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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T080000
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SUMMARY:Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference
DESCRIPTION:The Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference will bring veteran farmers and their families together for two days of agricultural education\, hands-on learning\, farm tours\, and networking in Nashville\, Tennessee. \nThe conference will be held Nov. 5-6\, 2026\, at the Ed Jones Auditorium at the Ellington Agricultural Center\, 416 Hogan Road\, Nashville. The event is part of the Tennessee AgVets Opportunities on FarmLand\, or TN AgVOLs\, program and is being presented through a partnership that includes Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council\, the University of Tennessee Center of Farm Management\, Tennessee AgrAbility\, UT Extension\, and other agricultural organizations. \n\n\nAgricultural Training and Hands-On Learning\nThe Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference connects veterans involved in agriculture with other farmers\, agricultural professionals\, and organizations that provide training and assistance. \nThe two-day program will include farm tours\, workshops\, demonstrations\, and networking opportunities. Participants will learn from agricultural professionals while meeting other veterans who are starting\, operating\, or expanding farms and agricultural businesses. \nThe conference is part of a broader TN AgVOLs effort to help veterans and transitioning service members enter agriculture. The program connects participants with technical assistance\, education\, hands-on training\, and other resources that can help them develop new agricultural businesses or strengthen existing operations. \nResources for Veteran Farmers\nTN AgVOLs works with agricultural organizations across Tennessee to connect veteran farmers with educational opportunities\, internships\, farm mentors\, and other resources. \nThe program also provides information about agricultural training scholarships. TN AgVOLs currently reimburses up to $250 for veterans who complete approved agriculture-related educational programs. Conference organizers also indicate that scholarship assistance is available for the Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference. \nBeyond formal educational sessions\, the conference will give participants time to build connections with other veteran farmers and agricultural professionals. Those relationships can help beginning farmers identify resources\, learn from established producers\, and become more involved in Tennessee’s agricultural community. \nMeals Included During the Conference\nRegistration includes a light breakfast and lunch each day. According to event organizers\, the conference is open to veterans and their families. \nThe Veterans in Agriculture Regional Conference is the first annual conference organized through the TN AgVOLs initiative. Veterans interested in farming\, developing an agricultural business\, or expanding an existing operation can use the event to explore educational resources\, meet agricultural professionals\, and connect with other veteran farmers from across the region. \nDates: Nov. 5-6\, 2026\nLocation: Ed Jones Auditorium\, Ellington Agricultural Center\nAddress: 416 Hogan Road\, Nashville\, TN 37220\nFormat: In-person conference\nActivities: Farm tours\, workshops\, demonstrations\, and networking\nMeals: Light breakfast and lunch provided both days\nEligibility: Veterans and their families \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/veterans-in-agriculture-conference/
LOCATION:Ed Jones Auditorium\, Ellington Agricultural Center\, 416 Hogan Rd\, Nashville\, TN\, 37220\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Workshops & Seminars
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261109T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261109T200000
DTSTAMP:20260927T215209Z
CREATED:20260913T154135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260927T215209Z
UID:9705-1794249000-1794254400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar
DESCRIPTION:NC AgVentures will hold its final Farm Grant Application Overview Webinar on November 9 at 6:30 p.m.\, offering farmers one more chance to learn about eligibility\, project requirements\, and the application process. \nLearn How to Prepare an NC AgVentures Application\nNorth Carolina farmers considering an NC AgVentures Farm Grant can learn about the program and application process during the NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar on November 9 at 6:30 p.m. \nThe online workshop is designed for prospective applicants who want to better understand the grant program before submitting a proposal. NC AgVentures is an NC State Extension program funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The program provides competitive cost-share grants to eligible family farms and qualifying community organizations for projects intended to increase farm income and strengthen agricultural businesses. \nThe November 9 session is one of three applicant webinars offered during the 2026 grant cycle. NC AgVentures says each webinar will cover the same information\, so farmers can choose the session that best fits their schedules. \n\n\nGrants of Up to $10\,000 Available\nNC AgVentures offers awards of up to $10\,000. Eligible farm applicants must operate an established\, independent North Carolina farm that has generated revenue for at least one year. \nFarm projects may include efforts to add new crops\, increase efficiency\, expand production\, develop new markets\, or add infrastructure that can improve profitability. Previous projects have included greenhouses\, farm stores\, packing facilities\, labor-saving equipment\, and equipment for value-added production. Applicants cannot use grant funds to purchase land or animals. \nRecipients must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost in cash. For example\, a farmer requesting grant funding must develop a total project budget large enough to include that required contribution. \nThe program also offers Community Grants for nonprofit organizations\, cooperatives\, and government organizations whose projects directly benefit at least three farms. \nExtension Agents Play a Role\nFarm applicants must work with an N.C. Cooperative Extension agent on their proposals. \nNC AgVentures encourages applicants to contact their Extension agent early and requires applicants to contact an agent by December 1 to schedule time to discuss the proposed project and review the application. Farmers who do not already work closely with an Extension agent can contact their local Extension office for assistance. \nThe webinar can help applicants understand what information they should begin gathering before that consultation. \nThe application includes sections covering farm and contact information\, the proposed project\, project viability\, and the budget. Reviewers consider factors such as whether the project can increase farm income\, improve efficiency\, create or maintain employment\, introduce a new opportunity\, and become financially sustainable. \nApplication Window Opens October 15\nNC AgVentures will begin accepting applications October 15. The deadline is December 15 at 6 p.m.