Farm to Fork 2025

Jackson Tough is the Public Relations and Tourism Director for the City of Fort Scott with an emphasis on agritourism and economic development. He is a native of El Dorado Springs, Missouri where he was the CEO of an award-winning Chamber of Commerce. Jackson and his wife reside on the family farm in Bourbon County, Kansas. He has a passion for promoting our rural Midwest and supporting local economics, and we are honored to have him emcee Farm to Fork.

Diversifying your income streams can safeguard your farm against the unpredictable ups and downs of local produce and meat markets.Volatility in demand, pricing, and external factors like weather or widespread retail shutdowns can threaten your financial stability. In this presentation,Karin will share practical, innovative ways to leverage your existing skills and assets—such as value-added products, educational services, agrotourism, alternative sales outlets, and more—to create multiple revenue streams. Walkaway with actionable strategies to boost your farm's resilience and long-term success.

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Our speaker, Karin Velez, is one of the farmers at Wolf Creek Family Farm, a market farm in west central Missouri focused on sustainably grown produce sold through a 75-member CSA program, local farmer’s markets, and home delivery. She is also owner of Just Grow Something, a garden consulting and education company, and host of the Just Grow Something podcast. Karin takes her passion for growing food, combines it with her almost two decades of market farming experience and her horticulture degree, and helps growers and home gardeners reach their goals through education and mentorship. You can read Kerin's story and listen to an episode of her award winning podcast in the New Growth food and agriculture news.

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

Considering selling your farm-raised meat direct to consumers?  This session will provide comprehensive resources from MU Extension for launching ‘direct meat sales’, reveal effective strategies for reaching consumers, and hear the real-world experience from Lawanna Salmon who has successfully implemented these approaches.

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Join our panel session where small food and farm business owners will answer questions and share their insights. They’ll delve into their experiences, challenges, and strategies, offering valuable advice on running a successful business. And hear from a local SBA specialist on funding and financing for business expansion. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or real-world anecdotes, this is your chance to gain direct, actionable knowledge from those who’ve navigated the entrepreneurial journey. Click links to those speaking on the Small Business Owner Panel to learn more.

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As the Farm Manager and Cut Flower Grower of Millsap Farm in Springfield, MO, Kimby will share her wealth of experience and insight on marketing and arranging cut locally grown flowers.

Join a deep dive into the Missouri Food Code and Missouri Cottage 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.

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Locally sourced lunch that embodies the mission of this event!

This session will explore strategies for transitioning from stressed irrigated crops to thriving dryland pastures. Learn the secrets to producing high-quality, grass-finished beef, boost pasture productivity and profitability, and discover ways to reduce the costs associated with overwintering livestock. Gain practical insights to enhance your grazing and ranching operations for better results.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) — though not to be confused with the other "AI" you find on the farm — is a hot topic in the business world. Join Kim Beer as she explains what AI really is and how local food and farm businesses can tap into this technology to improve operations in ways you might not have considered before.

In this session you will learn how to mindfully partner with the power of Artificial Intelligence to empower your business and marketing. You will walk away with tips you can put to use immediately for little to no cost.

Get the down and dirty low-down on composting and worm castings in this fun and informative breakout session. Learn the essentials of crafting nutrient-rich compost from the founder of Kevin's Compost and uncover the magic of worm castings (vermicompost) from the business owners of Terra Verde Acres for improving soil health, and see how both can supercharge plant growth and sustainability.

Karin Valez brings her years of experience as a market farm business owner to teach how to best prepare for and be as successful as you can when selling at farmers markets

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

Food hubs pull products together from multiple farmers to serve larger buyers, such as schools. Food hubs work for farmers, keeping the farm’s name connected to the product and returning as much as 80 percent of the final price to the local food suppliers.

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In this afternoon final session, hear from Katie Nixon, one of the founding members of the Kansas City Food Hub and a huge advocate of local food systems. She'll share the practical insight needed for working with a food hub.

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In our Missouri/Kansas/NW Arkansas region, there are food hubs or 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 can be a connection that makes a big difference for both farmers and for buyers seeking local food.