Missouri Farmers’ Market Association’s Annual Conference: Growing Missouri’s Farmers Markets into the Future

Missouri Farmers’ Market Association’s Annual Conference: Growing Missouri’s Farmers Markets into the Future will be held January 25 – 26, 2013 at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Springfield, MO.  There will be two tours of market vendor sites and workshops for vendors & market managers.

Thursday, January 24 – 1 to 5 pm

Pre-Conference Workshop – Food Safety:  From Field to Market (no charge) - University of Missouri Extension and the Green County Health Dept will present a comprehensive workshop on food safety on the farm and at the market. 

Friday, January 25

8:00 am – Registration / Trade Show begin

9:00 am – Bus Tour departs from hotel – stops include Flintrock Bison Ranch, Murphy’s Orchard cider operation and the greenhouses of Wilson.  Lunch is included.  Tour returns at 4:15 pm.

2:00-4:00 pm – Manager/Board Sessions

Growing Your Market into a Year Round Market

Review on Social Media – Pros, Cons, and What Works Best

How to Deal with the Economy Affecting Your Market

4:00-6:00 pm – Free time to visit Trade Show

6:00 pm – Evening Banquet featuring locally sourced foods with entertainment by former Baldknobber Bob Mabe & the Kitchen Band.

Saturday, January 26

7:30 am – MFMA board meeting

8:00 am – Registration for new arrivals

9:00 am – Bus Tour departs from hotel – stops includes visits to a local high tunnel winter production, local market bakery and coffee roasting operation.  Tours returns at noon.

9:00 am to noon – Manager/Board Sessions

Meat in Your Marketplace – Benefits and How to Do It

Creating Special Events in Your Market and Making the Most of It

Emphasizing Nutrition and Health Benefits at the Market and Beyond

Noon – Lunch

12:30-1:30 pm – MFMA Annual meeting begins while we enjoy our meal.

1:30 – 4:00 pm – Vendor Sessions

Hydroponics – Is it Right for You and Your Customers?

Using Irrigation and Plastic Mulch to Increase Yields and Profits

Working Efficiently with Small Scale Farm Equipment

High Tunnels – Success Stories and Productive Examples

1:30-4:00 pm – Manager/Board Sessions

Working with Local Chefs to Promote Your Market, Nutrition, and Increase Sales for Vendors

Working with Your Vendors to Create Market Diversity

3:00 pm – Trade Show closes

4:00 pm – Conference adjourns

4:15 pm – MFMA board meeting (All board meetings are open to the membership)

Registration

Conference cost:

$10 per person if MFMA member or $15 per person if not an MFMA member.  (Add $10 per basic conference fee for registration after December 31.)  Conference cost includes Friday banquet, Saturday lunches, break snacks & workshops.

Bus tour cost:

$15 per person for each tour.

For any questions email  or call 417 483-8139.