Find workshop descriptions and speakers for the 2026 Business of Farming Conference below, organized by track, or use the links in the workshop schedule to plan your day.
Business Planning | Farmer Resilience | Financial Planning | Market Opportunities | Marketing
Workshop Schedule
Business Planning
Building Blocks: How to Start Your Farm Business
Using Wild East Farm as a case study, farmer Lyric East will guide new farmers in launching a strong business. The session will cover the basics of business planning, accounting, selling products, and more. Leave with a worksheet and resource guide to get started on your farm journey. Presented by Lyric East, Wild East Farm
Resources for New and Beginning Farmers
Give your business a firm foundation by tapping into the resources available to small farms in the Southern Appalachian region. Get an overview of agricultural support agency programs and hear farmer perspectives on what has been the most useful in starting and growing their own farms. Presented by Craig Taffaro, Melvin Hill Meats; Megan Jarrett, PAL; and Mark McDonagh, Mighty Gnome Market Garden
Legal Considerations for Farms
Attorneys from Ward and Smith, P.A. will walk through the real-life legal issues farmers face. Topics include business formation, labor and employment, litigation (how to avoid it and what to do if you cannot resolve a dispute), the legal nuances of farming on leased land, and estate planning/succession issues. Presented by Bill Durr, Zac Lamb, and Avery Locklear, Ward and Smith, P.A.
Growing a Great Crew: Leadership Lessons from the Field (NEW)
Attracting and retaining a strong farm crew can be a challenge. Hear how Holly Whitesides applies training from the University of Wisconsin’s Becoming the Employer of Choice on her farm. Explore hiring, work culture, offering feedback, motivating employees, and managing conflict. Presented by Holly Whitesides, Against the Grain
Farmer Resilience
Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout (NEW)
Join the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute for an interactive workshop on recognizing common farm stressors, identifying signs of stress and burnout, and learning practical strategies to protect well-being. Participants will leave with realistic, actionable tools and resources designed to support farm families. Presented by McKayla R. Robinette, North Carolina Agromedicine Institute
Financial Planning
Complex Year, Complex Taxes (NEW)
Many farms have used different financial strategies over the past year—whether adapting to changing market dynamics or continuing to make storm repairs. This year’s taxes may present new questions. Hear recommendations from an agricultural tax expert to help you head into tax season with confidence. Presented by Nicholas Brown, NC State University
Improving Farm Performance Through Recordkeeping
Excited about bookkeeping? Think all those receipts are just for taxes? See how local producers are tracking financial data and using it to monitor performance and make management decisions about their farms. Presented by Rafael Bravo, San Felipe Farm and Nathan Vanette, Growing Green Family Farms
Balance Sheets, Production Costs, and Pricing (NEW)
Join the Center for Farm Financial Management to learn what information a balance sheet gives you, how it’s used by lenders, and how to use it in your decision-making. Explore Crop Cost, a free tool for improving pricing decisions. Presented by Mariah Beverly, University of Minnesota
Meats: Pricing for Profitability
Meat production has its own specific considerations when it comes to pricing and rising costs. Join local meat producers in this workshop for a comprehensive look at pricing for profitability, navigating processing, and successful strategies for marketing and consumer communication. Presented by Lee Meinus, NC Choices
Market Opportunities
Assessing Your Market Outlets (NEW)
Direct market farms spend time and money retailing their products. If not properly accounted for, the costs for logistics, promotion, and travel time can dramatically impact the bottom line. The Center for Farm Financial Management will lay out how to best measure these costs through a market channel analysis and help producers make strategic decisions about their market outlet mix. Presented by Mariah Beverly, University of Minnesota
Beyond the Traditional CSA
Competition for customers is high, and traditional CSAs don’t reach everyone. Customizable CSA models open the door to new audiences. Learn how customizable CSAs work, why they’re worth considering, and what it takes— logistically and operationally—to make them successful. Presented by Jason Roehrig, ASAP
What’s Next for Local Food in Food Relief? (NEW)
From federal programs like SNAP to local initiatives like food boxes and produce prescriptions, food relief can support communities and farms. But there is uncertainty around funding, direction, and scope of these programs. This panel will discuss the current landscape, how coming changes could affect farms, and what options might bolster or replace impacted programs. Presented by Heidi Blanck, ASAP; Laurie Stradley, Impact Health; Konnie Khánh Tran, NC DHHS; and Maura McClain, Health & Hunger Coalition. Moderated by Molly Nicholie
Farm to Preschool: Feeding Your Community (NEW)
Learn more about selling to preschools—a market opportunity that’s a win-win for you and your community! ASAP’s Growing Minds Farm to School team will share best practices from their work in local food procurement. Hear from preschool staff and farmers who have established successful partnerships. Presented by Danielle Raucheisen and Debbi Timson, ASAP; Jason Treadway, Verner Center for Early Learning; and Hannah Jeske, R Farm
Branding and Marketing
Bolster Sales with Consumer-Informed Marketing
ASAP’s Local Food Research Center will share best practices on branding and marketing for direct market farms, based on their research findings. Explore the reasons customers buy local food and learn how to incorporate these values into engagement strategies in newsletters, texts, social media, and in person. Presented by Heidi Blanck and Jessica Ruiz, ASAP
Photography Tips for Farmers (NEW)
We all need content to connect with customers on websites and social media. Local photographer Camilla Calnan will share techniques for taking better photos and inspire you to capture your farm’s visual story. Learn to use your phone or camera to capture content that will connect with your audience. Presented by Camilla Calnan, Camilla Calnan Photography