learn from each other and knowledgeable speakers and visit with others in our our ag community. Representatives from USDA, FSA and NRCS will be in attendance to visit about programs. Network with other ladies who share similar interests in agricultural. We welcome you to our conference.
Please RSVP by April 1st.
Cost: $30
Contact: Katie Neuner, neunercm@missouri.edu, 660-584-3658
Partners:
FSA

Fresh Fridays at the Micro Market - Omaha, NE
2024-04-05 10:00 - 2024-04-26 18:00 | Micro Market – No More Empty Pots, 2120 N. 30th Street, Omaha, NE, 68111
Come join us for Fresh Fridays at the Micro Market in April!
The Micro Market is open for Fridays in April from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.
It’s a soft launch, so expect a showcase of limited-edition, farm-fresh goodies and produce.
Each Friday brings a new lineup of seasonal delights we are testing out, while supplies last.
A project of No More Empty Pots.

Eat Local & Organic Expo
2024-04-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, Kansas, 66210, United States
FREE PARKING – FREE ADMISSION
Kick off farmers market season at the Eat Local & Organic Expo! Shop with more than 30 KC Food Circle™ farmers who pledge to meet high standards for growing plants and mushrooms, beekeeping and raising animals. Sign up for weekly farm shares, buy transplants for your garden, get the freshest early spring products for your table and bring the kids to this family friendly event.

Midwest Growers Collaborative Workshop
2024-04-11 09:00 - 2024-04-12 15:00 | Junior Achievement of Greater KC, 2842 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, MO, 66103, United States
Midwest Growers Collaborative Workshop
A two-day, FREE workshop for farmers, growers, ranchers & producers.
Topics: Agricultural best practices, business management, marketing, and more!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to join a two-day, Midwest collaborative workshop hosted in partnership by KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S. Coalition and Common Ground Producers & Growers. This FREE event includes lunch each day, but attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event, other meals, and overnight accommodations.
Thursday-Friday, April 11-12 | 9AM – 3PM
Junior Achievement of Greater KC
2842 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
The last day to register is April 8th, so click the button below to register now! Link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPiPxu2V2wxZk5Xmv9ZZOP6IhlJe4Sax8zPod7QoiSzRDvyA/viewform
Hotel information will be sent after registration is received.
For more information email info@commongroundpg.com.

Feeding our Future: Local Foods Roundtable - Montgomery County, Iowa
2024-04-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Stadium 34, 1200 Senate Ave., Red Oak, IA

Marketing Series - Free
2024-04-17 10:00 - 2024-04-24 12:00 | Neligh Public Libary, 710 Main St. Neligh NE
You will also have the opportunity to dive into facets of digital media and marketing including social, search engine optimization, email, targeting, and how you put it to work for your business in your area. We will help you on your path to set goals, make a plan, and measure your results.

Path to Prosperity
2024-04-24 08:00 - 15:30 | NWMSU Agricultural Learning Center, 22893 U.S. Highway 71, Maryville, 64468, United States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), has hosted a series of regional economic development workshops on the “Path to Prosperity” in States and Territories across the country to provide small businesses (including farmers and ranchers) the resources and tools they need to grow their businesses.
The partnership and workshops align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order on “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” and show the Department’s commitment to increase access to USDA’s products and services and improve service delivery in rural and underserved communities.
Midwest Path to Prosperity in Maryville, MO – Wednesday, April 24, 2024: Zoom Registration
(Northwest Missouri State University, Agricultural Learning Center, 22893 U.S. Highway 71, Maryville, MO 64468. In-person (150 max. capacity) or virtual registration).
West Coast Path to Prosperity in Fresno, CA – Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Mid-Atlantic Path to Prosperity in Winston-Salem, NC – June (TBD)
Southwest Path to Prosperity in Salt Lake City, UT – August (TBD)
Ketchikan, AK – September (TBD)
Montgomery, AL – Late Oct./Early Nov. (TBD)
Presenters will discuss:

Incentivizing unbanked and under-banked small business owners and individuals to establish a sustainable relationship with an insured financial institution,
Expanding technical assistance and financial education for small business owners and individuals to improve their bankability,
Increasing the number of SBA certified lenders to provide access to capital for small, minority, and underserved businesses, and
Developing contracting relationships with Federal government and private industry partners.

Targeted attendees include small businesses, financial institutions, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), trade groups, local, state, and Federal agencies, community leaders, nonprofits, and community-based staff representing organizations.
For questions or information: Mr. David Ramos, Senior Community Affairs Specialist, FDIC at daramos@fdic.gov
