LEXINGTON, Ky. — Since 2010, the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) has gathered farmers, agriculture professionals and local food advocates to share practical information and resources related to organic and regenerative agriculture. OAK’s 14th annual farming conference – Grounded in Organics: From Soil to Market – returns for the third year to Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort from January 23-25, 2025.

The OAK Conference focuses primarily on production systems, techniques and practices, regional research on organic practices and supportive community connections among farmers. OAK’s 2025 Conference is open to anyone interested in organic farming practices. The event features three days of inspiration from local and regional speakers, trade show resources and networking opportunities to support farmers and food system allies.

The conference offers in-depth learning with half-day Pre-Conference Workshops on Thursday, January 23, including immersion into silvopasture in hardwood forests, walk-behind tractors, farm profitability, storage crop production, agroforestry practices and an intensive session for experienced growers. Invited farmer presenters include Greg Brann, Daniel Mays, Ellen Polishuk, Jeff Poppen, Brett Chedzoy and many inspiring Kentucky farmers and growers. See the full agenda and speakers online: oak-ky.org/agenda.

The conference offers inspiration from keynote speaker Jesse Buie of Ole Brook Organics and an opening session panel of organic farmers. Local and regional farmers and experts lead sessions and roundtables on topic-specific crop production, on-farm conservation, rotational grazing, policy, on-farm research, marketing, soil health, pest and disease management and more.

Conference scholarships are available, and discounted early-bird pricing extends through December 13, 2024. Registration information is available at oak-ky.org/annual-conference. Contact OAK with any questions: [email protected] or 502-709-8732.

–Jenny Howard Owen, Organic Association of Kentucky

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