Community Calendar
Common Ground Screening
Farmers, gardeners, sustainability experts, and anyone interested in the politics of food are invited to join us for a screening of Common Ground at the Topeka Public Library in Marvin Auditorium B on Thursday, August 26th at 6 PM
Common Ground uncovers the dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices have shaped our current agricultural system, where farmers of all backgrounds are struggling to feed us. It highlights a hopeful movement of white, Black, and Indigenous farmers who are adopting alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could help balance the climate, improve our health, and stabilize America’s economy—before it's too late..
Common Ground Screening
Kansas Rural Center is excited to partner with Working Films and the Redford Center for a screening of "Common Ground." This is a free event with refreshments provided by the Millennium Cafe. Audience participation in discussing scenes from the film is essential for completing this project and will provide valuable feedback that can help foster community action in the future.
About the film:Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.
Co-op Curious
What happens when communities work together to solve local challenges? Could a cooperative business be right for you? Learn about cooperative business structures, discuss shared challenges, and explore resources available through the Homegrown Prosperity grant. Whether you're curious or actively involved, come connect and learn about the potential of cooperation.
FREE Foodpreneur Lunch and Learn
Have your questions answered about licensing, regulations, and accessing shared kitchens. Resources to help entrepreneurs start or grow their food businesses will be available at no cost. Come enjoy lunch and leave equipped to turn your food entrepreneurship dreams into reality.
Cultivating Communities, Cities, and Food Systems
UFSS brings together a national and international audience of academic, non-profit, private-sector, government and research-oriented professionals around this years’ theme of ‘Cultivating Communities, Cities, and Food Systems.’ UFSS fosters collaboration and emphasizes the role of urban food systems in shaping sustainable solutions for our cities and communities.
Urban Food Systems Symposium
UFSS brings together a national and international audience of academic, non-profit, private-sector, government and research-oriented professionals around this years’ theme of ‘Cultivating Communities, Cities, and Food Systems.’ UFSS fosters collaboration and emphasizes the role of urban food systems in shaping sustainable solutions for our cities and communities.
Indigenous Food Sovereignty Summit
Save the date for a unique and powerful experience at the University of Kansas. Gather to share knowledge, strategies, and stories of success that strengthen traditional food systems and inspire initiatives toward a thriving and healthy community!
Kansas Soil Health School
This school is aimed at producers who are 1-5 years into a soil health management system, and will offer practical tools and support to help guide the next steps for your farm and/or livestock operation.
Prairie Festival - The Land institute
At this year’s Prairie Festival: 50 years of perennial possibilities, The Land Institute invites members of the community to reflect on the past 50 years of our collective work to transform food systems for people and the planet and envision the next 50 years of a global perennial agriculture revolution.
Virtual Fence Workshop
Want to learn more about virtual fence? Join us for an informal workshop. Lunch provided. RSVPs requested by August 14 to Lori.Siebert@ks.nacdnet.net or Lisa.Suderman@ks.nacdnet.net or call the office at 620-382-3714 ext. 3
Speakers include:
Doug Spencer, NRCS State Range Conservationist
David Kraft, Kansas Grazing Lands Coaltion
Jaymelynn Farney, Kansas State university
Lisa Suderman, Marion Reservoir & Cottonwood WRAPS
Representatives from Halter and Monil collars
Chris Mushrush, Mushrush Red Angus
Dean Suderman
Brandon Greenwood
Nate Nelson
Commercial Vegetable Field Day (KC Farmers Coalition)
The 2026 Commercial Vegetable Field Day features current research updates from Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center and K-State Olathe. Field Day content will be of interest to all fruit and vegetable growers, regardless of farm size. Research project presentations will be followed by a cookout meal and Growing Growers KC apprentice recognition.
Beginning growers are eligible for up to $500 stipend reimbursement for travel and registration to this and other networking/training events: https://www.kscga.org/new-grower-program
Food Business Start-Up Summit
The Food Business Start-Up Summit is a hands-on, two-day working retreat designed to help Kansas food and farm entrepreneurs make real progress on their businesses. Rather than sitting through presentations, participants work alongside trusted advisors and peers to tackle challenges like licensing, financing, production, distribution, and growth. Bring your key partners (teams of up to three) and step away from daily operations to gain clarity, build confidence, and leave with a practical action plan tailored to your business.
