Heartland Regional Food Business Coalition

Farm & Food Business Workshop - Scottsbluff, NE
2025-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Panhandle REC, 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361, 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

State Sales Tax for Retailers - Kansas
2025-05-22 09:00 - 12:00
This webinar is presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue and is devoted to explain 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: Thursday, May 22nd , 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 Monday, May 19th, 2025.
For more information: 05/22/25 – State Sales Tax for Retailers

Empowering Your Business with AI
2025-05-27 10:00 - 11:00
Want to spend less time with the minutia of busy work, and get back to making your business and own life better. This training will empower you to utilize AI in your daily business activities.
Unlock Efficiency: Discover AI tools that automate routine tasks freeing up precious hours.
Real-World Impact: Learn local businesses that have slashed admin time and boosted productivity using smart AI solutions.
Interactive Demos: Experience hands-on demonstrations of chatbots, automated report generators and more
Step-by-Step Integration: Get clear, actionable strategies to embed AI into your workflow.
Date: Tuesday, May 27th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, May 26th, 2025.
Visit here: 05/27/25 – Empowering Your Business with AI

Startup and Start Right
2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through 10 essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: Tuesday, May 27th, 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, May 26th, 2025.
For more information: 05/27/25 – Startup and Start Right

Manage Your Own Social Media
2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:00
Developing a strategy, creating content, and managing your social media can seem like a daunting undertaking. Paying someone to do all of that can ALSO be challenging or out of budget. Join us to learn budget friendly tips and tricks for being your own social media manager.
Date: Thursday, May 29th. 2025.
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, May 26th, 2025.
For more information: 05/29/25 – Manage Your Own Social Media

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

Missouri Meat/Poultry Producers & Small Scale Farmers - Roadmap to Business Success
2025-06-04 09:00 - 14:30 | The LINC Center, 1299 Lafayette Street, Room 205, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, United States
The Small Ruminant Program and the Small Business Development Center at Lincoln University cordially invite you to attend:
Missouri Meat/Poultry Producers & Small-Scale Farmers: Roadmap to Business Success

Date/Time:

General Session
6/4/2025
9:00 AM
– 2:30 PM (CDT)

Session #1-Meat & Poultry Processing 101

10:00 AM
– 11:15 AM (CDT)

Session #2-Pricing for Profit

11:30 AM
– 12:30 PM (CDT)

Session #3-Financial Farming with QuickBooks

1:00 PM
– 2:30 PM (CDT)

Fee: No Fee
Point of Contact: Lauren Carter
Location: The LINC Center 1299 Lafayette St, Jefferson City MO 65101-3562
Training Topics: Business Financing, Cash Flow Management, Managing a Business, Other
Description:
Workshop Goals: · Increase understanding of meat and poultry processing options and compliance · Equip farmers with tools to calculate costs, set pricing, and manage finances · Support the development of scalable business models and marketing plans · Provide practical knowledge and connections to state and federal resources 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Check-in, Coffee, and Networking 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Welcome & Workshop Overview · Introduction to Missouri SBDC resources · Setting goals and expectations for the training 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM Session 1: Meat & Poultry Processing 101 · Understanding USDA and state inspection · Processing options: on-farm, mobile, custom exempt · What you can and can’t do legally in Missouri 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM Break 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Session 4: Pricing for Profit 1. Wholesale vs. retail pricing 2. Avoiding undercharging and burnout 3. Setting prices based on cost and perceived value 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch (provided) 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Session 3: Financial Farming with QuickBooks · Getting started with QuickBooks for small farms · How to set up accounts, categories, and inventory · Using reports to make informed decisions

Sign up at: https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/26244

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

Commercial Insurance Basics
2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00
Business Insurance is an important but often misunderstood aspect of operating an enterprise. Join Advisor David Kreller for an overview of insurance and risk management basics including the different types of business insurance a small business may typically utilize, how they work, and factors that may impact pricing.
Date: Tuesday, June 10th
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Monday, June 9th, 2025
For more information: 06/10/25 – Commercial Insurance Basics

