Conference

The 4th annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference will be at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. The conference offers programming for experienced organic growers, growers transitioning to or considering organic, and consultants or educators who support these growers. Registration includes two days of educational programming and opportunities to network with organic farmers in the region, as well as speakers and trade show vendors. Learn more and register at the link below.

This one-day, in-depth learning experience is an opportunity to acquire practical, detailed information with fellow Michigan farmers and gardeners. They are offering the opportunity to learn from experienced experts and producers in three topic areas: medicinal herbs, home food gardening, and cut flowers. Learn more and register at the link below.  

Join OGRAIN for their tenth annual winter event with organic grain farmers, researchers, and industry experts to explore a variety of top-of-mind topics. Two full days of presentations, roundtable discussions, and exhibitions will be held January 23-24, 2026, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Thursday evening will feature a special session to dive into the future of organic row crops production. Friday evening will include a chance for farmers and buyers to enjoy local, organic food and connect during a buyer/seller mixer. Learn more and register at the link below.

Join family farmers and ranchers from across the state in Lafayette, IN, for a day of meaningful fellowship, thoughtful policy conversations, and inspiring speakers. 2025 brought plenty of challenges: a new administration and policy landscape, trade disruptions, rising costs, economic uncertainty, and more. This year's annual meeting is a time to meet the moment, find strength through connection, and prepare for another year of fighting for family agriculture. This event will feature presentations focused on issues facing farmers and rural communities, as well as an opportunity for attendees to network with peers. Farmers Union members will be invited to participate in the policy debate. Learn more and register at the link below.

The 2026 Mid?Atlantic Grain Fair and Grain Conference is a two-day event bringing together farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, researchers, and grain enthusiasts to learn, connect, and celebrate local grains. Highlights include: Pre conference grain fair (March 15): A free, family friendly celebration of local grains with demos, hands-on activities, and local vendors. Conference sessions (March 16): Explore regenerative agriculture, milling, baking, brewing, and market trends with opportunities to learn from regional experts. Children’s program and TA zone: Fun grain-themed activities for kids and one-on-one expert guidance for attendees. Grain-to-glass tasting: Celebrate the flavors of local grains in beers, spirits, teas, and more. Learn more and register at the link below.

The annual conferences for the Northern Nut Growers Association (NNGA) and Chestnut Growers of America (CGA) will be held jointly Friday, July 31-Monday, August 3, 2026 in Amherst, Massachusetts. The conference’s main events include a welcoming dinner with a show and tell session, two all-day technical sessions, live auction, social/banquet, and an all-day field tour. Attendees will include a diverse mix of commercial growers, researchers, educators, extension specialists, and hobbyists. Expect to hear a lot about chestnuts and hazelnuts, especially when grown in agroforestry practices. Learn more and register at the link below.

Whether from dwindling supplies, international turmoil, or regulations, we can expect fossil fuel prices to remain turbulent and high—along with the many basic farm inputs derived from petroleum. Farm operators have no choice but to absorb these price increases. Or do they? The Ohio State University’s Agroecosystem Management Program (AMP) invites farmers, policy makers, educators, food processors and distributors, researchers, and non-profits to join us for an all-day event on September 18. At the 20th annual Stinner Summit, attendees will brainstorm, discuss, and prioritize projects that could reduce our farming systems’ dependence on fossil fuel-based inputs. The Summit process invites people from different backgrounds to share their ideas and experiences. Farmers and others are responding to high fuel and input prices in many ways – including agroecological and regenerative approaches that reduce the need for inputs, alternative fuels and energy sources, and more energy efficient local food supply chains. Together we will discuss the pros and cons of strategies and projects that can be supported by the Stinner endowment. The event is free but pre-registration will be required. More information will be available at amp.osu.edu/collaboration/annual-stinner-summit.

The BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Food and Farming Network is hosting its annual conference October 2-3, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. The BIPOC Farming Conference empowers farmers, deepens community bonds, and provides educational opportunities. There is an intentional effort in this year's conference to include a range of cultural identities with the theme "Honoring Our Heirlooms, Fortifying our Future." For more information, email them at info@BIPOCFoodAndFarmNetwork.org.

After a successful inaugural event in 2025, this second annual event welcomes agroforestry practitioners, those curious about agroforestry, and agroforestry support professionals for networking conversations, meaningful discussions, and inspiring presentations to grow the agroforestry industry in Ohio. It will offer table talks, listening and learning sessions, one-on-one conversations, panel discussions, formal presentations, posters and displays, and an optional field trip. Complimentary lunch provided. 9 a.m. 3:45 p.m. - programming at Central State University's Dayton Campus 3:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. - optional forest farm field trip This event is free, but pre-registration is required at the link below.

The inaugural Bi-State Organic Grain Conference, a partnership of Purdue University and Ohio State University, is happening January 6-7, 2027, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, IN. This event brings together producers across Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and beyond to exchange practical knowledge and build community within the organic grain sector. Register at the link below.