Extension agents from four states are coming together for the annual Great Plains Grower Conference, aimed at connecting farmers growing local foods with consumers seeking nutritious options for their families. This year’s event will be held Jan. 9-11 in St. Joseph, Missouri, with registration available online.

Margit Kaltenekker, an agriculture agent with K-State Research and Extension in Douglas County, emphasized that the conference targets fruit and vegetable producers, cut flower growers, and urban gardeners across Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and other Midwestern states. She noted the growing need for farmers to embrace the opportunity to grow specialty crops, which are crucial for increasing food security in rural communities.

In Kansas alone, nearly 384,000 people, including one in five children, face hunger, according to Feeding America. Kaltenekker pointed out that specialty crops like fruits and vegetables offer high returns per acre and provide opportunities to diversify crop rotations, while also offering the rewarding experience of supplying fresh, nutritious produce to local markets.

The conference is open to both new and experienced producers, with sessions offering research-backed insights from university specialists and local growers. Topics include business development, marketing, tree and small fruit production, vegetable farming, pest management, organic agriculture, greenhouse/hydroponics, and more. Pre-conference workshops on marketing, hard cider, and nut orchards will also be offered.

The event is organized by extension professionals from Kansas State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Missouri, Iowa State, and Lincoln University (Missouri), in partnership with the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).