Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

The Conscience of Agriculture - Kansas Farmers Union's 2024 State Convention
2024-11-20 09:00 - 2024-11-21 15:00 (America/Chicago) | One Riverfront Plaza, Lawrence, KS, 66044, United States
Join us for our annual state convention where you’ll hear from wonderful speakers, vote on leadership and state policy, and connect with other Kansas farmers and ranchers.
Please contact Nick Levendofsky at nick@kansasfarmersunion.org if you are a beginning/emerging farmer and would like to apply for a scholarship.
Visit this link for a pdf. version of the tentative convention schedule: https://4c460b82-4bdf-4db7-94a6-d5913fab96bc.usrfiles.com/ugd/3ba50b_5c10e3fb9f0c416fbcff51d26341a765.pdf
Visit this link for prices, tickets, and more information: https://www.kansasfarmersunion.org/event-details-registration/kansas-farmers-union-2024-state-convention
Time & Location

Nov 20, 2024, 9:00 AM CST – Nov 21, 2024, 3:00 PM CST
Lawrence, One Riverfront Plaza, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA

Kansas Farmers Union
115 E. Marlin, Suite #108,

PO Box 1064McPherson, KS 67460
​Phone: 620-241-6630
Fax: 620-241-8054
Email: info@kansasfarmersunion.com

The Power of Storytelling in Today’s Media Landscape
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00
Is your small business ready to share its story with the community? Join Monique Farmer, APR and WOWT News Anchor and Reporter for The Power of Storytelling in Today’s Media Landscape—your introduction to media relations and how to leverage the art of storytelling to connect with the media and your customer audience/clients. Whether you’re looking to get your business featured in the media or simply strengthen your brand, this session will give you the tools you need to tell your story in a way that gets noticed. Don’t miss out on this essential media relations 101 discussion!
Can’t attend? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording!
Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom

Grant Writing Basics Course – K-State Research & Extension
2024-12-03 18:00 - 2024-12-05 20:30
K-State Research & Extension is offering a Grant Writing Basics course consisting of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. We’ve organized a two-part series specifically for our food system partners, farmers, and food business owners interested in grant writing. Whether you’ve never written a grant proposal before and have no idea where to start, or for those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve your approach, we encourage you to attend. Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.
December 3-5, 2024, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Topics include:

Sources of data for community needs
Where to find grants
Elements of a great grant proposal
Practicing the grant elements: Problem, Outcome, Activity, Evaluation, Budget

For more information, please contact:
Nancy Daniels
nkdaniels@ksu.edu
*Refunds are not available for this program

Free webinar explores funding for small farmers, food producers
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:00
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a free webinar to explore grant, loan and cost-share opportunities for small farm and food business operators. The webinar is 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.
MU Extension horticulturist Justin Keay says the workshop is timely. “In the past several years, we have seen a variety of new federally supported programs developed targeting small farms and food producers. This is a good opportunity to learn about these programs while funding is available,” Keay says.
The webinar covers grants through the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Heartland Regional Food Business Center, loans from the Farm Service Agency and cost-share programs from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“This will be a great webinar bringing together partners who support small farms and food businesses,” he says. As a bonus, one attendee will win a free registration to the 2025 Great Plains Growers Conference (www.GreatPlainsGrowersConference.org) in St. Joseph, which Keay says is the premier fruit and vegetable growers conference in the region for learning, networking and growing your farm.
Register for the free webinar at http://muext.us/SPSF2024.

State Sales Tax for Retailers
2024-12-16 09:00 - 12:00
This webinar is presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue and is devoted to explaining the differences between the Kansas Retailers’ Sales Tax, the Kansas Retailers’ Compensating Use Tax, and the Kansas Consumers Compensating Use Tax.
You will gain a basic understanding of the goods and services subject to sales tax. It will also explain the record keeping and filing requirements, form preparation, how to use exemption certificates, and Withholding Tax.
Date: January 21st , 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 20th, 2025

