By Andi Anderson
The Indiana Small Farm Conference is set to return on March 4-5, 2025, at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana. This annual event, hosted by Purdue Extension, serves as a premier educational and networking opportunity for the state's small and diversified farming community.
This year, the conference shifts to a Tuesday-Wednesday schedule, a change from previous years. Participants can look forward to a variety of educational sessions, networking opportunities with fellow farmers and agricultural professionals, and an engaging trade show featuring exhibitors relevant to small-scale farming operations.
The conference will offer sessions across nine different tracks, including vegetable production, livestock management, business development, and urban agriculture. Speakers will include experienced farmers and Purdue Extension experts who will share their insights and practical knowledge tailored to small farm operations.
A highlight of the event will be the keynote address by Clarenda "Farmer Cee" Stanley, the founding CEO of Green Heffa Farms. Her farm specializes in producing a variety of herbs, medicinal plants, and loose-leaf herbal teas. Farmer Cee will share her expertise in business and sustainable agriculture, providing valuable insights for attendees.
In preparation for the conference, organizers are seeking input from the farming community to help shape the event's content. Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to suggest topics, recommend presenters, or express interest in presenting by completing a survey available on the conference website.
The survey will remain open until August 31, 2024, allowing ample time for contributions to ensure the conference addresses the most pertinent issues facing small farmers today.
The Indiana Small Farm Conference has been a cornerstone event since its inception in 2013, consistently attracting over 500 attendees and 50 exhibitors.
It provides a platform for farmers to gain continuing education, engage in farmer-to-farmer networking, and explore resources that support the growth and success of small farming operations across Indiana.
For more information on the conference, including registration details and the suggestion survey, interested parties can visit the official Purdue Extension website dedicated to the Indiana Small Farm Conference.
Early registration is encouraged, as the event is expected to draw a significant number of participants eager to enhance their farming practices and connect with the broader agricultural community.
Mark your calendars for March 4-5, 2025, and join fellow farmers at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville for an enriching experience aimed at empowering Indiana's small and diversified farms.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Indiana, Education