Dee is a lifelong entrepreneur whose ventures have ranged from automotive and construction businesses to software and land development. After selling a high-tech consultancy, he founded the 825-acre Sunrise Valley project—an innovative community integrating permaculture principles and a working farm inspired by A Pattern Language. Since completing Geoff Lawton’s Permaculture Design Certificate in 2014, Dee has combined his training in nutrition and permaculture to champion nutrient-dense, locally produced food. His recent work includes designing and implementing a model farm at a Kenyan rescue mission, now feeding over 500 children daily and serving as a regional center for agricultural education.

Jeremy Bakelar is an accomplished academic currently serving as an Associate Professor at Utah Tech University. Prior to this role, Jeremy served as an Assistant Professor at Dixie State University, and as a NIH (NRSA) Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health.

Over the past 20 year's I have been Laura‘s farm boy at Quail Hollow Farm in Overton Nevada. Quail Hollow is a small five acre full circle farm raising meat, vegetables dairy and grain. We are organic and regenerative and striving to be biodynamic. We have used the CSA community supported agriculture model, and have found great joy and success with it, but also have done farmers markets and restaurant sales. Now we are enjoying our farm stand in front of the farm as well as a small CSA.

Mark Bold is a key figure in Southern Utah's emerging wine industry. He is the co-owner of Bold & Delaney Winery in Dammeron Valley and has worked diligently to establish Utah as a wine-producing region. Recently Bold has been considering donating a portion of the vineyard to Utah State University to create an agricultural campus focused on viticulture. Mark is passionate about preserving farmland for future generations.

Kristen & Shane Bowler are a farmers, business owners, and co-owners of Utah Natural Meat in West Jordan, Utah. For more than 15 years, they have been selling grass-fed meats and raw milk to their local community, operating a farm, dairy, butcher shop, and store where everything is sold direct to their community.

Their work spans far beyond caring for animals - they juggle helping customers, running the farm store, and making daily decisions that keep the farm and business going. Kristen and Shane believes in transparency and in knowing your farmer, but most of all in giving families the ability to choose the foods that matter to them.

Like most farmers, Shane and Kristen have learned their skills through hands-on experience, trial and error, and the occasional “well, won’t do that again” moment. Neither claim to be an expert - just two farmers who figured things out along the way and enjoys sharing practical, workable ideas with fellow producers.

Born and raised in Utah, Paige is passionate about local food systems and has spent the last decade striving to build a sustainable business in tiny and beautiful Escalante, UT. She loves the creativity that comes with running a small business and the artistic expression found in truly handmade foods. When not in the kitchen, she can be found in the garden or exploring the remote desert she calls home.

Jo is a local wool mill owner, artist, and circularity practitioner. She feels honored to be able to share art, body care, and the small luxuries the Earth provides. As a steward, utilizing circularity practices in harmony with nature is what brings her joy and connection.

Mitch Dumke is a co-founder of 3 Springs Land and Livestock, a regenerative ranch with a mission to create resilient communities through healthy and productive land. 3 Springs raises pastured chicken and grass fed-and-finished cattle by implementing holistic management practices to support the land’s natural ability to heal and thrive, including daily rotational grazing, cover crops, soil monitoring, and community field days. He previously was a photojournalist as well as software product manager, and now uses his past skills for his present passion.

Rachael has an environmentally intentional practice focusing on building community, sustainable transportation, local food, and local textiles by extending the useful life of the things we wear.
They are a veggie farm owner with Future Craft Farm, involved with Red Acre Center, Fibershed, and bicycle advocacy groups in Salt Lake City Utah.

Over the years he has represented Utah in national public-health and food-safety forums, including speaking on regulatory challenges related to cottage-food laws and food-freedom legislation.

Hartman also acts as a liaison between DHHS and other agencies (including local health authorities), working to set statewide environmental-health priorities and coordinate inspections, training, and technical assistance.

In 2019 Stan took over his multi-generational family farm in Centerfield. He is inspired by those that build soils and practice regenerative agriculture. You can find him on his farm with his 4 children and wife working to raise his family and build soil though cover crops and intensively grazing cattle, pigs, egg layers and meat chickens.

He is Red Acre Center Board Member and an advocate for better agriculture practices and stronger local food economies.

