Workshops & Keynotes

The popular TV show Yellowstone introduced the world to a long-held secret in the agriculture world: the power of conservation easements. But what was real? What was dramatized? The basics of the conservation program were true, and in this presentation we’ll explain what it means for farmers and ranchers in the real world.

This breakout will explore how farmers can grow seed crops on their farms as an additional revenue stream, covering basic considerations such as crop selection, isolation, harvest, and storage, along with the opportunities and challenges of seed production at a farm scale.

Scaling with diversification rather than replication.The benefits of adding additional revenue of streams to your farm. We will talk about how adding camping sites, guest houses, food establishments and more can create value for your property and broaden your customer base.

"The dollars and sense of why good food is always worth the additional investment. How we may proffer a narrative to reframe the discussion for a good food economy. How eating well is the building block upon which all of life's best experiences begin and end."TM

Value the relationships with the land, culture and community by integrating ancestral Indigenous wisdom with regenerative agriculture. Observe the earth through a spiritual lens, acknowledging the sacred relationship between humans and nature. In other words, farming the land that works in harmony with nature.

A brief history of the Agritourism Food Establishment Sanitation Rule along with a description of the regulatory requirements, including permits and inspections

The average day of a farmer is a grueling one.  With the median age of farmers being 58 years old it is also a day that is becoming less and less physically possible. As the workers are finding it more and more difficult to do the strenuous, back breaking work of daily farm labor and nearly 88,000 agricultural jobs are going unfilled yearly, it is time for new ideas to solve old problems. Could the solution for these modern day problems be a futuristic approach?  Robotics and automation have made great strides in the agricultural sector and just may be the answer we're looking for.  Could automation plant the seeds for a new generation of growers?

Just as healthy plants grow from strong roots, children thrive when they feel grounded and connected to the cycles and seasons of the natural world around them. This class will explore how each phase of the moon invites a different kind of support for kids (and the adults who love them) - gently guiding us through cycles of rest, growth, celebration, and reflection. Leave with simple, nature-based practices that help kids develop emotional resilience, somatic awareness, and a deep sense of belonging.

A conversation about utilizing sheep for local fiber!

Caring about wool as an extension of your values and community economy. Learn about localizing textiles, keeping wool out of our waste streams, the logistics of wool processing, and why you should care about what your clothing is made out of.

Between the three of these producers their operations are stacked with turkey, beef, chicken (for both meat and eggs), raw cow and goat milk dairy. They sell in multiple outlets including farm stands on their farm, at farmers' markets, to chefs, online deliveries, and shipping. Hear about each of their operations, what they are doing, what they're no longer doing, what they hope to do, what's worked, and what's failed. Did we get everything?

Biodynamic agriculture offers simple ways to improve soil health. The biodynamic planting calendar and the nine biodynamic preparations are the focus of this workshop.

Small scale farmers, local food consumers, and the health of our Earth are all under a ton of pressure in the current food system. In this presentation, we will be talking about small farm viability, exploitation with in the current agricultural system, and ways to support food sovereignty movements moving forward.

Bob Quinn and Monte Bledsoe have decades of experience between them farming grain organically. This breakout will explore dry land grain production, as well as irrigated - showing how grains can be grown successfully with different methods and at different scales. They will talk about their personal adventure in grain production as well as the evolution of grain processing and face-to-face sales. 

This is a food-focused chef breakout with Chef Mollie Engelhart. We will be discussing the important relationship between chefs and farmers. How to connect, build and grow those direct relationships. This is a complex topic, and the discussion will explore the realities of sourcing locally from both the farmer and buyer perspective.

This presentation will streamline the confusing world of regulation surrounding value added foods in Utah. We will cover how to get started, who you can and can not sell to, where to find the rules for your specific food items, what licensing looks like, who to contact, and how to do it all legally and safely. Special attention will be given to HB 181 and how to begin your adventure with the Dept of Ag.

Using biological control and ecosystem-based approaches to manage insect pressure in agricultural systems, informed by decades of on-farm experience at Del Cabo/Jacobs Farm.

Only 1% of winemakers in the world are dedicated to making natural wines- wines with no added sulfites, preservatives, or enzymes. And we’re doing it right here in Souther Utah!  In this breakout we will be discussing what it takes to create natural wines in an industry where natural is not the standard.  We will also talk about the importance of understanding that good wine starts with growing great grapes, a vibrant vineyard, and healthy land.   Join us for a personal story through natural winemaking.