The Last-Minute Holiday Market - This year, it's okay to procrastinate.
2024-12-18 12:00 - 19:00 | WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E 29th St. North., Wichita, Kansas, 67220, United States
Our Last-Minute Holiday Market on December 18, 2024, is the perfect platform to showcase your products and services to a bustling crowd of last-minute shoppers. Purposefully scheduled after Wichita State University finals but before Super Saturday (December 21) we’re targeting those procrastinators who want to find the perfect gift but just haven’t had time. Plus, Santa Claus will be stopping by the Holiday Market for photos and those last-minute wish list additions! Here’s what to expect:
• We plan to have food trucks serving lunch and dinner.
• Conveniently located at the WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex with ample free parking.
• There are a limited number of tables are available for an additional fee or bring your own.
• Service providers must be able to sell gift certificates of some kind.
• There will be a mandatory pre-market Zoom meeting on Wednesday, December 11, at 4:00 p.m.
• Internet is not available for vendor sales processing; a signed agreement that you will not use WSU WiFi is required.
• We will encourage cash sales and plan to bring in an ATM for this purpose.
• The Kansas SBDC at WSU is unable to fund advertising for this event. However, we will actively promote it within the community. To ensure the event’s success, we kindly request that vendors contribute to the event’s promotion, such as by donating items for door prize gift baskets.
If you have any questions about the market, please contact email rebecca.ignowski@wichita.edu. Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Market Hours: Noon – 6:00 p.m. Setup: 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Teardown: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Costs: $25.00 for 10′ x 10′ Booth Space $20.00 for 8′ x 8′ Booth Space $5.00 for 30″ x 6′ Table (Optional)

Accounting for Non-Accountants - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-01-07 12:00 - 13:00
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by financial terms like “balance sheet” or “income statement”?
This introductory session, designed specifically for those new to accounting, is the perfect starting point. By gaining a grasp of financial cornerstones, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions that contribute to the success and growth of your business.
Date: January 7th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 6th, 2025

Great Plains Growers Conference
2025-01-09 08:00 - 2025-01-11 16:00 | Missouri Western University, 4525 Downs Drive, Saint Joseph, MO, 64507, United States
Pre-Conference WORKSHOPS January 9th conference & Trade Show January 10-11th

Welcome to the 2025 Great Plains Growers Conference!
We are excited to invite you to join us from January 9-11 for an enriching experience at the premier event for vegetable, fruit, cut flower, and specialty crop growers from across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Each year, this 3-day conference draws 350-400 dedicated growers, ranging from full-time farm market vendors to part-time diversified horticulture producers, for a deep dive into the latest industry trends and practices.
Kick off the conference on Thursday, January 9th, with our full-day, topic-specific workshops, which are available for a separate admission fee. These focused sessions offer an opportunity to delve into specialized areas, including Hard Cider, Marketing Boot Camp, and Nut Orchards.
The main conference takes place on Friday, January 10th, and Saturday, January 11th, featuring a diverse range of educational tracks. Throughout these two days, you can attend concurrent sessions covering vital topics such as:

Business Development & Marketing
Vegetable Production
Greenhouse & Hydroponic Production
Protected Culture (Tunnels)
Integrated Pest Management
Forest Farming
S ARE Farmer Forum
Tree Fruits/Small Fruits
Organic/Regenerative Farming
Cut Flowers

In addition to the informative sessions, our conference also includes a vibrant trade show with over 40 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in the industry.
The 2025 conference will be held from 9th -11th of January at Missouri Western University, St. Joseph, MO and will be in-person. To register and for more information, please visit: Great Plains Growers Conference – 2025 Great Plains Growers Conference
For additional information: GPGC c/o Buchanan County Extension, 4125 Mitchell Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64507, Tel. 816-279-1691 Email: Buchananco@missouri.edu
See you in January!

Startup and Start Right - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality?
This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through ten essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: January 14th, 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 13th, 2025

Crack the Code on Pricing: Maximize Profits in Local Markets
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:00
Are you a small-scale farmer or food-based entrepreneur struggling to find the sweet spot between profit and customer satisfaction? Join the Heartland Regional Food Business Center for this dynamic webinar where we’ll demystify the art of pricing your products. Dr. Mallory Rahe from the University of Missouri will share practical strategies to set prices based on your cost of production and show you how to create different financial scenarios for business planning. Whether you’re selling at the farmers’ market, online, or through a CSA, this session will empower you to price with confidence and boost your bottom line!
To learn more, register here: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrcOCsrzIuGNzKUu0uM_XdpAOyv6d73Or4

Unlocking Opportunities with the 8(A)Small Business Development Program
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for an in-depth look at the 8(A) Small Business Development Program.
This webinar will cover key eligibility requirements, the application process, and the benefits of becoming a part of this exclusive government program, giving your business access to federal contracting opportunities and valuable business development resources
Date: January 16th, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on January 13th, 2024

