The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) is hosting its 13th annual farming conference to advance organic and regenerative agriculture in the state. The conference will feature local and regional speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities for farmers and food system advocates.
Advancing Organics In Kentucky: Annual Farming Conference to Promote Sustainable Agriculture
The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) is hosting its 13th annual farming conference to advance organic and regenerative agriculture in the state. The conference serves as a platform for farmers, agriculture professionals, and local food advocates to come together and share practical tools and resources related to sustainable farming practices.
( Credit to: Morningagclips )
Titled ‘Advancing Organics In Kentucky: Adopting Practices, Increasing Resilience and Strengthening Systems,’ the conference will take place from January 25-27, 2024, at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort. This event aims to provide farmers with the knowledge and inspiration to implement organic and regenerative practices on their own farms, as well as foster community connections among farmers.
The conference will feature three days of informative sessions and workshops led by local and regional speakers, a trade show with valuable resources, and ample networking opportunities for farmers and food system advocates. Additionally, there will be an extra day of in-depth learning with Pre-Conference Half-Day Workshops covering various topics such as no-till cover cropping, high tunnel production, and regenerative grazing.
Connecting Farmers and Sharing Knowledge
One of the main goals of the OAK Conference is to connect farmers and provide them with the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences. Last year’s conference had a significant impact on Keith McKenzie, a farmer from Knob Hill Farm in Breckinridge County. McKenzie found it to be a valuable opportunity to connect with emerging farmers who were already certified organic or in the process of becoming certified. By sharing his organic transition experience, he was able to inspire and guide others on their own sustainable farming journey.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers and Expert Panels
The 2024 OAK Conference will feature keynote speakers Ardis and Henry Crews from North Carolina’s Green Rural Development Organization. They will share their expertise and insights on organic and regenerative agriculture, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and inspiration.
In addition to the keynote speeches, there will be a panel discussion featuring experienced organic farmers moderated by Bree Pearsall of Rootbound Farm. The panelists include W.B. and Lynn Brown from Brown’s Place Farm in Georgia, Liz Graznak from Happy Hollow Farm in Missouri, Anna Raines from Rains and Sun Hilltop Farm in Kenton County, and Mac Stone from Elmwood Stock Farm in Scott County. These farmers will share their experiences, challenges, and successes in implementing organic practices on their farms.
Informative Sessions and Workshops
The OAK Conference will offer a wide range of sessions and workshops on various topics related to sustainable farming. Local and regional farmers and experts will lead sessions on subjects such as the profitability of high-tunnel crops, growing small grains, climate-smart practices, black farmers, soil microbes, silvopasture, and forest farming.
The conference will also provide opportunities for farmers to learn practical skills through the Pre-Conference Half-Day Workshops. These workshops will cover topics like no-till cover cropping, seed growing, high tunnel production, regenerative grazing, small fruits, raising goats, and building a farm’s climate resilience plan.
Support from USDA and Scholarships
The OAK Conference is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI). This support allows the conference to address issues in organic agriculture through research, education, and extension activities.
Scholarships are available for those interested in attending the conference, making it accessible to a wider audience. Early bird pricing is also available until December 15, 2023, providing an opportunity for attendees to save on registration fees.
Join the Organic Movement in Kentucky
The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing organic and regenerative agriculture in Kentucky. Their mission is to improve ecological resilience, economic viability, and community health through organic farming practices. Membership is open to anyone interested in organic food and agriculture.
If you are interested in sustainable farming practices and want to connect with like-minded individuals, the OAK Conference is the perfect opportunity. Mark your calendar for January 25-27, 2024, and join the organic movement in Kentucky.
For more information about OAK and the annual conference, visit their website at oak-ky.org.