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

Canva Hacks for Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-06-12 13:00 - 14:00
Tired of generic social media graphics? Want to create eye-catching visuals that stop the scroll? Join our webinar, Canva Hacks for Social Media, and unlock the secrets to designing stunning social media content in minutes!
Date: Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, June 9th, 2025
For more information: 06/12/25 – Canva Hacks for Social Media

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

Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Owners
2025-06-18 12:00 - 13:00
This online training covers the cyber security fundamentals that all small business owners should understand and act on. The purpose of the presentation is to address the common risk points that make most small businesses susceptible to a cyber-attack or data breach.
• Understand the risks for small businesses (they are the # 1 target), Identify weak points in your system and management policies, learn best practices, preparation & response tactics, and available resources to help prepare and protect your business.
Date: Wednesday, June 18th, 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 Monday, June 16th, 2025
06/18/24 – Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Business Owners

Artificial Intelligence & the Impact to Agricultural Enterprises and Small Businesses
2025-06-18 12:00 - 14:00
Join USDA, SBA, NASA, and other Federal and private partners and stakeholders for a discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the impact to America’s agricultural enterprises and small businesses. We will demystify AI and discuss how using data science will grow your organization.
Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CST)
To Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_QVTn0ZLbTmiVJFJau979Vw#/registration

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

Startup and Start Right (KS)
2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through 10 essential steps. We’ll navigate licenses, taxes, business structure, funding, and more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: Tuesday, June 24th, 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, June 23rd, 2025.
For more information: 06/24/25 – Startup and Start Right

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

Engage Your Audience, Grow Your Business
2025-06-26 13:00 - 14:00
Want to transform your social media? This workshop unlocks the secrets to creating engaging content, from hooking viewers to building your brand. Learn how to implement calls to action, quality content, and audience connection to increase your engagement and ultimately grow your business.
Date: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 .
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.
For more information: 06/26/25 – Engage Your Audience, Grow Your Business

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

Get Your Business on Google Search and Maps
2025-07-09 11:00 - 12:00
If you’ve wanted to learn more about Google and how your business can be found online, take time to join us as Maria Elena Duron, Google Trainer/Digital Coach explains why showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish. Attendees will also learn how to: * Create or claim your Google Business Profile * Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps * Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and get a copy of the presentation used by this Google Expert.
Speaker(s): Maria Elena Duron Grow with Google Trainer/Digital Coach
Date: Wednesday, July 09, 2025, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Central
Location: Online

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

Tax Education Webinar for Agricultural Enterprises and Small Businesses
2025-07-15 12:00 - 14:00
Please join the United States Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service and Small Business Administration for the “Tax Education Webinar for Agricultural Enterprises and Small Businesses”. We have partnered to bring tax related matters impacting small and mid-sized businesses, including agricultural enterprises (farms and ranches).
The virtual event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, EDT.
** Jul 15, 2025, 12:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)
To register, please click HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact Jacqueline Davis-Slay at Jacqueline.davis-slay@usda.gov.

Kansas Farm Bureau's Communication, Media and Spokesperson Training
2025-07-16 13:00 - 2025-07-17 20:30 | Holiday Inn Express in Hays, KS, 4650 Roth Ave, Hays, KS, 67601, United States
Join the Communications, Media & Spokesperson Training on July 16–17 in Hays, and learn how to confidently represent your farm, your values and your role in feeding Kansas and beyond.
Why You Should Attend
Learn how to clearly and powerfully share your farm’s story through media interviews, public events and online platforms.
Get hands-on experience in public speaking, storytelling and handling tough questions with confidence.
Build your skills to become a trusted voice in your community and an advocate for local food systems.
Connect with fellow producers and communicators who share your passion for Kansas-grown food.
This free, two-day training includes meals and lodging and it’s exclusively for Farm Bureau members.

Applicant shall be a member in good standing with their county Farm Bureau.
Applicant shall be a Farm Bureau member.
Applicant shall complete an application and be willing to meet all time commitments associated with the program held at Holiday Inn Express in Hays beginning at 1p.m. on Wed., July 16 and ending at 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., July 17.