Join a Rural Grocery Peer Group!
2025-01-17 08:00 - 17:00
Running a rural grocery store is tough, and at times, isolating. Many grocers value learning from each other and want more opportunities to connect.
To help bridge this gap, RGI will be facilitating Rural Grocery Peer Groups. By providing space for mutual support and knowledge exchange, these groups will help foster a stronger, more connected rural grocery community.
WHO: Owners and managers of independent rural grocery stores located in the Heartland Regional Food Business Center (NE, IA, MO, KS, OK, AR)
WHAT: Peer groups will be composed of no more than 12 non-competing rural grocers. Each group will meet for one hour once a month to ask each other questions, share advice, learn best practices, speak directly with industry experts, and motivate each other.
WHEN: February through October 2025 (dates and times TBD)
WHERE: Zoom
COST: Free!
Interested grocers should complete a brief online application by Jan. 17, 2025.
From there, the RGI team will organize participants into peer groups and coordinate monthly meetings with participants.
Due to capacity limitations, we cannot guarantee there will be space for everyone who applies. However, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Questions? Email Erica Blair at elblair@ksu.edu.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women
2025-01-21 17:00 - 20:00
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

Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs
2025-01-28 11:00 - 12:00
The North Central Food Safety Extension Network is offering a 3-part webinar series on topics relative to food entrepreneurs. Register and you will receive a Zoom link to attend. All webinars will be held from 11:00am-Noon CST.
Jan 28: Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs
Feb 4: Freeze Drying Foods: Science, Safety, and Cottage Industry
Feb 11: Sourdough Starters: Care, Safety, and Preservation

Date: January 28, 2025
Resource: Food Safety Best Practices for Local Food Entrepreneurs | NDSU Agriculture
Dr. Julie Garden-Robinson, North Dakota State University Extension
Karen Blakeslee, M.S., Kansas State University Research and Extension
For more information: North Central Food Safety Extension Network (NCFSEN) | North Central Region Center for FSMA Training, Extension, and Technical Assistance

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

Sustainability 101: Practical Steps for Small Businesses
2025-02-04 10:00 - 11:00
This workshop introduces small businesses to the basics of sustainability, focusing on Pollution Prevention (P2) strategies and the principles of Environmental Justice (EJ). Learn how implementing sustainable practices can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and support underserved communities. We’ll also touch on compliance considerations relevant to small businesses, leveraging resources from the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP).
Join us to discover actionable steps to build a greener and more equitable future for your business and community.
Date: February 4th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 pm
Cost: none
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 3rd, 2025.

Freeze Drying Foods: Science, Safety, and Cottage Industry Webinar
2025-02-04 11:00 - 12:00
The North Central Food Safety Extension Network is offering a 3-part webinar series on topics relative to food entrepreneurs. Registration link is below and you will receive a Zoom link to attend. All webinars will be held from 11:00am-Noon CST.
Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. to Noon
Description: This webinar session will cover the science and food safety aspects involved in producing freeze-drying foods for sale to consumers.
Dr. Mary-Grace Danao, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For Registration: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Hiring Your First Employee
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
Your small business is growing! Let’s get you ready to successfully hire and retain your first employee. Join us as we discuss required employee documentation, payroll and whether you can handle in-house or outsource, necessary tax reporting, and other human resource points you should consider.
This webinar will also help current employers review and improve their processes
Date: Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.
Time: 12:00 pm– 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 3rd, 2025

Starting and Sustaining a Farmers Market Lunch N' Learn Webinar Series
2025-02-04 12:00 - 2025-02-06 13:00
Are you interested in starting a farmer’s market in your community? Are you part of a recently established market looking to learn more? Join MU Extension and Missouri Farmers Market Association for this lunch n’ learn series to explore the steps and strategies for starting and sustaining a farmer’s market.
Learn the nuts and bolts of market rules and regulations, creating a market identity, and liability considerations, along with how Missouri Farmers Market Association and MU Extension can support farmers market managers. Join the panel discussions as established farmers market managers share their insights and lessons learned from starting a farmer’s market to how to develop partnerships and sponsorships that have supported their markets success and longevity. Registration for the Tuesday session only is free and part of the Missouri Farmers Market Association Tuesday Talks. Register for the full series for $10.

Tuesday – Starting a Farmers Market – Regulations, Rules, Market Identity and Liability, and resources from Missouri Farmers Market Association and MU Extension
Wednesday – Startup Lessons and Insights – Farmers Market Manager Panel Discussion
Thursday – Building Partnerships and Sponsorships to Support Market Success and Longevity – Farmers Market Manager Panel Discussion

This webinar series will provide information that will be explored further in The Missouri Farmers Market Association Conference, February 23rd and 24th, where you can learn and network in person with current and aspiring market managers from across Missouri in interactive and engaging sessions.
To register, visit: Personal Information – Starting and Sustaining a Farmers Market Lunch N’ Learn Webinar Series
Find out more details about the Missouri Farmers Market Association Annual Conference https://www.missourifarmersmarkets.org/

