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.

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.

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.

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

Learn about your local cooperative ecosystem, explore our Co-op 101 curriculum, and connect with partners supporting cooperative development in Kansas and Missouri.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn how to plan, market, and manage a successful small-acreage enterprise by aligning your goals with your resources and profitability strategies.

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.

Limited on space, but want to support pollinators? Learn about ways in which a small native garden can be a quality habitat for invertebrates. Space does not have to be a limiting factor in your ability to help partake in conservation. Join Stefanie Steele and Raven Larcom to explore what a small habitat can look like and the steps people can take to build their own miniature pollinator haven. Stay after the presentation for a Q&A session joined by Kaitlin Haase and Giovanni Di Franco with other interested attendees.

Visit a suburban homestead to view various systems for utilizing rainwater in a home scale productive system, including ponds, swales and container systems. Topics include sizing systems, sourcing materials, appropriate plants to match and where to find resources.

Event is outdoors and is rain or shine - please dress appropriately so you can catch the system in action.

Join the Southwest Monarch Study (SWMS) and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) for this free upcoming webinar to learn about the latest in monarch
butterfly monitoring and how you can get involved in this important community science program.

During this session, participants will:

• Learn how cooperative businesses work
• Explore examples of successful rural cooperatives
• Understand how cooperatives can address local economic challenges
• Learn how the Homegrown Prosperity program can support groups interested in developing a cooperative

Join The Food Circle and shop with more than 30 KC Food Circle farmers who pledge to meet high standards for growing plants and mushrooms, beekeeping and raising animals.

Attendees can talk directly with farmers as they sign up for weekly farm shares, buy transplants for their gardens, and get the freshest early spring products our region has to offer!

Shop Kansas Farms is excited to host the next Market of Farms in Douglas County on March 28. Do you grow fresh produce, make salsas, jams, soaps, or produce other specialty farm products? Showcase your hard work and connect directly with consumers by registering for a booth as a vendor.

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

Fire has shaped our landscapes for centuries—with both beneficial and destructive outcomes. This program explores fire as a management tool, covering prescribed burning, wildfire risk reduction, and practical steps homeowners can take to live more safely with fire. Participants will gain a better understanding of when fire helps, when it threatens, and how thoughtful planning can protect people, property, and ecosystems. Registration is free!

This event will feature an educational component designed to help farmers and food businesses prepare wholesale opportunities. Topics will include what buyers are looking for, how to navigate wholesale requirements, and tips for building long-term business relationships. Whether you’re a producer curious about entering wholesale markets or an experienced grower looking to expand your reach, this event will provide valuable tools and insights. Cost is $30.

The workshop will start with registration at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting kicking off at 9:30 a.m. Topic titles include We Grow Soil, It’s All About Water, Livin’ on the Edge, What Bugs Me; all 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 will result in better grass, improve range health which all results in enhanced grazing on the ranch.

The workshop will start with registration at 9:00 a.m. and the meeting kicking off at 9:30 a.m. Topic titles include We Grow Soil, It’s All About Water, Livin’ on the Edge, What Bugs Me; all 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 will result in better grass, improve range health which all results in enhanced grazing on the ranch.