When you record your observations in nature through writing, sketching, or painting, you will create a lasting memory of time, place, and emotions.

We will discuss the basic supplies you need. Explore suggestions and ideas for creating your own unique journal, and create a journal page in a small journal that will be provided.

Have you ever worried that using technology in your soil practices might pull you away from natural processes? It doesn’t have to be that way. This session explores how real-time soil sensing, moisture monitoring and machine learning can support and strengthen traditional farming practices, highlighting the collaboration between technology and tradition that helps you care for your soil, preserve biodiversity and honor the wisdom of long-standing agricultural knowledge.

Most farmers enjoy growing food, but struggle when it comes to marketing it. The good news? Customers aren’t looking for flashy advertising - they’re looking for a real connection. In this session, we’ll discuss how sharing your story can become your most effective (and least intimidating) marketing tool. You’ll learn why customers buy from people they trust, how to communicate your farm’s values without sounding salesy, and simple ways to reach your community using tools you already have.

Processing an animal may seem overwhelming but with these methods, tips and tricks from Chef/Butcher Stephen Lott (formerly of Beltex Meats); you’ll no longer have to be nervous. With specific focus on lamb/goat he will go over processing, fabrication methods, and discuss cut and wrap storage tips. Stephen will go over preparation suggestions from his personal perspective as a chef, and close out with any unanswered questions from the audience.

In this session we will discuss how to choose the right fruit trees for your land & the right fruit for your market niche. Topics include what the farmer brings to the equation including soil characteristics & health, water quality, understanding your farm's micro-climate & growing know-how. Additionally, we will go over what the tree contributes- rootstocks, scion qualities, chill hour requirements, etc. The session will finish talking about decision making in regards to the qualities of each fruit variety that provide satisfaction to different customer niches (farmers market, restaurants, roadside stand, canners, CSA, added- value producers, shipping, etc). This breakout will be full of juicy tips from a true legend in the field, Scott Smith.

For far too many generations we have been increasing yield of our crops and touting this as the ultimate sign of a good farmer and of a superior ag production system. In America, we have the cheapest, most abundant food supply in the world but with 76% of our population chronically ill, we are also the sickest country in the world. The cost of producing high yields for the farmer has skyrocketed while the return received for the harvest no longer pays for these inputs leading to ever increasing numbers of farm bankruptcies. The chemicals used in modern ag are extracting the wealth from our communities, polluting the earth and deteriorating our health. All these farm and health problems have a common source and all can be solved with a common solution. That solution is regenerative organic agriculture which when combined with using good seed at the beginning and minimal processing of our food at the end, can heal our neighborhoods, our earth and our people by growing food as medicine.

This panel explores the benefits of partnerships between farmers and ranchers and universities. A group of Utah Tech science professors from different areas and local vineyard owner, Mark Bold will discuss their experiences partnering on projects and will provide information for anyone considering a future partnership. This panel will highlight how collaborative, place-based projects are valuable for both agriculture and higher education. Panelists will share real-world examples where producers and academic partners co-designed research and applied projects to address practical issues regarding water and weed management and the value of data-driven decision-making. Discussion will focus on how these partnerships translate academic expertise into actionable solutions while giving students hands-on experience with real constraints, timelines, and outcomes. Farmers and ranchers gain access to emerging technologies, analytical tools, and a motivated workforce, while universities strengthen experiential learning, produce relevant research, and build lasting community relationships.

The session will also address best practices for building trust, aligning goals, managing expectations, and sustaining collaborations over time. Attendees will leave with practical insights into how producer–university partnerships can accelerate innovation, support working lands, and prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals through mutually beneficial, applied research and learning.

The Practical Benefits of Spiritual Agriculture

You’re trying. You think you’re doing everything right. Farming is hard work, yes. But often we are only utilizing a portion of our potential. In this session we will briefly explore the Horizontal and the Vertical aspects of agrarianism. With an emphasis on practical beneficial “spiritual“ practices that can enliven your relationships with All of the Life you Co-create with.

Are you interested in 10%, 20%, 30%, even 40% or more fertility, yield, nutrient density, flavor, harmony and balance in your whole farm arena? Then come, with an open mind to hear something different, for this introduction into what is possible and affordable in more fully realizing who we are and what we are capable of.