The 28th Annual Small Farms Conference will be held November 17–19, 2026, at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky.

This long-standing event provides a vital platform for small farmers to gather, learn, and collaborate, advancing sustainable practices and community development across the region.

The 2026 theme, “Farmers First: Driving Profitability and Innovation for Small Farms,” highlights the essential role small producers play in building resilient, community-based food networks.

The conference is sponsored by the Kentucky State University Land Grant Program, in partnership with the University of Kentucky, Alcorn State University Policy Research Center, Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Transportation Details:

Conference Parking: Please drive directly to the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm at 1525 Mills Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 each day. On-site parking will be available. Shuttle service will not be provided between the Capital Plaza Hotel and the farm. Shuttle buses will be available for conference tours only.

If you need any assistance with registration or have questions, please reach out to kasia.bradley@kysu.edu or Savanna.miller@kysu.edu.

Tuesday, November 17th:

8:00 AM Registration

9:00 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks

10:00 AM Opening Session & Agency Overviews

11:00 AM Farmer Success Stories

12:00 PM Lunch (Provided)

1:30-4:30 PM Guided Tours (Whiskey Thief, Firmly Rooted Flower Farm, or Bluegrass Stockyards)

6:00-8:00 PM Networking Session (Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm)

Wednesday, November 18th:

8:00 AM Registration

9:00 AM Concurrent Sessions

12:00 PM Lunch (Provided)

1:30-5:00 PM Concurrent Sessions

6:00 PM Evening Banquet and Networking Reception (TBD)

Concurrent Sessions:

Room A: Farm Profitability, Markets, and Innovation

Room B: Soil Health, Crop and High Tunnels Production, and Stewardship

Room C: Livestock and Animal Production

Thursday, November 19th:

10:00 AM Third Thursday Workshop – Rooted in Legacy

12:00 PM Lunch (Provided)

1:00-2:00 PM Continuation of Third Thursday Workshop

2:30 PM Urban Farmers Cohort Graduation

Join us for our special Third Thursday Workshop, Rooted in Legacy: Advancing Land Retention and Wealth Development Through Heirs' Property Education.

This interactive session will explore the challenges of heirs' property, estate planning, and land succession while providing practical tools and resources to help farmers and landowners preserve family land, strengthen their legacy, and build long-term wealth.

If you are interested in attending this workshop, please indicate your interest when completing your conference registration. A question regarding workshop attendance will be included once registration opens.

Third Thursday Agenda:

Communicating Conflict Modes
Who Should Be Involved in the Discussion?
Legal and Business Structure
Family Tree
Navigating Land Records

If you have any questions, please contact the following:

Savanna Miller – Savanna.miller@kysu.edu, 502-597-5811
Kasia Bradley – Kasia.bradley@kysu.edu

Reasonable accommodation will be provided for individuals with disabilities and/or needing language access services (e.g., interpretation or translation) free of charge upon request. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this event for either service, please include your need and contact information by clicking here.

We look forward to seeing you in November!