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Community Calendar
Learn to Join National Sorghum Producers
Calling all farmers who want to understand how to be a part of the National Sorghum Producers reimbursement program.
Farm Taxes Training Webinar
During this workshop, Sarah Burnett Pierce of Moxie Tax Solutions will lead us through the process of filing taxes as a business owner who farms and/or ranches.
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Wild and Scenic Film Festival has evolved into the largest environmental film festival in the nation. The annual event each January in Nevada City, CA kicks off the nationwide tour to over 140 cities. All proceeds from the Lawrence event will benefit Friends of the Kaw and our work for the Kansas River.
OCIA Annual Meeting
COME LEARN and NETWORK WITH EXISTING ORGANIC FARMERS (Certified for years/decades), and TRANSITIONING FARMERS!!!
Fruit Tree Pruning Work & Learn
In this hands-on, work-and-learn event, participants will learn about and practice the basic techniques of fruit-tree pruning on different cultivars and tree ages.
Backyard Food Forest Design
Learn to choose plants that work together on your landscape to create a backyard food forest!
Construction Budgeting for the Cultivating Healthy Environments grant
Join this conversation with the Community Engineering Corps who will guide attendees through budgeting for construction costs and expenses for the Cultivating Healthy Environments grant.
Ecological Friends Happy Hour
This months guest speaker will be Jackie Augustine, Executive Director of Audubon of Kansas. She will discuss finding environmental funding in the state, advocating for proper energy siting and being a citizen scientist with INaturalist.
Conservation Bus Tour
Cover crops, soil testing and benefits, alternate watering facilities and access lanes to name a few topics.
Conservation Easement Workshop
Whether you’re a land owner or seeker, you'll learn foundational knowledge and actionable insights to make informed decisions.
Prairie Talk – Grassland Conservation Series
This promises to be an enlightening conversation on a subject of increasing importance as threats to our prairie ecosystems increase. Reservations are appreciated. Refreshments will be served. More details coming soon!
Kicking Plastics to the Curb
Learn about reducing plastics in your home and why it’s important to do so.
Sheet Mulching
Learn to sheet mulch with a few basic materials so you will be ready to start a garden from scratch or revitalize your existing beds come Spring!
KIFA Advocacy Day
Schedule: Will include an in-person welcome & orientation at 8:30am, followed by morning legislative visits, a noontime lunch and learn, a short press event in the afternoon, followed by legislative visits again in the afternoon. We should conclude by 3pm.
Understanding the Soil Ecosystem
Our understanding of what ordinary soil is and how it functions has been completely revolutionized by scientific discoveries over the past 30 years. Com learn about soil and get caught up on the latest concepts!
The Impact Soil Biology has on Agriculture
Speaker Rion Naus will dive into the soil biology connection and why it is important to our Kansas agriculture. Have lunch on us and learn about the biology that created it.
Soil Health for Profitability
This free field day focuses on soil health for profitability, including discussions on how cover crops can be used in dryland cotton in Oklahoma, early season management of cotton, in-field indicators of soil health, carbon credit opportunities, and considerations when signing carbon credit contracts as row crop farmers.
Demystifying the Haney Test
his webinar will focus on the various aspects of the Haney test, allowing participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of soil health indicators. Dr. Haney will share her expertise, explaining complex concepts in an accessible manner and answering questions from attendees.
Farmers & Flyers Marketing Webinar
This webinar series is designed specifically for farmers, ranchers, and growers and provides the knowledge you need to establish your brand, promote your products and events, and connect with your customers.
Transistion to Organic
They’ll be going over the basics of organic production, technical assistance, organic weed management, NRCS resources for producers, and much more! Enjoy presentations from industry experts, including keynote speakers Jack Geiger of Geiger Farms and Nate Powell-Palm of Cold Springs Organics.
How & Why’s of Biochar
In this workshop, we will complete a full biochar burn using an in-ground trench. You will learn what biochar is and how it is used to build soil health. Every participant will go home with a gallon of biochar.
Big Rural Brainstorm
Brainstorming is about participating, about helping others think. If you register, we will need your input to put meat on the bones for our plan.
Those who register will be asked this question: “What would it look like if our downtown (or community) was known for ________________.”
Spring Agroforestry Work & Learn
Learn from local experts about forest farming plants, soil health and seasonal management while gaining practical experience in planting and caring for spring crops and mushroom inoculation.
Welcome to KS Leks Treks
The highlight of this birding festival will include opportunities to view both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens. No birdwatcher should miss seeing this yearly ritual unfold as males fight among themselves and display to females. The timing of the festival coincides with the peak of prairie-chicken breeding and female visitation to the lek.
Local Food Town Hall
Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.
The Fourth Annual Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival
The Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival, a premier birding event offering the rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking displays of both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens. During this unforgettable experience, you’ll observe male prairie-chickens engaging in competitive battles and elaborate courtship displays to attract females. The festival’s timing aligns perfectly with the peak of prairie-chicken breeding season, ensuring maximum female activity at the lek.
