OAK Conference 2026: Call for Session Proposals

15th Annual Farming Conference - January 30-31, 2026
Cultivating Connections: Growing Organic Together for 15 Years
Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Frankfort, 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 2026, 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.

 

Please read through the following information before submitting a proposal via the button below.

 

 

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 23, 2025 - Last day to submit a session proposal

  • August 29, 2025 - Notification of proposal status

  • September 29, 2025 - 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, which includes a locally-sourced lunch. This complimentary one-day registration is valued at approximately $130.

 

With federal grant funding uncertainty around fund availability and significantly delayed grant proposal timelines, it is anticipated the OAK Conference 2026 budget will be impacted. Farmer-speaker scholarships are a priority for OAK, to provide additional days of complimentary registration; scholarships are pending sponsor support.

 

 

Conference Program

The benefits of farm-based learning on a working demonstration farm are essential aspects of the Conference Planning Committee’s decision to return in 2026 to Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, KY. Presenters are encouraged to consider on-farm learning opportunities (feasible in January) when designing session and workshop proposals.

 

Session or workshop topics could include the following topics:

  • Advanced Farmers

  • Agroforestry

  • Business Management 

  • Conservation Practices

  • Farmer Skill-Shares

  • Livestock

  • Local Markets and Food Systems

  • Organic Production and Recordkeeping

  • Soil Health and Nutrient Budgeting

  • Specialty Crops

 

Session Formats

Sessions may have up to three speakers, and OAK prefers 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

  • 90-minute session or up to 120-minute short course

    • Two or three speakers

    • 25 minutes for Q&A

 

If you would like feedback on your ideas or proposal, please contact Shannon at [email protected] before July 23, 2025. 

 

 

Please complete the form below to propose a session or workshop for the 15th Annual OAK Conference on January 30-31, 2026. The final day for submissions is July 23, 2025. 

 

 
Submit a Session Proposal

 

Thank you for your interest in helping us build a more regenerative regional food system.

 

Don’t want to submit a proposal but 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 #OAK2026. Email Shannon at [email protected].