2022 Presentations and Workshops
The 2022 Mid-America Organic Conference will consist of three days filled with national speakers, educational workshops, and networking opportunities to connect farmers across the state. The goal of the conference is to help educate farmers and producers on the value and importance of learning organic principles of production for specialty crops that preserve natural resources and add value to their farming operations. We also strive to educate beginning and existing farmers on successful business practices, including methods of direct marketing, wholesale marketing, and value-added marketing of organic and sustainably grown specialty crops.
More presenters and workshops are coming! Be sure to check back as the list grows!
Agenda coming soon.
Tuesday, February 1
Alternative Sales Outlets for Small Farms: How We Quit the Farmers Market and Still Increased Our Sales
Katie Nixon, Certified Organic Grower
Katie Nixon has a long history of working with people interested in making local foods more accessible to area residents, most notably overseeing the completion of the Kansas City Food Hub Feasibility Study, as 2010 Chair of the work-group. Her passion lies with helping small to medium size farms gain access to a variety of markets, thereby helping farmers be more successful. This interest extends this to her own company—Green Gate Family Farm—a certified organic fruit, vegetable, and egg farm in Wheatland, Missouri, which she co-operates with her husband, Ken Barber. Katie is the Secretary of the Kansas City Food Hub and a founding farmer/partner.
Organic Certification Process
Mark Seeley, OnMark Certification Services LLC
Mark Seeley is the Executive Director at OnMark Certification Services LLC. OnMark provides certification services to farmers throughout the U.S., mainly in the Upper Midwest. In his presentation he will be sharing about the steps to become certified organic.
Labor & Hiring on a Small Scale Diversified Vegetable Farm
Liz Graznak, Happy Hollow Farm
Regenerative Practices and Using Livestock to Improve Soil Health
Susan Jaster, Lincoln University's Innovative Small Farm Outreach Program
Treecrops Breeding and Selection for Regional Agroforestry Systems
Mark Shepard, Restoration Agriculture Development and Forest Agriculture Nursery
Presentation on State and Federal Assistance Opportunities
Missouri Grown Representatives
Wednesday, February 2
The Economics of Restoration Agriculture
Mark Shepard, Restoration Agriculture Development and Forest Agriculture Nursery
Presentation on Small Ruminants and Cattle
Dr. Tom Rosco
Using Essential Oils in High Tunnels for the Control of Aphids, Spider Mites, and Thrips
David Middleton, Nahshon Bishop, and Dr. Clement Akotsen-Mensah - University of Missouri
A Missouri Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant giving the results of a 2-year study using Orange, Lemongrass, Cedarwood, Peppermint, and Lavender in high tunnels during winter production for control of Aphids, Spider Mites, and Thrips. Information learned on essential oils for insect control, farmer results, dilution rates, and product combinations.
High & Low Tunnel Production On A Diversified Year Round Vegetable Farm
Liz Graznak, Happy Hollow Farm
Being Sustainable While Building for the Future
Edwin Blosser, Midwest Bio-Systems
Herbalism Workshop
Crystal Stevens, Tend and Flourish School of Botanicals
Panel Discussion: Organic Row Crops - Transitioning to Organic
Panel Discussion: Adding Value to Your Farm Business
Thursday, February 3
Intro to Regenerative Ag: A Common Sense Approach to the Future of Farming
Farmer Dan Krull
Regenerative Cannabis
Nate Schneider, Sierra Living Organics
Specialty Crop Production Practices for Soil Health Regeneration and Preservation: An Historical Timeline
Dr. Linda Hezel Ph.D., R.N., Prairie Birthday Farm & Dr. Bob Kremer Ph.D.
Collaboration between Dr. Kremer and Dr. Hezel began with soil sampling and analysis in 2003. This presentation will highlight the production practices implemented and corresponding soil health measurements documented over fifteen years.