DANVILLE, Ind. – The 2024 Indiana Small Farm Conference will include plenty of time for farmer-to-farmer discussions, according to a conference organizer. The 12th annual event is Feb. 29-March 1 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville.

“We tried to be very responsive to the feedback from last year and so, although not new or different, we’ve been sure to incorporate lots of opportunities for farmers to learn from other farmers, whether that is a full presentation, a farmer panel, and we’ve provided an extended networking opportunity following lunch on (March 1),” Amy Thompson, Purdue University Extension beginning farmers coordinator, told Farm World.

“Instead of incorporating a second keynote into this year’s conference, (the networking session) will be an organized yet relaxed opportunity for farmers to engage with fellow farmers, researchers, agency personnel, etc. Participants will choose to join a group that aligns with their interests, whether that be a specific topic area or a desire to connect with farmers from their region of the state.”

Networking topics will include segments on livestock, vegetables and fruits, small farm research needs, beginning farmers and weed management methods.

Since 2013, the conference has brought together novice and experienced small-scale farmers to benefit from comprehensive, instructive and enjoyable programming about diversified farming and local food systems, a Purdue press release noted. This year’s conference offers eight tracks: urban agriculture, vegetable production, business, livestock, resilient agriculture, niche opportunities, equity and food security, and flowers.

Several sessions are scheduled for each track. For example, topics under urban agriculture include community restoration, four season farming at a small scale, and working with youth. Under the business track, sessions include online marketing, targeting your customer, and finding profit on your farm.

The conference has a broad audience from aspiring to seasoned farmers, including those in urban or rural settings, and homesteaders, Thompson told Farm World. Attendees also have an opportunity to engage with a variety of vendors and agricultural service agencies and organizations through the trade show.

The keynote speaker is Michael Kilpatrick, founder of Growing Farmers, and host of the Thriving Farmer podcast. At the conference, he will discuss Thriving in Uncertain Times, Thompson said. Kilpatrick will share key principles vital for a successful farm operation. He’ll break down crucial financial numbers, reveal effective marketing strategies, and narrate both triumphant and cautionary tales from the field, she added.

He will also offer another session – Growing Together: Finding, Training and Keeping Stellar Staff. He will discuss recruiting, training and fostering long-term loyalty and productivity, Thompson said.

People who attend the conference more than once come “to hear about new research, to improve their business practices, add resiliency to their farming operation, learn about a new opportunity and connect with new people,” she pointed out.

As for potential first-time attendees, “You don’t know what you don’t know, so coming to opportunities like the Indiana Small Farm Conference provides a chance to learn about things you may not be aware of,” Thompson explained. “Additionally, it provides an opportunity to connect with other farmers who may have faced challenges you are facing – it provides an opportunity for new attendees to learn from those who have perhaps gone through a similar experience. Connecting directly with researchers is another opportunity.”

The conference is 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET on the 29th and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on the 1st. An afternoon social is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the 29th. The two-day registration fee is $155, and covers lunch both days, refreshment breaks, the educational sessions and the social event on the 29th. One-day registration options are available. The registration deadline is Feb. 21. For more information, including a detailed schedule and a registration form, visit https://purdue.ag/sfc. Thompson said organizers hope for 300 or more attendees this year.