Range Youth Camp
Learn range plant identification, plant growth, stocking rate determinations, livestock nutrition, rangeland wildlife management, and much more!
Local Food Town Hall
Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.
National Farmers Market Week
National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) is August 3-9, 2025! Now in its 26th year, this annual celebration highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. With fun events, programs, contests, activities, and more, the week helps to boost market attendance and visibility as well as showcase the value markets bring to their communities.
Local Food Town Hall
Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.
Farm Transition & Succession Planning: Conservation Easement Workshop Series
This event is hosted in collaboration by Cultivate KC, KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S. Coalition, KC Farm School, KC Black Urban Growers, Platte Land Trust, and The Conservation Fund.
This informative two-part workshop series is designed to educate landowners and land seekers about the process, benefits, considerations, and challenges of conservation easements. Whether you’re planning for the future of your land or searching for land to begin farming, this series will provide the foundational knowledge and actionable insights you need to make informed decisions.
Grant Writing Basics
This Grant Writing Basics course consists of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. Time for interaction with other participants is an important aspect of the class; even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after consulting with peers. The course is suited for people who have never written a grant (50% of our audience), as well as those who have a lot of experience and want to take a fresh look at their current practices.
Kansas Food Action Network Day at the Capitol
The Kansas Food Action Network is a statewide network of local food, farm and policy councils that advocate for local, state and national policies for more equitable access to healthy, affordable food.
Kansas Food Action Network supports communities as they identify and address local food system priorities by offering support, resources and partnerships.
Grant Writing Basics
This Grant Writing Basics course consists of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. Time for interaction with other participants is an important aspect of the class; even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after consulting with peers. The course is suited for people who have never written a grant (50% of our audience), as well as those who have a lot of experience and want to take a fresh look at their current practices.
WEALTH DAY
Kansas WEALTH Day of Advocacy and Education brings together organizations, advocates, and legislators to connect on Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health. Join us at the Capitol to participate in the legislative process!
Heir's Property Course
Do you or your family own land passed down through generations? Are you unsure how to protect, manage, or maximize its value? Learn how to secure your legacy with this Heirs’ Property Course!
2025 KS Natural Resource Conference
The theme for this event is, “Building Tomorrow’s Wildlife Habitats: Strategies for Success.”
This program explores innovative approaches to designing and managing wildlife habitats in a changing world. Discussion tracks will include: habitats in populated areas, addressing urban conservation challenges, habitat-human interfaces, and focusing on shared spaces. Additional topics cover data-driven wildlife monitoring, the impact of invasive species and range shifts due to climate change, and strategies for effective public education and conservation practices. With a broad appeal to professionals in urban and traditional settings, this event aims to equip attendees with actionable insights for habitat sustainability.
Kansas Natural Resources Conference
This program explores innovative approaches to designing and managing wildlife habitats in a changing world. Discussion tracks will include habitats in populated areas, addressing urban conservation challenges, and habitat-human interfaces, focusing on shared spaces. Additional topics cover data-driven wildlife monitoring, the impact of invasive species and range shifts due to climate change, and strategies for effective public education and conservation practices. With a broad appeal to professionals in urban and traditional settings, this event aims to equip attendees with actionable insights for habitat sustainability.
Hiring Your First Employee
Your small business is growing! Let’s get you ready to successfully hire and retain your first employee. Join us as we discuss required employee documentation, payroll and whether you can handle in-house or outsource, necessary tax reporting, and other human resource points you should consider.
KS Dept of Education offering Farm-to-School workshops for growers interested in building supply relationships with area schools
The best things to eat often grow close to home! You are invited to attend a Farm to School Regional Workshop to explore ways to connect producers and schools to purchase locally grown Specialty Crop products!
Local Food Town Hall
Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.
League of Woman Voters
Dive into the heart of democracy at League Day at the Capitol! Join other members for a unique opportunity to unravel the legislative process, engage with lawmakers and build valuable connections--all while celebrating the League's belated 104th birthday! Elevate your understanding, network with purpose and be part of a day that fuels democracy.
Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs
The North Central Food Safety Extension Network is offering a 3-part webinar series on topics relative to food entrepreneurs. Register and you will receive a Zoom link to attend. All webinars will be held from 11:00am-Noon CST.
Jan 28: Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs
Feb 4: Freeze Drying Foods: Science, Safety, and Cottage Industry
Feb 11: Sourdough Starters: Care, Safety, and Preservation
KRC Farm Beginnings Class
Farm Beginnings is Kansas Rural Center’s farmer-led training program to help guide beginning farmers and ranchers on their journey to establishing sustainable and economically sound farm and ranch businesses and achieve their goals. Our program is focused on being farmer led, community based, prioritizing racial equity, and emphasizing sustainable agriculture. Farm Beginnings is designed for new and prospective farmers who want to plan a profitable farm business. Students do not need to currently own or lease land, but some farming or production experience is helpful to get the most out of the class.
BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT
THE BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT provides producers, landowners, and ag industry members with a ground-up educational experience. While many conferences inspire and teach, THE BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT encourages and illuminates soil health practice adoption.
