Farm to Fork 2026

Hear from Katie Nixon, owner and operator of Green Gate Family Farm in Wheatland, Missouri and one of the founding members of the Kansas City Food Hub.

In our Missouri/Kansas/NW Arkansas region, there are food hubs and supportive organizations in areas like Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, Springdale, Wichita, and beyond. If you are located near any of these areas, a food hub or farm stop can be a connection that makes a big difference for both farmers and for buyers seeking local food.

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Fresh and healthy foods have the power to heal people and strengthen communities. Proof is in the results of food prescription programs like FreshRx Oklahoma, which our keynote speaker co-founded. Erin Martin will explain how food prescription programs can make more than a significant impact on chronic conditions, such as diabetes, which also reduces healthcare costs. She will demonstrate the crucial link between the regenerative farming practices of many local food producers and the healing quality – or nutrient density – of foods. Her presentation will include strategies for building “Food is Medicine” and local food purchasing into public and private health insurance systems.

Speaker: Erin Martin, co-founder and CEO of FreshRX Oklahoma

Use this time to browse our exhibitors and network with other attendees

Raising small ruminants – sheep and goats – is one way for small farms to diversify operations and build income streams. From weed and brush control to quick return on investment, sheep and goats can complement most any farm. In this session, participants will learn essentials of small ruminant production tailored to Missouri’s region, including breed and genetic selection, pasture and forage management, parasite control strategies, health protocols, nutrition during key life stages, and marketing pathways (meat, fiber, dairy, and mixed use).

Speakers: Lincoln University Extension specialist Dr. Homero Salinas-Gonzalez and Missouri sheep dairyer Maria Dietz Spade, blending research-based insight with on-farm experience.

The term “direct to consumer” covers a wide world of marketing opportunities for farmers and other local food producers. Direct-to-consumer ranges from farmers’ markets and CSA to online sales and more. Which is right for you? How do you get started? How do you grow? How do you know when it’s time to try something else? These are some of the questions our speakers will address from their own experience building direct-to-consumer sales.

Speakers: Nathan and Miranda Kassner of WEMO Wagyu discuss building a premium rural Missouri beef business through quality focused, direct to consumer sales. The session also will also include a regional fruit and vegetable farmer.

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Get practical ideas and insight for designing an inviting farm-dinner event for elevating your local food story and building community engagement.

Speaker: Chef Dyllan Dale of Wild Foods by Dyllan shares how on farm dining and hyper local sourcing can create memorable food experiences rooted in place.

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Locally sourced lunch that embodies the mission of this event!

Plus, hear a few minutes from our Farm to Fork Premier-Sponsor, Vital Farms, who sources from small farmers across the region!

Join this session to learn from Rusted Plowshare Farm’s diversification and marketing journey. Josh Payne began transforming his family’s Concordia, Missouri, row crop farm when he took over some 16 years ago and learned he was allergic to herbicide. He turned to the soil health-building power of regenerative agriculture and began planting cover crops and orchards, and grazing sheep along with beef and pork. Today these ventures are strong and growing, including entry into wholesale markets. Participants will gain helpful insights and tips with Josh’s stories of opportunities gained and lessons learned along the way.

Speaker: Josh Payne, owner of Rusted Plowshare Farm, farms with his family in Concordia Missouri, where they have transitioned a traditional corn and soy operation into a regenerative sheep and cattle enterprise.

Farm stops and food hubs are business models for pooling food from multiple farms to serve commercial markets as well as community needs. This session will focus on the power of food hubs and farm stops to build consistent access to fresh, local food in communities that face food insecurity. Participants will learn strategies for connecting farmers with food insecure residents, coordinating reliable distribution, and building partnerships that ensure nutritious food reaches those who need it most. The session will also highlight practical approaches for using these models to strengthen regional food systems and support community resilience.

Speakers: Maile Auterson, Springfield Community Gardens; Karissa Kary, Ozarks Farm Stop

The chance to experience life on the land, from picking strawberries to wedding vows in the barn, is something many people value and which many farmers can offer. Agritourism can diversify income and create stronger community connections by inviting people onto the farm. This session will explore practical steps for developing seasonal attractions, hosting events, and creating visitor experiences that highlight a farm’s unique story.

Speaker: Matt Moreland, Red Barn Ranch

Use this time to browse exhibitors and network with attendees. And grab a light, locally sourced snack!

What does it mean to farm in a way that restores land, supports people, and strengthens community? Sun and Bloom Farms shares regenerative design strategies rooted in permaculture principles and more than ten years of global practice. In this session, learn how to plan your farm layout—plants, animals, infrastructure, and enterprises—in a way that boosts ecological abundance, increases biodiversity, and addresses local environmental and social challenges. Ideal for farms of any size, this approach helps growers create landscapes that are productive today and resilient for generations to come.

Speaker: Sun and Bloom Farms

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a mainstay of funding and financing for farming operations. But which programs best serve small farms and local food businesses? How do you prepare for successful applications? Where do you go for help? How have recent budget cuts affected USDA programs and support staffing? These are some of the questions we will pose to our panel of USDA representatives. They will answer your questions, too, and help guide you to resources that are designed to keep your farms and rural communities in business.

Join this session for a deep dive into Missouri and Kansas food laws. This session will cover essential regulations and guidelines for food safety and compliance, specifically tailored for small food producers and cottage food entrepreneurs. Learn how to navigate these laws effectively to ensure your business adheres to state standards and operates smoothly. Whether you're starting a new food venture or seeking to update your knowledge, this session will provide practical insights and actionable advice.

Gather in the large gym to draw for all those wonderful prizes!