The Langston University Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (SL/SAAS) will host its 3rd annual Food, Agriculture, & Natural Resources Conference on Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, 2025. The conference is free and open to the public. 

The event, which includes numerous workshops, will focus on food, agriculture, emerging technology, limited resource farming, goats and hair sheep enterprises from production through marketing and consumption. The popular two-day event will occur on the Langston University campus in Langston, Oklahoma. The conference theme is “Growing Together: Fostering Resilient Communities, Food & Agriculture Systems.” 

The conference will be enriching for all stakeholders, including small and beginning farmers, ranchers, and limited resource operations, who are looking to enhance production systems and alternative business enterprises. The event also gives producers, marketers and consumers a chance to connect with local, state and national leaders from ODAFF and USDA. 

Mr. Jaramie Karcher, the Deputy State Executive Director for USDA Farm Service Agency, will provide the opening keynote address. 

The two-day conference will feature four conference track themes with a dynamic lineup of workshops designed to enrich the knowledge and skills of farmers, including small and beginning farmers, ranchers, and agricultural enthusiasts. 

Track 1: Family and Youth Well-Being, Agritourism
Track 2: Climate Smart Regenerative Agriculture
Track 3: Goats & Hair Sheep Productions Management, and Value-Added Products
Track 4: LU-Extension/ Research/USDA/Community-Based Organizations 

There will be two pre-paid, hands-on workshops during the conference: “Beekeeping & Unlocking the Craft of Goat Cheese” on Friday and “Goat-Milk Soap Making” on Saturday. 

Attendees can expect to engage with experts in various fields, participate in interactive sessions and network with peers, all while delving into critical topics shaping the future of agriculture. On both days of the conference, there will be several presentations, demonstration displays and exhibits on all aspects of sustainable agriculture. There will also be exciting 4-H Youth Development & STEM programs and activities for children ages 6 to 17. 

Participants and vendors can register for free to attend the conference at https://bit.ly/4hcO4FJ through April 18. Registration includes meals, tours and a commemorative t-shirt. 

For additional information, please contact Dr. Roger Merkel at merkel@langston.edu, Dr. Tiffany Williams at tiffany.williams14@langston.edu or Mrs. Sonya Moore-Davis at sydavis@langston.edu.