OAK Conference 2027: Call for Session Proposals

16th Annual Farming Conference - January 29-30, 2027
Seeds to Systems: Organic Innovation
Cave Area Conference Center, Cave City, KY

 

Conference Overview

The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) seeks engaging and informative conference sessions relevant to Kentucky's organic and regenerative agriculture community. OAK’s annual conference includes a growing audience of hundreds of Kentuckians and neighbors active in the region’s food systems: farmers, researchers, nonprofit professionals, federal and state agency partners, allied service providers and conscious consumers working collectively to build a resilient local food system for all. Collaboration among these diverse voices, grounded in the connection to Kentucky farms, soil and communities, provides a rich foundation for learning and growth. We invite you to be a part of it!

 

In 2027, OAK’s conference program will feature two days of inspiration from local and regional speakers, a useful trade show and abundant networking opportunities to empower and support farmers and food system innovators. The primary focus of the OAK conference agenda is on-farm production systems, techniques and practices, with the interwoven threads of community, conservation and collective action inseparable from the sustainable agriculture movement.

 

 

Proposal Selection Process

OAK collaborates with organic farmers, partner organizations, scientists, academics and members of OAK’s Board of Directors in a Conference Planning Committee to craft a diverse and science-driven agenda and event. The Committee will review and consider all proposal submissions. Sessions are chosen based on alignment with the conference theme, mission-driven priorities, a balance of topics and speakers with the goal of diversity and past conference agendas.

 

Preferred sessions are those demonstrating:

  • relevance to organic and regenerative agriculture;
  • immediate, practical application of knowledge or techniques on or off the farm to support the success of farmers and food system allies;
  • best practices or successes and challenges from experience;
  • opportunities for growth and resilience in Kentucky’s agricultural communities; and/or
  • innovative strategies for audience engagement to facilitate deeper learning (small group discussions, interactive learning, networking components or hands-on activities). Highly encouraged!

Preferred presenters are those who have:

  • a demonstrated ability to facilitate engaging and impactful sessions;
  • knowledge of innovative, applicable production-oriented best practices and/or research; and
  • familiarity with adult learners’ needs for relevant and practical skills and content.

 

Important Dates:

  • July 27, 2026 - Last day to submit a session proposal

  • August 28, 2026 - Notification of proposal status

  • September 28, 2026 - Last day to finalize session title, description and speaker information

 

 

Speaker Benefits 

OAK is pleased to offer speakers complimentary registration on the day of their session or workshop, including lunch. This complimentary one-day registration is valued at approximately $115.

 

OAK expects to hear about pending grant funding this fall and will determine additional speaker support available at that time. Farmer-speaker scholarships are a priority for OAK, to provide additional days of complimentary registration; scholarships are pending sponsor support.

 

 

Conference Program

Session or workshop topics could include the following (with organic practices emphasized throughout):

  • Advanced Farmers

  • Business Management 

  • Farmer Skill-Shares

  • Livestock

  • Local Markets and Food Systems

  • Organic Production and Transition

  • Row Crops and Small Grains
  • Seeds

  • Soil Health and Nutrient Budgeting

  • Specialty Crops

 

Session Formats

Sessions may have up to three speakers, and OAK prioritizes speaker lineups with at least one farmer. The conference schedule will include multiple session lengths, including: 

  • 60-minute session

    • One or two speakers

    • 15 minutes for Q&A

  • 75-minute session

    • Two speakers preferred

    • 20 minutes for Q&A 

 

 

Thank you for your interest in helping us build a more regenerative regional food system. Share a proposal now through July 27.

 

  

 

Have an idea for a session? We want to hear from you! Let us know who you’d like to see present and/or what content you want to learn about at #OAK2027. Email Shannon at [email protected].