Home Vegetable Garden Basics - 8 Sessions
2025-02-06 12:00 - 2025-03-27 13:30
Learn how to grow your own vegetables! Start with garden planning and soils, learn about cool and warm season vegetables plus herbs, and how to problem solve those pesky weeds, insects, and diseases.
Cost: $80 for 8 sessions
Questions? Contact Katie Kammler, kammlerk@missouri.edu or 573-883-3548
Noon to 1:30, every Thursday from February 6 to March 27
To register and more info on the total of 8 sessions: Personal Information – Home Vegetable Garden Basics

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

2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series
2025-02-07 13:30 - 2025-12-05 14:30
Join us for the 2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series, a webinar series dedicated to showcasing the power of collaboration in rural Missouri communities. In 2025, we spotlight successful stories of collaboration that are driving innovation, strengthening connections, and creating lasting impact in our small towns and rural regions.
Attendees will hear real stories with real impact directly from community leaders, organizations, and individuals who have successfully worked together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. At the end of each webinar, we leave time for Q&A sessions with speakers and peers to exchange ideas and build networks.
Whether you’re an economic development or nonprofit professional, local official, business owner, or simply passionate about rural development, the CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series is your go-to for inspiration, learning, and connection.
No fee to attend.
Contact: Jackie Spainhower, spainhowerj@missouri.edu, 816-752-8662
Sessions are the first Friday of each month at 1:30 pm, starting in February,
(No webinars scheduled in January, July and October.)
February 7, 2025, 1:30 pm – December 5, 2025, 2:30 pm

For registration information: Personal Information – 2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series

Grant Writing Basics Course - K-State Research & Extension
2025-02-10 13:30 - 2025-02-11 16:30
K-State Research & Extension is offering a Grant Writing Basics course consisting of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. We’ve organized a two-part series specifically for our food system partners, farmers, and food business owners interested in grant writing. Whether you’ve never written a grant proposal before and have no idea where to start, or for those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve your approach, we encourage you to attend. Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.
February 10-11, 2025: This class is only available to those producing Kansas foods or helping write grants for local food access.
Topics include:

Sources of data for community needs
Where to find grants
Elements of a great grant proposal
Practicing the grant elements: Problem, Outcome, Activity, Evaluation, Budget

For more information, please contact:
Nancy Daniels
nkdaniels@ksu.edu
*Refunds are not available for this program

Southwest Missouri Beef Cattle Conference
2025-02-11 09:30 - 17:00 | Christopher S. Bond Learning Center at the Darr Agricultural Center, 2401 South Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO, 65803, United States
Stockton, MO- “This conference will be on February 11, 2025, at the Christopher S. Bond Learning Center at the Darr Agricultural Center which is part of the Darr Agriculture College at MSU,” says Davis. This facility is located at 2401 South Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO 65807. The conference will begin with registration at 9:30 am and last through the day.
“This conference has a mix of industry and university people providing cattle producers strategies to add value to their beef cattle and operation” says Davis. The topics and presenters are as follows:

Cattle breeding programs to add value to your beef cattle operation by Dr. Adam McGee, Assistant Professor in Animal Science at MSU
Using Genomics and Expected Progeny Differences to add value to your beef cattle operation by Clint Bailey, Animal Science Graduate Student at MU
Calf management to add value to your beef cattle operation by Dr. Cameron Locke, veterinarian with Cedar Creek Veterinary Services
Utilizing data to add value to your beef cattle operation by Mike John, Health Track Network

“Agriculture businesses that support the conference will have booths set up,” says Davis. Attendees can visit the booths and learn how their products can help improve their beef cattle operation. For more information or to have a booth, contact the Cedar County MU Extension Center at (417) 276-3313. Deadline to register for a booth and pay the fee is February 4, 2025.
Lunch will be included with your registration.
Conference fee is $20 per person.
To attend registration and fee payment is required by February 5, 2025.
Register online or make checks payable to the Cedar County MU Extension and mail to the Cedar County MU Extension Center, 113 South Street, Stockton, MO 65785.
No refunds for cancellations after the registration deadline. No walk-in registration allowed.
For more information on registration contact the Cedar County MU Extension Center at (417) 276-3313 or Davis at davismp@missouri.edu.

Sourdough Starters: Care, Safety, and Preservation Webinar
2025-02-11 11:00 - 12:00
The North Central Food Safety Extension Network is offering a 3-part webinar series on topics relative to food entrepreneurs. Registration link is below and you will receive a Zoom link to attend. All webinars will be held from 11:00am-Noon CST.
Sourdough Starters: Care, Safety, and Preservation
Date: February 11, 2025
Description: What is sourdough bread? Learn about the organisms present, sourdough starter care and preservation, and more.
Dr. Caitlin Clark, Colorado State University Food Innovation Center
For Registration: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Startup and Start Right
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through ten essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 10th, 2025.
