By JAY HARRIS
Cottonwood Extension District
Whether you're a seasoned local food producer, just starting out, or simply curious about growing and selling local food, the Local Food Producer Workshop is for you! Join us on Friday, February 28 at the Hays Agricultural Research Center for a day full of learning, sharing, and connecting with others who care about local food and community.
The Kansas Local Food Systems program, administered by K-State Research and Extension, has joined with the Kansas Department of Agriculture to offer a series of workshops for local food producers.
“One of the things we learned from a series of community roundtables we held last year is that there is a great need to support local food entrepreneurs, especially when it comes to navigating regulations, increasing their marketing skills, and reaching new markets for their products,” said Rebecca McMahon, administrator of the Kansas Local Food System program.
“These workshops are a great way to reach a range of farmers and small food businesses around the state that want to sell their products directly to consumers.”
Lindahl notes that the workshop also helps local food producers build a network of other food producers in Kansas.
“I believe that the direct-to-consumer market provides opportunities for farmers and ranchers to capture more value for their products, ultimately making more profitable operations for Kansas producers,” Lindahl said.
What’s in Store?
• Inspiring Local Stories – Learn from area producers like Bryttni Miller (Yucca Flats Cattle Co.) and Matt Bender (Harvest Hays) as they share their successes and challenges.
• A Delicious Local Lunch – Enjoy a meal prepared by Chef Austin Petz from Verdant Bistro, who will share how he incorporates locally grown food into his menu.
• Farm-to-School Opportunities – Discover ways to connect with schools and provide fresh, local food, with insights from Jay Harris, District Director and Horticulture Agent.
• Practical Sessions – Topics include marketing, food safety, sales tax regulations, and building strong community partnerships.
The workshop is designed to be informative, welcoming, and accessible to everyone – no matter your experience level. It’s a great way to learn something new, make connections, and feel more confident about growing and selling local food.
Registration Details
Walk-ins are welcome! However, early registration is encouraged, as space is limited. Visit www.ksre.k-state.edu/kansaslocalfoods for details and to sign up. The event is open to producers, consumers, and anyone interested in strengthening the local food economy in Northwest Kansas.
Jay Harris is the District Director and Horticulture Extension agent in the Cottonwood District, which includes Barton and Ellis counties, for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 785-628-9430.