\, but applicants should not assume they can wait until the deadline. \nThe program will accept up to 200 applications for the 2026 cycle. If 200 completed applications arrive before December 15\, the online portal will close early. Each farm may submit only one application. \nFor Appalachian Highlands Farmers Magazine readers\, eligibility depends on location. NC AgVentures serves several counties within or near the magazine’s North Carolina coverage area\, including Alleghany\, Ashe\, Surry\, Wilkes\, and Yadkin counties. The separate WNC AgOptions program serves many western North Carolina counties. Farmers should verify which grant program covers their county before applying. \nPlease register in advance for the November 9 webinar through NC AgVentures. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/nc-agventures-grant-application-webinar-3/
LOCATION:Online / Virtual\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Grants & Deadlines
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261112T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261112T130000
DTSTAMP:20260921T215538Z
CREATED:20260921T201758Z
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UID:10274-1794470400-1794488400@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Connect Directly With Regional Food Buyers\nFarmers\, ranchers\, and food producers looking to expand wholesale sales can meet regional buyers directly at the Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting on November 12. The free event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kern’s Bakery\, 2201 Kerns Rising Way in Knoxville. \nThe Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting connects East Tennessee agricultural producers with chefs\, restaurant owners\, grocery managers\, distributors\, and institutional food-service buyers interested in local supply. Ultimately\, the goal is to help growers start conversations\, learn buyers’ needs\, and identify relationships to pursue after the event. \n\n\nLearn What Wholesale Buyers Need\nDoors open at 8 a.m. for networking and coffee\, followed by breakfast and a welcome session at 8:30. The main Grower-Buyer Meeting and Meet the Experts session runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Farmers can introduce their businesses\, discuss products and seasonal availability\, and ask buyers about purchasing requirements. \nOrganizers make clear that the meeting does not guarantee sales or contracts. Instead\, it is an opportunity to open a door and follow up later. That can help producers considering wholesale markets but not yet sure what individual restaurants\, grocers\, or distributors require. \nBusiness Guidance for Producers\nExperts will discuss marketing\, social media\, and food safety. They will cover Tennessee Department of Agriculture requirements and other wholesale-readiness topics. These topics matter because wholesale channels differ from direct-to-consumer sales in packaging\, delivery\, pricing\, and communication. \nThe Knoxville Grower-Buyer Meeting welcomes produce farmers\, fruit growers\, and row-crop operations. It also welcomes livestock producers\, dairies\, egg suppliers\, and specialty or value-added agricultural businesses. These groups are ready to explore wholesale expansion. Additionally\, partners include Real Good Kitchen Foundation\, Nourish Knoxville\, and UT Extension. \nRegistration is free. Farmers planning to attend may benefit from bringing information about their products\, seasonal availability\, production capacity\, and current sales channels to make the most of conversations with buyers. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/knoxville-grower-buyer-meeting/
LOCATION:Kern’s Bakery\, 2201 Kerns Rising Way\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37920\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T210000
DTSTAMP:20260923T222138Z
CREATED:20260913T154140Z
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UID:9707-1794938400-1794949200@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Winter Business Intensive: Markets and Marketing
DESCRIPTION:Find the Market That Fits the Farm\nWinter Business Intensive: Markets and Marketing will help farmers look beyond what they can produce and focus on who will buy it. The fourth session in Appalachian RC&D’s 2026-27 Winter Business Intensive is scheduled for November 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Langston Centre in Johnson City\, Tennessee. \nThe session gives participants an opportunity to examine customers\, sales channels\, pricing\, promotion\, and the practical demands that different markets place on a farm business. \n\n\nCompare Sales Channels Before Committing\nMarkets and Marketing participants can examine options such as farmers markets\, farm stands\, community-supported agriculture programs\, restaurants\, wholesale buyers\, and other outlets. Each channel comes with different expectations for pricing\, volume\, packaging\, delivery\, and customer communication. \nA market with strong sales potential may also require more transportation\, packaging\, labor\, or production consistency. Farmers can compare those demands with their operations’ actual capacity before deciding where to invest time and money. \nThe session also encourages producers to consider whether a market aligns with the farm’s scale and long-term goals rather than chasing every possible sales opportunity. \nBuild a Clear Message for Customers\nMarketing is not only about choosing where to sell. Farmers also need to communicate what they offer\, why it matters\, and how customers can buy it. \nParticipants can think of branding\, promotion\, and customer communication as tools that support the business\, not separate tasks. A clear message can help a farm explain its products\, production practices\, availability\, and value without relying on vague claims or constant discounting. \nUse Marketing Information in the Business Plan\nMarket decisions affect production planning\, infrastructure\, and finances. A farmer who knows which customers matter most can make better decisions about crop mix\, livestock numbers\, harvest timing\, packaging\, and delivery. \nThis November 17 session is part of an eight-session series that guides participants toward a stronger farm business plan. Appalachian RC&D says qualifying graduates can also earn Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program education credit toward eligible Producer Diversification requirements. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational and grant opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/winter-business-intensive-markets-and-marketing/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm St\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Courses & Training,Education,Workshops & Seminars
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