February 3-4, 2023 | Aurora, Nebraska
Registration closes at 4pm, Jan. 27th
A limited number of late registrations are available, and rates increase by $20 for each day of the conference.
Email NSAS for availability: info@sustainablenebraska.org.
At the Nebraska Local Food & Healthy Farms Conference, you will take an active role in securing our community's food future. Whether you are farming, ranching, running a food service operation, conducting research or education, or advocating for local food, your place is at our table. Or rather, at one of many round table conversations, forums, and educational sessions. In our second year as a collaborative conference between NSAS's Healthy Farms Conference, the Nebraska Regional Food Systems Summit, and the Nebraska Specialty Crops Conference & Trade Show, our goal is to provide the most dynamic and comprehensive farming and local food systems conference in the state. Join us as we learn, innovate, connect, and collaborate for a resilient food future. We can't wait to see you there!
Sessions
We are back in Aurora, NE for two full days of 30+ educational workshops including farmer-led sessions and food system deep-dives, inspiring keynotes, and plenty of opportunities for good conversations, meaningful connections, and fun socializing. Check out the Sessions & Agenda for a full schedule of the sessions, keynotes, and events happening.
Featured Keynote Speakers
Katie Nixon
Bob Quinn
Robert “Bob” Quinn is a leader in promoting organic and sustainable agriculture and co-author of the book "Grain by Grain: A Quest to Revive Ancient Wheat, Rural Jobs, and Healthy Food." After finishing a PhD in plant biochemistry, Bob took over his family's conventional grain and cattle farm in 1978, started experimenting with organic production in 1986, used the last chemical application on the farm in 1988, and was 100% certified organic by 1991. As demand for organics grew, Bob discovered that with time-tested practices like cover cropping and crop rotation, he can produce successful yields—without pesticides. With his company Montana Flour & Grains, he introduced the domestic natural food industry to an ancient Egyptian wheat called khorasan which is similar to durum wheat and marketed under his own brand name, KAMUT®.
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Katie co-operates Green Gate Family Farm, a certified Organic diversified market farm where they produce vegetables, fruits, bedding plants, eggs and flowers. Katie is a founding member and current President of the KC Food Hub, a farmer-owned and farmer-run cooperative serving the wholesale market. For West Central Missouri Community Action Agency, Katie serves as the Food Systems Director. In this role, she has brought in over $2 million in USDA and other funding to improve the regional food system. Katie is currently serving a second term on the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Administrative Council as Chair. Katie has participated in sustainable food and farming work in Washington, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico, and New Zealand. In 2020, she was selected as a Zhi-Xing China Eisenhower Fellow.
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Scholarships
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We're committed to making the Local Food & Healthy Farms Conference affordable and accessible for all to participate. We're pleased to offer scholarships as funding is available. If cost is a barrier to attending, please complete the Scholarship Form. Applications will be received until January 16th.
Sponsors & Exhibitors
Support the conversation, education, and culture around local food and sustainable agriculture in Nebraska! Sponsoring will showcase your brand in front of a wide network of farmers, ranchers, and food enthusiasts with plenty of opportunities for making meaningful connection. Please join us!
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Location
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We are delighted to be returning to The Leadership Center, a premier conference and retreat center located in Aurora, Nebraska.
Lodging
Update 1/27/23: Lodging is fully booked at The Leadership Center. Please refer to the Location page for nearby options.
The Leadership Center also provides modest lodging accommodations with a few nice amenities including an indoor pool, dry sauna, and fire pits overlooking the pond. Rates: $94.48 for 1 person and $119.35 for 2 - 4 people in a room. Reservations: Call 402-694-3934 to reserve a room, mention the "Healthy Farms" conference at booking. |
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Conference Planning Committee
