OAK 2027 Conference Agenda

The 16th Annual OAK Conference, Seeds to Systems: Organic Innovation, offers two full days with more than 30 sessions on Friday, January 29, and Saturday, January 30. 

 

2027 Farmer Keynotes

The 2027 conference features two farmers helping to shape the future of organic and regenerative agriculture.

 

Friday's Opening Keynote: Bob Quinn, The Quinn Institute

Bob Quinn is a fourth-generation Montana organic farmer, founder of the Quinn Institute, author, scientist, entrepreneur and champion for organic and regenerative farming. Bob was raised on a 2,400-acre family-owned and -operated wheat and cattle ranch southeast of Big Sandy, in North-central Montana. He studied botany and plant pathology at Montana State University in Bozeman and plant biochemistry at the University of California at Davis. He returned home in 1978 with his wife, Ann, to run the family farm and raise their five children. 

 

Saturday's Closing Keynote: Rick Clark, Farm Green

Rick Clark is a fifth-generation Indiana farmer, founder of Farm Green and consultant on regenerative organic farming. Rick cares deeply about soil health and human health. The principles of soil health are the foundation of his regenerative organic stewardship systematic approach. His farm has removed all inputs of fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide and seed treatments and is building a regenerative system that is profitable and viable for the next generation. Rick also cares deeply about sharing the systematic regenerative approach to farming with the world and has taught in many countries over the years, resulting in his concepts being used worldwide.

 

 

The Organic Innovation Symposium

The conference on Friday, January 29, offers an Organic Innovation Symposium that brings together farmers, researchers and value chain partners to explore practical farm-centered lessons and opportunities for innovation in organic agriculture. Keynote speakers Bob Quinn and Rick Clark will join dozens of inspiring farmers, researchers and partners for a day of shared knowledge and conversation.

 

The symposium will feature farmer panels and researcher panels, culminating in roundtables for those farmers and researchers to exchange ideas with conference attendees in three key areas:

  • Specialty crops - organic production and pest management
  • Livestock - soil health, forage and profitability 
  • Grains - organic production and emerging markets

The Organic Innovation Symposium is an opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities in organic farming in Kentucky. Friday’s program will also include tracks focused on beginning farming and marketing. 

 

The Saturday, January 30 agenda provides diverse sessions for farmers of all stages and scales, including soil health, rotational grazing, seed production and regionally-adapted specialty crops, food safety, farmland transition, value-added herbal and nut products, growers' cooperatives, biochar and more!

 

 

Check back for more conference agenda details coming soon!