Conference Registration

The 14th Annual OAK Conference is January 23-25, 2025, at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, 1525 Mills Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601.

OAK’s conference program features three days of inspiration from local and regional speakers, useful trade show resources and abundant networking opportunities to empower and support farmers, agriculture professionals and food system innovators. The sessions, workshops, panels, demonstrations and keynotes focus on organic agriculture production systems, management strategies and tools to use on the farm and the many interwoven threads of community, conservation, research and collective action at work in Kentucky. We invite you to join in the conversation! 

• Walk-in registration may be available at the event but is not guaranteed. Scholarship Applications are now closed.
• Early bird registration discounts ended December 13, yet OAK members always receive a special member discount.
• Membership provides access to benefits, and remember: Family Farm members receive access to two discounted registrations! 
• Lunch is included on the days you register.
• Optional: Join OAK Friday evening from 5:30-7:30 pm for the Gather & Grow: Member Meeting & Social, featuring free beverages and snacks. 
• Share special needs or accessibility requests with your registration, and OAK staff will gladly follow up with you.
• Click here for directions to the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm.
• See hotel accommodations near the conference venue.
• Questions? Contact us at [email protected].

OAK is committed to making the conference open and accessible to all, and a big part of that is keeping the registration fees comparable to similar Kentucky and regional conferences. For several years, OAK received generous support that kept fees comparatively low. This year, however, OAK did not receive anticipated USDA conference grant funding and must raise the registration fees to pay conference costs. As always, OAK is grateful for support from sponsors that make the conference and scholarships possible, and options for discounted registration are available. Register before December 13 to get early-bird pricing, or apply for a conference scholarship. If paying the registration fee is a hardship for you, please reach out to [email protected].  

Gather & Grow: Member Meeting & Social, January 24, 5:30-7:30 pm

Gather with OAK members and friends for a meaningful and brief annual meeting, followed by time to socialize, snack and grow together. Get to know OAK’s staff, board members and community in a relaxed and inviting setting. Both members and prospective members are welcome! Beverages and snacks will be provided. Register for the Gather & Grow: Member Meeting & Social through the conference registration form. This event is open to OAK members and prospective members, whether or not they attend conference.

View the Agenda

Pre-Conference Workshops on January 23

Add one or two half-day workshops to your conference registration. Pricing is the same for OAK Members and non-members. Workshops include lunch (12:30 - 1:30 pm), whether registration is for a morning workshop, afternoon workshop or both.

Workshops (OAK Members and Non-Members)

Morning Workshops (9:00 am - 12:30 pm)

Afternoon Workshops (1:30 - 5:00 pm)

Silvopasture in the Eastern Hardwood Forests - Greg Brann, Greg Brann Consulting / Big Springs Farm; Brett Chedzoy, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County / Angus Glen Farms LLC

Storage Crop Success: Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Winter Squash - Jeff Poppen, Long Hungry Creek Farm

Mini-Mastermind for Experienced Growers - Sarah Geurkink, OAK; Ellen Polishuk, Plant to Profit

One-Day Conference Registration for January 24 or 25

OAK Members                                                 

Non-Members

Two-Day Conference Registration for January 24 and 25

OAK Members                                               

Non-Members

Students

Scholarships

With support from Conference Sponsors and Partners, OAK offers scholarships for the conference on January 24-25. Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC); beginning and women farmers, agricultural professionals, students, KY farmers, farmers in the Southeast and others working in the food and farming network in Kentucky are strongly encouraged to use this scholarship opportunity. 

Scholarship application reviews start in early December and continue as funding/space allows. Scholarship awardees will receive a discount code to use on the OAK conference registration form. The scholarships will only apply to the regular conference days (Friday and Saturday only). Pre-Conference Workshops are not eligible for scholarships at this time. If you receive a scholarship, it is imperative that you use it or return it to OAK prior to the event. The conference will sell out. If you are unable to use the scholarship there are others who would enjoy attending. 

OAK shares gratitude with partners that make it possible to offer scholarships.