WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Registration is now open for the 2023 Indiana Small Farm Conference, the premier annual event for the state’s farming community. The 11th annual conference and trade show will take place March 2 and 3 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville.
One of the featured keynote speakers is Hunter Smith, former Indianapolis Colts punter and co-owner of Wonder Tree Regenerative Farm in Zionsville, Indiana.
“At WonderTree we hope to prove, once again, the viability and sustainability of decentralized, local farms serving communities as primary sources of food, experiences and culture,” Smith said.
Since 2013 the conference has featured comprehensive, instructive and enjoyable programming about diversified farming and local food systems, bringing together novice and experienced small-scale farmers. For more information and registration, visit purdue.ag/sfc.
“I grew up on a small family farm where nothing was ever wasted, and food was simple and delicious,” said Sara Frey, owner of Frey Farms and a 2023 conference keynote speaker. “Every growing season yielded different crops, and we’re proud to bring that produce to market today. Some of my fondest memories are of trying to figure what to do with the imperfect or ‘ugly fruit,’ which led to my vision of using all of what we grow and creating farm-fresh beverages for families.”
This year’s conference offers 12 tracks, allowing attendees to choose sessions that best align with their farming operations and goals. Among the topics are:
- Urban agriculture
- Vegetable production
- Farm stress
- Marketing
- Technology on small farms
- Livestock
- Equity in the food system
- Value-added products
- Fruit production
“The Indiana Small Farm Conference is a great way to learn what’s next in production, marketing and other areas to make the most of your efforts in 2023 and for years to come,” said Amy Thompson, Purdue Extension’s beginning farmers coordinator and a conference organizer.
Follow the conference on Twitter and Instagram at @SmallFarmPurdue or on Facebook at @PurdueExtensionSmallFarms, with the hashtag #PurdueSmallFarms.
Writer: Nyssa Lilovich, nclilovi@purdue.edu
Sources: Lais McCartney, lmccartn@purdue.edu
Amy Thompson, afthompson@purdue.edu
Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;
Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu
