2025 Great Plains Growers Conference

Welcome to the 2025 Great Plains Growers Conference!

We are excited to invite you to join us from January 9-11 for an enriching experience at the premier event for vegetable, fruit, cut flower, and specialty crop growers from across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Each year, this 3-day conference draws 350-400 dedicated growers, ranging from full-time farm market vendors to part-time diversified horticulture producers, for a deep dive into the latest industry trends and practices.

Kick off the conference on Thursday, January 9th, with our full-day, topic-specific workshops, which are available for a separate admission fee. These focused sessions offer an opportunity to delve into specialized areas, including Hard Cider, Marketing Boot Camp, and Nut Orchards.

The main conference takes place on Friday, January 10th, and Saturday, January 11th, featuring a diverse range of educational tracks. Throughout these two days, you can attend concurrent sessions covering vital topics such as:

• Business Development & Marketing
• Vegetable Production
• Greenhouse & Hydroponic Production
• Protected Culture (Tunnels)
• Integrated Pest Management
• Forest Farming
• S ARE Farmer Forum
• Tree Fruits/Small Fruits
• Organic/Regenerative Farming
• Cut Flowers

In addition to the informative sessions, our conference also includes a vibrant trade show with over 40 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in the industry.

We look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic and long-standing event, where you’ll have the chance to expand your knowledge, network with fellow growers, and explore new opportunities in the world of horticulture and specialty crops. Don’t miss out on this invaluable chance to grow and thrive in your agricultural endeavors!

See you in January!

Program Schedule

Thursday, January 9- WORKSHOPS (seperate ticket from Fri./Sat. conference)

• 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Workshops (Lunch is included in ticket, 12:00 pm- 1:00pm) - start/stop times may vary depending on workshop

Friday, January 11

• 8:00 am - 9:00 am Registration & Trade Show
• 9 :00 am - 10:30 am Welcome & Keynote
• 10:30-11:00am Break & Trade Show
• 11:00 am - 5:00pm General Session
• 12:00 pm-1:30pm Lunch for all attendees w/ time to network, visit trade show and view Research Poster Session
• 5:00pm-6:00pm Growers Association Meetings (Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas)
• 6:00-8:00pm Growers Innovation Night & Pizza Party

Saturday, January 10

• 8:00 am - 9:00 am Registration & Trade Show
• 9:00 am - 3:30 pm General Session
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch for all attendees w/ time to network and visit trade show
• 9:00am - 3:30pm General Session
• 3:30pm Conference Adjourns

FAQs

When does "early" registration end?

We have eliminated the increase in our ticket price based on when you purchase. This year the prices will remain the same from now all the way up to the day of the conference.

What are my parking options?

Free parking is available on the Missouri Western State University campus, with parking lots located adjacent to the Fulkerson Center on the east and south sides of the building.

What is the conference security and liability policy?

Normal security provisions will be in effect. University Extension and/or Missouri Western State University will not be liable for theft and will not assume any liability, legal or otherwise, for accidents of any nature. If there are issues with security or access to the building, contact MWSU campus police, 816-271-4438.

What's are the conference hotels?

Stoney Creek Inn 816-901-9600; Drury Inn 816-364-4700; contact either and mention the conference for a special room rate or visit the conference website's lodging page for more information.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Missouri Western State University - Fulkerson Conference Center, 4525 Downs Drive, Saint Joseph, United States