After a career in software development, I transitioned to agriculture and have spent the past nine years working at Red Acre Farm in Cedar City, Utah. My work there has focused on vegetable production, soil health, and community-based food systems. In 2024, I was honored with the Utah Soil Health Partnership’s Biological Cultivator Award, recognizing my commitment to improving Utah's soil and farming methods. I have served as a board member of Red Acre Center, where I still play a smaller role supporting education and advocacy around local food and agriculture policy.

In addition to farming, I continue to lend my technical expertise to both Red Acre Farm and Red Acre Center, bridging the gap between technology and agriculture. I am now in transition and exploring the next chapter of my journey: starting my own farm operation. I look forward to building on the skills, relationships, and experiences I’ve gained over the past decade to contribute to Utah’s local food movement.

Laine and Porter Lamping run Five Fingers Farm — a small-scale, goat-herd dairy farm near New Harmony, Utah — offering dairy goat herd-shares with Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf goats. They employ rotational and intensive grazing to build healthy soil and support the well-being of their animals, supplementing feed as needed with locally grown grains and hay.

On the farm they milk goats out in the fields — using clean stainless-steel buckets, straining, bottling, and chilling the milk — and provide shares of raw goat milk to members: typically about a half-gallon per week per share, during the milking season (generally April through October).

Brook LeVan is the co-founder and Executive Director of Sustainable Settings — a nonprofit working ranch and “whole-systems learning center” in Colorado. He and his wife established the 244-acre ranch in 1997 and have developed it into a biodynamic operation and educational hub that combines sustainable agriculture, ecological stewardship, natural building, and community-oriented food systems.

With a background in art (MFA from Alfred University and BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute), permaculture design, and social ecology, LeVan blends creative, scientific, and ecological thinking to shape the physical farm and its educational mission. Over decades he has led workshops, published writings, participated in regenerative-agriculture consulting, and lectured nationally on soil health, organic and biodynamic food production, and sustainable community systems

Joseph Lofthouse, a popular speaker at farming conferences worldwide, authored Landrace Gardening, Semences Paysannes Métissées, and Hundred Hour Yoga Teacher Training. He has grown landraces and sold seeds since 2010. He devotes himself to helping gardeners and farmers grow healthy plants with less stress and empowering communities to adapt seeds to their local conditions.

A passionate student of ecological design, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture for the last 30 years, James has a contagious enthusiasm for growing, teaching, and mentorship. He is currently the Director of Agricultural Operations for Wasatch Community Gardens, and oversees the team that stewards the organizations 22 sites. He also serves as the chairman of the OchO Society, a non profit dedicated to connecting people and planet through adventure, education, and experiences. He is the lead designer of their 8 acre permaculture playground, and serves as a guide on their monthly "Adventure Underground" excursions.When not in the field or classroom, James enjoys whitewater rafting, canyoneering, overlanding, downhill mountain biking, and any other high adrenaline outdoor adventure he can find. He is a dedicated and highly involved father, and is a staple of the Salt Lake City Bass Music scene as dj illoom" . There is a rumor that he actually sat down and relaxed, this one time, but that has yet to be verified…

Raised in Orem, Utah, chef Stephen Lott has always tried to soak in as much as he could at each kitchen he worked in. He has been the chef de cuisine at pizzeria 712 in Orem, Sous chef at both Pago, and Provisions in SLC. After an unsuccessful restaurant opening, he wanted to change gears, and took a job at the acclaimed Beltex meats. Now with knowledge of both cooking and butchery, he worked his way up to general manager, overseeing and executing every aspect of the operations. He is currently the executive Chef at Seint in St. George, Utah.

Jennifer Meyer is an Associate Professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry at Utah Tech University. Her expertise includes cell culture, enzyme kinetics, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry. With multiple publications under her belt, Meyer is a sought after mentor; recently being awarded Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring.

Lloyd Nelson has been practicing the art of Biodynamic (BD) Agriculture for over twenty years. He is a BD preparation maker, builder, artist, farmer, arborist, BD educator & consultant. He is co-founder of Biodynamic Source - a Colorado based non-profit specializing in high potency BD preparations - and he owns and operates a Biodynamic spray, fertilizer and consultation service. He has worked with small and large scale farms, vineyards, and orchards to transition to sustainable Biodynamic land management and Demeter BD Certification.

