By Blake Jackson
Registration is now open for the 2025 Great Plains Grower Conference, scheduled for January 9-11 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. This three-day event attracts vegetable, fruit, flower, and specialty crop growers from across the Midwest.
“Every year, this conference attracts 350-400 committed growers, from full-time farm market vendors to part-time diversified horticulture producers, who come together to explore the latest trends and practices in the industry,” says Denice Ferguson, an agricultural business and policy specialist for University of Missouri Extension and chair of the conference.
The conference offers a range of educational opportunities, including pre-conference workshops on hard cider, marketing, and nut orchards.
The main conference features sessions on various topics relevant to growers, with a focus on research-based information and practical applications.
“There’s a wealth of information available to growers on the latest trending topics, but our conference offers them a research-based, unbiased evaluation of these concepts and their practical applications before they commit to any investments,” Ferguson says.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference includes a trade show featuring the latest products from over 40 vendors.
The event also features a popular Growers Innovation Competition and Pizza Party, along with dedicated grower association meetings for Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas.
The conference is organized by a team of experts from University of Missouri Extension, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Lincoln University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
For details and registration, visit https://www.greatplainsgrowersconference.org/
Photo Credit: istock-rixipix
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education