2026 Kansas Environmental Conference
Hear presentations from the private and public sectors, including program and regulation updates, emerging issues and technological innovations.
Check KSDE for actual times. To sign up for upcoming details and updates for the Kansas Environmental Conference, click here.
Kansas Environmental Conference
Environmental professionals: boost your knowledge on environmental issues, new technologies, regulatory information and pollution prevention activities.
Overview: Kansas’ Food is Medicine Roadmap - Event by Hunger Free Kansas
Food is Medicine is a growing effort to unite healthcare and community partners around the power of food to improve health, reduce hunger, and strengthen local economies. Please join Hunger Free Kansas, in collaboration with the Sunflower Foundation and the Kansas Food Action Network (KFAN), for a 10-part virtual learning series examining Food is Medicine and how these models and services are taking shape across our state and the country.
Register today for the next webinar in the 10-part virtual learning series on Food is Medicine
To Use a Mountain // No Nukes KC Coalition
Six rural American communities are marked as candidates for an unthinkable fate: their land, a burial ground for 77,000 tons of nuclear waste. Against the impassive logic of government analysis and archives, a people’s history of resistance and stewardship emerges through a visceral journey across the landscapes, ecologies, and personal histories of the candidate sites. Presented by No Nukes KC Coalition and followed by an in-person Q&A with the filmmaker, Casey Carter!
To Use a Mountain Screening
Six rural American communities are marked as candidates for an unthinkable fate: their land, a burial ground for 77,000 tons of nuclear waste. Against the impassive logic of government analysis and archives, a people’s history of resistance and stewardship emerges through a visceral journey across the landscapes, ecologies, and personal histories of the candidate sites.
Regenerative Food, Housing, and Energy through Permaculture Design - Kansas Permaculture Institute
Amber Thumann, permaculture consultant, teacher and 20 year practitioner, is opening her Permaculture homestead to the public for a day! Come ask questions, see experiments in process, and enjoy a look at what permaculture can do in eastern Kansas.
Guided tours will start every hour and guests are encouraged to ask questions and explore the homestead.
Enhancing Your Grazing From the Ground Up
This workshop will explore what it takes to grow soil, rebuild the water cycle, what happens above the ground, building ecosystems and managing for biodiversity on the farm. These components result in better grass and improve range health, resulting in enhanced grazing and stewardship on the ranch.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
The first Kansas Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference was held in Kingman with wild success. Don’t miss out on the next one: June 24-26 in beautiful Courtland, Kansas, the Irrigation Capital of Kansas. This conference is for small business owners, dreamers, entrepreneur support organizations. It’s an opportunity to be inspired and reinvigorated by like-minded people who can encourage you and offer support.
Measuring Impact & Building the Case for Food is Medicine in Kansas - Event by Hunger Free Kansas
Food is Medicine is a growing effort to unite healthcare and community partners around the power of food to improve health, reduce hunger, and strengthen local economies. Please join Hunger Free Kansas, in collaboration with the Sunflower Foundation and the Kansas Food Action Network (KFAN), for a 10-part virtual learning series examining Food is Medicine and how these models and services are taking shape across our state and the country.
Register today for the next webinar in the 10-part virtual learning series on Food is Medicine
Birds, Bats, and Bugs of the Night
Join HCA and Missouri Master Naturalist Teala Sadler to witness the magical transition from day to night at Alex George Wetland. At dusk, we will begin our walk to meet the critters of the night emerging from their daytime slumber. We'll search for a variety of owl species, get to know our local bat population, and experience bioluminescent bugs that light up our skies.
Work & Learn on Agritourism & Accessibility
Explore the field of Agritourism, looking at different ideas and ways to highlight the unique aspects of your farm. We will learn about composting toilets, on-farm accessibility and curating spaces for educational and recreational experiences.
Farm Transition Learning Circle
If you are a farmer or landowner wondering about your succession plans, this group is designed for you. Over the next year, we will be hosting meetings to discuss various options and innovative farm transition ideas and sharing ideas and inspiration with each other.