Dr. Erin O’Brien is a Professor of Biology and Director of Community Engaged Learning at Utah Tech University, where she has advanced applied, interdisciplinary education for almost 20 years. An ecologist and evolutionary biologist (B.A., Bryn Mawr; Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago), her work spans crop science, plant ecology, riparian systems, and, most recently, data-driven research supporting local vineyards.

At Utah Tech, she has held multiple leadership roles and has been a catalyst for partnerships connecting academia with public agencies, municipalities, and industry. She helped Utah Tech join the Colorado Plateau CESU and the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative, co-founded the Utah Tech City Alliance, built a biotechnology workforce pipeline with regional partners, and co-developed outdoor leadership programs that have secured over $1.2M in federal support.

Dr. O’Brien also serves on regional boards focused on sustainability, food systems, and public lands, and is an editorial board member for Transformative Social Impact. She lives in St. George, Utah where she can normally be found at their Downtown Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Beyond her research, Dr. O’Brien is a dedicated educator who integrates hands-on fieldwork and community collaboration into her courses on ecology, botany, and environmental science. She works closely with students, land managers, and regional partners to develop ecological literacy and practical skills for caring for dryland environments. Dr. O’Brien’s expertise supports the broader conversation around climate resilience, native plant communities, and sustainable land use—making her an invaluable contributor to this year’s conference.

Susannah is the Executive Director of the Virgin River Land Trust, a local non-profit dedicated to preserving historic and iconic landscapes and agricultural lands in Southern Utah. She comes to this role as a non-profit professional with experience in business development, fundraising, and marketing. Susannah has a love of the outdoors and enjoys traveling with her family and dog. She is often found exploring the many hikes and beautiful scenes in Utah, and loves sharing that joy with others.

Angela Patino-Acevedo is the greenhouse manager and biology technician at Southern Utah University where she oversees the university’s native plant gardens and teaches students how to propagate houseplants and cultivate native plants, blending her love for the earth with her commitment to community wellness.

Alongside her role at SUU, she has dedicated herself to sharing the transformative power of Kundalini Yoga and meditation with others. She believes that growing plants is a form of mindfulness, as it allows individuals to connect with the cycles of nature and cultivate patience, awareness, and balance—principles she also emphasizes in her yoga practice.

Whether she is tending to the gardens or guiding her yoga students through transformative practices, Angela is dedicated to helping others experience the peace and empowerment that come from aligning the body, mind, and spirit. She is excited to continue sharing the gifts of Kundalini Yoga with her community and beyond.

Sara, a farmer, chef, activist, and entrepreneur who started a CSA at 14, is the owner of and runs Red Acre Farm CSA, a successful very diversified 2-acre Biodynamic farm, farm stand, farm kitchen, and farm stay. With her mom, she established Red Acre Center for Food and Agriculture in Cedar City, Utah. Since 2015 has passed more than 19 bills directly related to small agriculture and artisan producers.The Center host the Utah Farm and Food Conference in its 10th year. She is the winner of the Gravel Road Gang Award for activism from Farm To Consumer Legal Defense Fund, Unsung Hero Award from State Policy Network, the Cedar Chamber of Commerce’s Young Citizen of the Year Award, and The Young Farmer of the Year Award from Weston A Price . She advocates that everyone should be able to start a small business and have access to local nutrient-dense food. She is a popular speaker and loves sharing her journey.

Symbria spent a lifetime working in the nonprofit sector. After her daughter started an organic farm, she and her late-husband saw the possibilities and left their employment to work full-time building a sustainable farm. Their focus was to make local food accessible and to create a community educated about healthy food and responsible sources. As her experience grew, so did her vision, and she saw the need for an organized effort in promoting and protecting farmers, farms, and local food economies. She and her daughter started another adventure, while continuing the first, and co-founded Red Acre Center in the midst of farming. She says she has never worked a day in her life. "I always find myself engaged in a cause and loving what I do!" The mother of four and grandmother of nine, she loves, to walk, read, farm, eat good food and be anxiously engaged in a good cause.

