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Two events each in Illinois and Wisconsin for Your Consideration
OK, easiest pop quiz ever: Why are there so many farming conferences in the winter? The answer, of course, is that it is the "off season," when farmers for the most part are not out in the fields, and therefore are most available to travel for these big gatherings.
Here are four important conferences — two in Wisconsin and two in Illinois — for your consideration. And you surely don't have to be a farmer to attend. You just need to have a strong interest in what our region's producers are doing to help foster a better, healthier and more sustainable food system.
OGRAIN 2025 Conference
When: January 24-25, with an optional January 23 regenerative organic dinner
Where: Monona Terrace, Madison, Wisconsin
OGRAIN, which stands for Organic Grain Resource and Information Network, is a program of the University of Wisconsin’s flagship campus in Madison.
According to the organizers, attendees will “learn from local organic grain growers, hear about the latest research, and connect with other organic, transitioning-to-organic, or inquisitive-about-organic grain growers and end-users.” The conference will “feature cutting edge ideas from farmers, researchers and industry experts. Farm and research-focused success strategies will be discussed by a range of speakers leading sessions on organic grain production in the Upper Midwest.”
The event will also feature a new partnership between the Rodale Institute and the Organic Trade Association to grow the organic marketplace via the National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). which supports transitioning and organic producers with Market resources.
The collaboration will take the form of Supplier/Buyer Discovery mixers facilitating connections between organic sellers and buyers. The TOPP mixer will take place in Madison on the afternoon of January 25 (there will be another at the Organic Grain Conference in Champaign, Illinois... see below).
FROM FOOD TO FLOWERS: EVERYTHING LOCAL
When: January 29 to 31
Where: Bank of Springfield Center, Springfield, Illinois
The annual From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference presented by Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA), Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Specialty Growers Association, takes place January 29-31 at Springfield's Bank of Springfield convention center. Click the button below to go directly to the registration page; early bird discounts are available through January 13.
According to ILFMA:
Our 2025 conference will be here before you know it — make sure you register today for From Food to Flowers: Everything Local conference! You'll enjoy three days of engaging presentations, networking opportunities and much more. Programming this year includes ways to connect and collaborate within your community, special event programming to draw shoppers, and other engaging subjects, designed to address real world areas of interest specifically for farmers market managers.
There are also two side events worth noting, both on the evening of January 29:
if you're going to be in Springfield, make sure to party with ILFMA at its Food, Flowers & Fun fundraiser at Bloom Wine Bar & Florals. According to ILFMA, "Your ticket includes a fun evening of heavy appetizers, live music, the chance to build your own beautiful bouquet (for an additional fee), cash bar and a great silent auction."
And members of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance — the state's premier public policy advocate for the local food and farm communities — are invited to a meet-up and happy hour at Springfield's Anvil and Forge Brewery. Click below to register.
ORGANIC GRAIN CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW
When: February 5 and 6
Where: iHotel and Conference Center, Champaign, Illinois
The Land Connection non-profit is presenting the Organic Grain Conference & Trade Show, which will be held February 5 and 6 at the University of Illinois’ flagship campus in Champaign.
The organizers say the event “will once again bring together diverse stakeholders and farmers to explore advancements and emerging issues in grain farming from a practical perspective.” The conference will feature four presentation tracks, panel discussions and a trade show on both days.
As mentioned above in the outline of the OGRAIN Conference, the Organic Grain Conference will also feature a new partnership between the Rodale Institute and the Organic Trade Association to grow the organic marketplace via the National Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). which supports transitioning and organic producers with Market resources.
The collaboration will take the form of Supplier/Buyer Discovery mixers facilitating connections between organic sellers and buyers. The TOPP mixer will take place in Champaign on the evening of Feburary 5.
MARBLESEED CONFERENCE
When: February 20-22
Where: La Crosse Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin
According to the Marbleseed non-profit, its annual gathering in La Crosse is "widely known as the largest organic farming conference in the United States. Every year regenerative and organic farmers from a wide range of farm sizes, experiences, and backgrounds gather to learn the latest in organic farming methods, build community, and shape the future of the organic farming movement."
This is the 36th annual conference staged by the organization, which was formerly known as MOSES for Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service. The theme of the conference is "Local Food Revolution."
According to the organizers:
The Marbleseed Conference offers knowledge for all experiences from organic and sustainable farmers, homesteaders, food policy advocates and more. Join us for a lineup of inspirational and educational content and workshops tailored to organic and regenerative farming. Choose from dozens of transformative, skill-building workshops and roundtables covering business management, soil health, and production are crafted to advance resilient organic farms and regenerative food systems. Whether you’re certified organic, using organic practices on your regenerative farm, or considering the switch to organic, you’ll find the people, partners, and skill-building opportunities to help your farm business thrive.
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