Conservation Conversation
Over the past few years, we have joined with many partners to support Kansans for Conservation in passing a bill to create a state-level fund to support conservation in Kansas. This would include working lands, wildlife, outdoor recreation and environmental education. And even though last year's proposed bill had significant bipartisan backing, it did not pass.
Still, we must move forward. Next year, we expect to continue our work with Kansans for Conservation. It seems that each day, protecting our land becomes more important than ever. In addition to our advocacy with Kansans for Conservation we strive to push conservation efforts forward in communities, at the state and Federal level. Part of our ability to effectively advocate for good policies and programs depends on learning what are the issues on your farm and in your communities. In an effort to check in on this issue, we are hosting a Conservation Conversation at our June Views From the Field.
URBAN WILDFIRE MITIGATION WORKSHOP, WITH THE KANSAS FOREST SERVICE
Shawna Hartman, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Kansas Forest Service, will be the presenter for this workshop. With an urban perspective, she will discuss defensible zones around a home, landscape clearance to buildings, fire resistant building materials, especially roofing materials, home emergency preparedness plan, outdoor water source and hose, and more. A $10 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away for lack of resources.
FUNDING THE FARM: FSA WEBINAR
Join the National Young Farmers Coalition and RAFI for a webinar providing an overview of Direct Operating, Ownership, and Microloans that farmers can access through FSA.
Equity in Food is Medicine & Models for Target Populations - Event by Hunger Free Kansas
Food is Medicine is a growing effort to unite healthcare and community partners around the power of food to improve health, reduce hunger, and strengthen local economies. Please join Hunger Free Kansas, in collaboration with the Sunflower Foundation and the Kansas Food Action Network (KFAN), for a 10-part virtual learning series examining Food is Medicine and how these models and services are taking shape across our state and the country.
Register today for the next webinar in the 10-part virtual learning series on Food is Medicine
Homegrown Prosperity Kickoff - KFU
Learn about your local cooperative ecosystem, explore our Co-op 101 curriculum, and connect with partners supporting cooperative development in Kansas and Missouri.
Midwest Easement Series: Easement Outcomes: Farmland Protection for the Future (Webinar)
This webinar session will cover an overview of long-term conservation and operational viability outcomes of agricultural conservation easements and programs that support future generations farming on protected lands.
Cooperatives - Sustainability & Longevity - Event by Federation of Southern Cooperatives
This series brings together Federation members, staff, and partners, including Braiding Seeds Fellowship and Soul Fire Farm, to share practical examples, lessons learned, and proven strategies for cooperative problem solving.
2026 Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) Applicant Webinar
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced $4.5 million in competitive grant funding for the Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP) to explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products, and to encourage resilience and development of local or regional food systems. The webinar will provide an overview of the program goals, eligibility, funding priorities, and tips for preparing a competitive application. For more information, please visit the RFSP webpage.
2026 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Applicant Webinar
U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), announced approximately $13.84 million in competitive grant funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer markets to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The webinar will provide an overview of the program goals, eligibility, funding priorities, and tips for preparing a competitive application. For more information, please visit the FMPP Website.
Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) Applicant Webinar
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced approximately $13.84 million in competitive grant funding for the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) to support the development, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The webinar will provide an overview of the program goals, eligibility, funding priorities, and tips for preparing a competitive application. For more information, please visit the LFPP website.
Pesticides and cancer risk in farming communities - Event by Investigate Midwest
This virtual panel brings together journalists, researchers, a physician, and a cancer survivor's lived experience to discuss the growing body of data examining the potential link between pesticide use and cancer outcomes. Grounded in reporting, the discussion will explore what’s known, what remains uncertain, and how these risks are experienced in real communities.
The conversation will connect data, policy, and personal impact to better understand what’s driving cancer risk in farm country.
Rural Grocery Summit - Event by KSU
The National Rural Grocery Summit, hosted every other year, is the premier networking and resource-sharing venue for independent grocers and rural food access stakeholders. It brings together grocery store owners and managers, community leaders, food suppliers, academic researchers, healthy food access stakeholders, policy makers, and funders to connect and share lessons learned. The event is focused on sustaining locally-owned rural grocery stores and improving access to healthy food in rural communities.