Calling all food enthusiasts and farmers across Nebraska! Block out your diaries for the upcoming 2024 Local Food and Healthy Farms Conference, taking place from January 25-27 at the River’s Edge Conference Center in Columbus, Neb. Hosted by the Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society (NSAS), this annual event is an absolute must for anyone deeply passionate about sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
A collaboration with the University of Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Specialty Crop Growers, the conference guarantees a rewarding experience filled with knowledge, connections, and teamwork. The ultimate aim is to nurture a more resilient food future by uniting farmers, ranchers, food entrepreneurs, advocates, researchers, and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Featuring over 30 captivating sessions covering a diverse range of topics, including farm financial planning, livestock, urban agriculture, and more, attendees are in for a treat as they learn valuable insights and skills to elevate their farming practices. As a special addition, this year’s pre-conference workshops will provide intensive training in regional food systems, communication, and farm/ranch resources, delivering an even more immersive learning experience.
The conference will welcome two esteemed keynote speakers, Nancy Williams and Michael Foley, who will share their expertise, insights, and experiences in advancing self-efficacy, food security, and economic resilience within urban and rural communities. Furthermore, attendees can look forward to plenty of networking opportunities, including a lively Friday evening reception and an exhibit hall where they can engage with farmers, researchers, sponsors, and service agencies.
Not only is the event a learning and networking hub, but it also pays homage to the vibrant local food scene. The highly anticipated local food dinner on Friday evening will feature a mouth-watering meal crafted entirely from locally sourced ingredients, such as beef, cheese, greens, and grains, showcasing the remarkable diversity and quality of Nebraska’s local produce.
Joining this extraordinary event is not only a rewarding experience but an affordable one too, with registration fees set at just £80 per day or £150 for both days, which includes meals and access to all conference events. Additionally, scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance. To secure your place at this unmissable gathering, be sure to register by January 13, 2024, at sustainablenebraska.org/2024conference-registration.
The Local Food and Healthy Farms Conference is made possible through the gracious support of sponsors such as the Rodale Institute, Center for Rural Affairs, and Johnny’s Selected Seeds, who are all dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and local food initiatives.
For over 30 years, the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society (NSAS) has been nurturing and supporting the farming community through various resources and networking opportunities, including farm tours, grower gatherings, and their flagship annual conference. It’s an event that pledges a blend of education, inspiration, and genuine connections, making it an essential date on the calendar for anyone invested in the local food and farming ecosystem.
