By Andi Anderson
The Ohio State Small Farm Team will host the 2026 New and Small Farm Conference on March 14, 2026, at the Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio.
This annual event is designed to support new and small‑scale farmers by offering education, networking, and access to valuable resources that can help them build strong and sustainable farm operations.
The conference serves as a gathering place for people who are exploring new farm ventures or looking to improve their existing agricultural businesses.
Attendees can expect a full day of workshops, hands‑on demonstrations, and learning sessions led by Ohio State University Extension educators and agricultural experts.
These sessions will cover a wide range of topics important to small farms, including sustainable production practices, marketing strategies, land and resource management, diversification opportunities, and funding options for farm growth.
The goal is to provide practical knowledge that farmers can apply directly on their own farms.
The keynote speaker for the 2026 conference is Michael Kilpatrick, Owner of The Farm on Central and founder of Growing Farmers. Michael is widely recognized for helping small farmers build efficient and profitable operations.
He trains producers to reduce stress, manage time effectively, and create systems that support long‑term success. His presentation, titled “Get Your Life Back,” will focus on strategies for improving farm productivity while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. After his presentation, he will be available in the networking area to answer questions and provide additional support for farmers.
The conference also offers attendees the chance to meet OSU Extension educators, experienced producers, and agricultural industry professionals. These connections can help farmers gather new ideas, discover helpful tools, and access reliable support systems.
Whether someone is just beginning their farming journey or working to strengthen an established operation, this event provides opportunities for growth and learning in a supportive environment.
Registration for the conference is $95, and those interested can register at the links provided by Ohio State University. More information can be found at the Ohio Small Farm Program website.
Questions about the event may be directed to Carri at (419) 947‑1070 or jagger.6@osu.edu, or Sabrina at (740) 397‑0401 or schirtzinger.55@osu.edu.
The 2026 New and Small Farm Conference promises to be an engaging and valuable event for anyone looking to succeed in modern agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Ohio, Business, Education