Farmers Learn and Connect at Great Plains Event

By Blake Jackson

The Great Plains Growers Conference continues to be one of the most important educational events for fruit and vegetable farmers across the region. Each year, the conference brings together growers, researchers and industry leaders to share knowledge, build skills and strengthen connections that support success on the farm. For more than 25 years, it has been known as a leading event for specialty crop producers.

The 2026 conference includes two full days of learning, preceded by three daylong workshops on January 8. These workshops cover Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) models for small farms, small farm livestock topics and produce safety grower training. These sessions help farmers gain practical skills and prepare for the upcoming growing season.

University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Justin Keay says the conference offers tremendous value. Farmers gain new ideas, hear from experts and build relationships that often continue long after the event ends. Keay notes that growers leave the conference energized and ready to try new solutions to improve their operations.

The keynote speaker for 2026 is Missouri farmer Curtis Millsap. Millsap operates a 25 acre diversified farm that grows vegetables, cut flowers and local food. His 200 member CSA, farmers market sales and partnerships with local restaurants make his farm a strong example of successful community based agriculture. His experience gives attendees valuable insight into real world farming challenges and creative solutions.

With 50 different class sessions, the conference covers fruit production, vegetable growing, cut flowers, business management and marketing. This wide range of topics means that both new and experienced growers can find sessions that match their needs.

New this year is a farmer forum designed to help growers build strong peer networks. Another popular feature is Grower Innovation Night, where farmers share their creative ideas and problem solving methods from their own farms.

Conference director Denice Ferguson says the regional partnership behind the event strengthens its impact. The conference brings more than 525 attendees to St. Joseph and supports the local economy while providing high quality training for growers. Visit https://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org/ for details and registration.

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