Health on the Plains Convening: Building Thriving Rural Communities!
The Kansas Health Institute is excited to announce the launch of a new annual convening dedicated to exploring the many factors shaping and influencing health and quality of life in rural Kansas.
Beers of the Kaw 2024
A Beer Tasting Event featuring Breweries along the Kansas Watershed & Kaw River to benefit Friends of the Kaw, a 501 c(3) organization.
Celebration of Cranes
Witness one of nature’s wonders as Sandhill Cranes and critically-endangered Whooping Cranes migrate through central Kansas this November. Experience the incredible beauty of this ancient migration, and learn more about how the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge provides a crucial inland salt marsh and stopover point for these birds.
Meet guest speakers, Dr. Medhavi Ambardar, Dr. James Carpenter, and Brandon Case and learn more about AOK's Advocacy, Conservation, and Education Initiatives. A limited number of guided tour van seats will be available for purchase.
Environmental Justice in Rural Communities
How does environmental inequity show up in rural communities? Join partners of the Heartland Environmental Justice Center to learn how environmental justice issues affect the quality of life for rural residents and learn about the impact of federal, state, and local policies on rural areas. Presenters will highlight resources to engage elected officials and share tactics that grassroots organizations can use to advocate for environmental resources and support in rural and remote communities.
Kansas Landowner Conference
K-State Department of Agricultural Economics is looking forward to hosting the 2nd Annual Kansas Landowner Conference. This conference is specifically tailored to folks who have agricultural land in Kansas, but may not reside on the property, or even in the state of Kansas. The Kansas Landowner Conference is designed to be a resource where landowners can build networks and increase their knowledge in many aspects of land management.
Kaw Valley Farm Tour
Bring your friends and family to explore the land, animals, and practices of 39 farms in the 20th annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour. Discover amazing Kansas products, and meet the farmers behind everything. From pumpkins and poultry to wildflowers and wine!
Growing Growers 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Join Growing Growers for a night of delicious food, great company, and celebration at the K-State Olathe Horticulture Research & Extension Center. Since 2004, Growing Growers has graduated over 220 apprentices, many of which are still actively involved in food and farming. Don't miss out on this special evening as we commemorate our journey and look forward to the future. Event begins at 4:30pm with drinks & music, followed by a program over dinner, and will conclude with a raffle to raise some money to support the continued growth and success of the program.
Q39 Collaboration Dinner with Juniper Gardens
Q39 is partnering with Cultivate KC, and the farmers at Juniper Gardens to put on a fall harvest dinner. This will be a 4 course farm to table dinner with beverage pairings, kicked of with appetizers, cocktails and a interactive farm tour. You will have a chance to meet the farmers, Chef Philip of Q39, and tour the farm where the produce for dinner is grown, before settling in at the table under Juniper Gardens brand new farm pavilion.
Conservation Easement Essentials Workshop
Join KAWS us for a continuation of our Conservation Easement Essentials (CE2) Workshop series. Building upon the foundation of the 2023 workshops, conservation partners will take a deeper dive into easement monitoring, stewardship, landowner perspectives, and easement misconceptions.
Midtown Hoedown
Midtown Hoedown is a family friendly, farm-centered folk dance + so much more! This event is perfect for farming and food enthusiasts of ALL ages. The highlight of the party is the gender-inclusive square dance with music by Halfsider, an old time string band featuring Tricia Spencer, Howard Rains, Isaiah Sibi, and Rachel Krause with dance steps called by Lisa Harris-Frydman. The dances are all taught on the spot – no experience is necessary.
GOAT & SHEEP SCHOOL
Create small ruminant operations as highly profitable ventures with expert insights. Instructors: Greg Christiansen and Dale Strickler
Access land without going into debt
Build fence that works and doesn’t cost a fortune
Economically and effectively control internal parasites
Protect from predators with guardian dogs
Convert weeds from an expense into a profit center
Avoid buying the wrong kind of breeding stock
Rural Grocery Specialist Training
This course is designed for Extension professionals, economic developers and other resource providers who support rural grocers and rural community vitality across the country.
The Rural Grocery Transition Specialist course includes seven self-paced online modules covering key topics for supporting rural grocers through business transition.
GRAZING SCHOOL
Unleash the full potential of your pasture and animals with cutting-edge regenerative practices. Instructors: Dale Strickler and Dr. Elizabeth Heilman
Significantly increase pasture productivity and animal carrying capacity
Best ways to extend your grazing seasons and cut costs on feed, fertilizer, and fencing.
Secrets to producing tasty, tender grass finished beef in less than 24 months
Increase weaning weights and master livestock sale strategies
NTOP & KSHA Keith Thompson Field Day
Field day will include: soil pit, rainfall simulator, and cover crops in a cash crop system
Registration begins at 8:30 AM, at the Osage City Community Center followed by the field portion of the day. The day will wrap up with lunch at the community center.
Registration is free but RSVP is needed by August 28th to guarantee a meal.