Howdy there, fellow food fanatics and farming devotees! Grab your diaries and circle the dates because the 2024 Local Food and Healthy Farms Conference is fast approaching. Set to unfold from the 25th to the 27th of January at the River’s Edge Conference Center in Columbus, Neb., this gathering is now open for registration.
For over four decades, the Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society has been the driving force behind this annual event, drawing in farmers, ranchers, culinary entrepreneurs, advocates, and researchers for a two-day extravaganza celebrating the world of agriculture. And now, for the third consecutive year, they’ve joined forces with the University of Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Specialty Crop Growers to deliver the ultimate farming and local food systems conference in the state.
An integral part of the event’s organizational brain trust, Ben Jewell, a Nebraska Extension educator, remarked, “By combining Extension and NSAS’ efforts, the organizing team has been able to think outside the box about how to engage this crowd and forge connections all along the food value chain. Our attendees come from a wide array of backgrounds, and this diverse group coming together over two days allows for more vibrant conversations that delve into the core of the challenges facing our local food system.”
Throughout the conference, participants will have the opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate in the pursuit of a more resilient food future. The agenda boasts a wealth of over 30 sessions covering an array of topics such as farm financial and transition planning, farm skills, field crops, livestock, farm and food policy, urban agriculture, and local food access. Additionally, new pre-conference workshops are available to offer more comprehensive training in regional food systems, communication, and farm/ranch resources.
Furthermore, attendees will be treated to insights from keynote speakers Nancy Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of No More Empty Pots in Omaha, and Michael Foley, co-owner and operator of Green Uprising Farm in California. A host of networking opportunities await as well, including a special Friday evening reception and an exhibit hall.
As an added treat, the conference will be serving up a scrumptious local food dinner on Friday evening, featuring a sumptuous spread entirely sourced from local producers. The organizers have left no stone unturned in bringing together local beef, artisanal cheeses, fresh greens, and even locally-sourced grains to craft a mouth-watering experience for all.
Priced at £80 per day or £150 for both days, inclusive of meals and access to all conference events, this promises to be an unmissable affair. For those in need, scholarships are available. Make sure to secure your spot by the 13th of January, 2024, at sustainablenebraska.org/2024conference-registration.
The Local Food and Healthy Farms Conference owes its success to the generous support of sponsors such as Rodale Institute, Center for Rural Affairs, Roberts Seeds, Viking Blue River Organic Seed, Acres USA, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska.
So, mark those calendars, spread the word, and come join us for this incredible celebration of local food and farms. Let’s unite and champion a sustainable, healthy, and resilient food future for Nebraska!