Steven Rosenberg is the Founder and Good Food Evangelist at Liberty Heights Fresh; a nationally award-winning neighborhood good food market in Salt Lake City, UT, founded in 1993.
Prior to founding Liberty Heights Fresh, Rosenberg worked in his family’s Southwest Michigan fruit orchards and vegetable fields; as a street fruitier; wholesale produce merchant; biotech marketer; flower importer; and filmmaker.
A good food movement activist; Rosenberg has served on numerous non-profit, trade association and local government boards committees. Prior speaking engagements include: Borad Bia (Irish Food Board)
Specialty Food Conference, Adare, Ireland 1999. Oldways Olavita Conference, Puglia, Italy 2006. American Cheese Society Presenter/Panelist, Louisville, KY 2006. Numerous live television appearances –KTVX, KUTV, FOX13, and KSL (1994-present).
Rosenberg obtained a BS in Food Marketing/Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University (1983); studied filmmaking at the Vancouver Film School (1990-91); and has completed the Babson College Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, Salt Lake City (2013).

Working USU Extension and Utah TOPP to support current and transitioning organic farmers and ranchers through mentorship, technical assistance, and community building.

I am an organic and sustainable food systems advocate with experience working in diverse agricultural, small business, public service, and non-profit settings. I have a decade of experience in agriculture as an organic crop inspector, food hub manager, farm worker, food system’s researcher, and extension agent. I have dedicated my life to seeing farmers succeed and communities gain greater access to healthy local food.

Corbin Scholz has been working in the food system for almost a decade owning and managing organic vegetable farms and food hubs, serving on several agriculture non-profits board of directors, and participating in leadership committees to organize support programs for young farmers. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology on the pre-medical track, Corbin pivoted to creating healthy communities through thriving food systems.

James and Joyce Skeet are the co-founders Spirit Farm, a 501c3 non-profit organization. They are passionate about reconnecting all peoples to the land through Indigenous Regenerative Intelligence that integrates the ancient wisdom of Native cosmology to create a haven where soil health, nutrient rich foods, human health, and free markets can prosper. James’ heritage has assisted in grounding him in the work he does as a full-blooded Navajo Native American from Vanderwagen, New Mexico. Joyce, born and raised in Pennsylvania, was introduced to agriculture, animal husbandry, and food preservation from an early age. Together, in 2016, they launched the farm in Vanderwagen, NM, that uses only natural practices including microbiological composting, to heal the high desert southwestern soil to be a living example of how we can recover and reclaim traditional farming and spiritual practices to transform our way of life.

Heather Speth is a lifelong lover of the natural world. She has spent much of her career working with both children and adults in the outdoors, as well as teaching in the private sector. She currently operates a thriving, year-round nature school in the Uintah Basin, where children learn through wonder, play, and the rhythms of the seasons. She is also homesteading alongside her husband and son at Little House Farm.

As the author of Own Your Rhythm: Unleash the Power of Feminine Cycles and Moonlit Learning: Lunar Year Adventure for Kids, Heather weaves together her background in education with a deep understanding of cyclical living, helping others reconnect with nature, time, and their own inner rhythms.

Shane Tooke, along with his wife Kalie, are the winemakers at Water Canyon Winery. In 2018 they bought a small vineyard with a dream to create something rare—wines made the way nature intended. Letting grapes do what comes naturally to them; honoring the fruit in its purest form with no added sulfites, preservatives, or enzymes. Their winery is family-owned and operated rooted in a deep love for natural winemaking and community.

Carter Wilkey and his wife Stephanie moved to Cedar City in early 2016 and have made it their forever home. They are the proud parents of 5 children. Carter has been an active Realtor in the community since 2016. He has served in many capacities in our community both with Cedar City and other organizations. At the time of his election, he was serving on Cedar City's Board of Adjustments and Planning Commission. He has previously served on the city's Active Transportation Committee and General Plan Revision Committee.

Aside from his responsibilities with the city, Carter also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce. He has served at different times for the Iron County Children's Justice Center Friend's Board, Iron County Board of Realtors, Iron County Home Builders, Red Acre Center and others. Carter is honored to be able to serve the community that has given him and his family so much.

Sabrina Williams is CEO of SEED, a Certified B-Corp, where she draws on her professional background in architecture, law and urban planning—along with over 25 years of experience in 40 states as a community organizer advancing food justice. In 2000, Sabrina founded a nonprofit to address sustainability and food security in low-income neighborhoods, successfully challenging ordinances and public housing policies that restricted gardening and urban farming. In 2019 she launched SEED, turning self-taught engineering skills into accessible agtech to help small farms improve and manage their soil. Sabrina is a certified Master Gardener whose super powers are perfect pie crusts and vocal harmonies.