Apply by June 24 to secure your spot.
For more info: Kansas Farm Bureau’s Communication, Media and Spokesperson Training | Shop Kansas Farms | Brought to you by Kansas Farm Bureau

Kansas Local Food Summit - Painting a Vibrant Future
2025-07-29 09:30 - 2025-07-30 16:30 | Kansas Wesleyan University, 100 E Claflin Ave, Salina, KS, 67401, United States
The next Kansas Local Food Summit will be held July 29-30, 2025, in Salina, Kansas.
Anyone working in local food systems or interested in supporting local food system growth is welcome to attend, including producers, consumers, food policy council members, government agency workers, non-profit organizations, food businesses, and more! If you are looking for opportunities to learn how to bolster your local food systems and connect with like-minded Kansans, the Kansas Local Food Summit is a great choice. We have sessions planned that are relevant to a wide range of different food systems interests, including food access, food waste & recovery, food hubs, community engagement, food policy, farm to school, and more.
Visit here for more info: Kansas Local Food Summit
For those planning to arrive in Salina on Tuesday, a hotel block is available at the Hampton Inn in Salina for $114 per night, from Monday, July 28 to Thursday, July 31, 2025. To take advantage of this rate, please make your reservations no later than July 21, 2025. Be sure to adjust the nights to reflect your scheduled needs.
For inquiries regarding cost of attendance or additional information, please contact:
Rebecca McMahon, Program Administrator
Amanda Lindahl, Program Coordinator
Our staff work remotely, so please reach out to us by email:
kansaslocalfoods@ksu.edu

Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs - Waukon, Iowa
2025-08-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Allamakee County Extension and Outreach, 218 7th Ave SE, Waukon, IA, 52172, United States
Food Entrepreneurs will have hands-on practice learning how to take pH and soluble solids readings on food products and practice how to keep the necessary records for selling food products. Learn best practices to help you offer consistently high-quality food products your customers will come to expect. Learn about batch testing available to you at ISU, how to establish SOPs for your home business and what is required on labels. What you’ll learn:

Understand the guidelines, food safety, and the science supporting the guidelines for home food entrepreneurs
Practice and use the testing equipment required for home food entrepreneurs and be able to complete batch records
Generate appropriate food labels for foods sold from your home
Be equipped to adopt food safety best practices for consistent, high-quality products in your home food business

Date: August 12, 2025
Time: 4 PM – 6 PM
Location: Allamakee County Extension and Outreach | 218 7th Ave SE, Suite 102 Waukon, IA 52172
Cost: $85
Contact: Jill Weber, Health and Human Sciences Educator, jrweber@iastate.edu, (319)234-6811
Register: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/blackhawk/food-entrepreneur-best-practices

Applied Food Safety Microbiology Training
2025-08-18 08:30 - 2025-08-19 12:30 | University of Missouri Campus, #145 William Stringer 1406 E Rollins Street, Columbia, MO, 65201, United States
Applied Food Safety Microbiology Training Microbial control programs play a key role in controlling spoilage, toxigenic, and pathogenic microorganisms in a variety of raw and finished food products. Food Drug and Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations, audit programs, and customer requirements are driving the need for food processors to develop sound microbial control programs that address microbial issues in their products.
Small and medium-scale fruit, vegetable, and meat processors are encouraged to attend this free training sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Participants will acquire a basic food safety microbiology knowledge and will be able to address common micro issues using an environmental monitoring program and preventive control strategies.
Target audience: small and medium-scale food (fruits, vegetables, canners, & meat) processors, quality assurance and quality control personnel, line supervisors, operators, sanitation supervisors, quality managers, farmers doing businesses in farmer’s market, canning professionals, and managers.
Duration: 1.5 days
Registration cost: Free
Contact: Kantha Channaiah,
Email: lchannaiah@missouri.edu
Tel. 573-882-2673
To Register: Applied Food Safety Microbiology | MU Extension
