Small Producers Initiative

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San Marcos, TX
Small Producers Initiative

SPI's mission is to provide research, education & training to small & mid-sized producers. Join us today!

We program online courses and webinars, and host in-person sustainability-focused workshops and field days on farms and ranches throughout Texas.

10/06/2026

How can families keep land intact and thriving for generations?

Join Small Producers Initiative and Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT) for an on-farm workshop at W.O. Fischer Ranch, where members of the Fischer family have cared for a shared landscape dating back to the 1850s.

🌾 SPI will introduce the basics of soil health and regenerative agriculture, including how rotational grazing can build healthy, resilient land.

You’ll also hear from TALT about how conservation easements can protect working lands while maintaining private ownership — and from multiple generations of the Fischer family about land ownership, succession, and working together to safeguard their family’s land and history.

🗓️ Friday, November 20
🕘 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 W.O. Fischer Ranch | Fischer, Comal County, Texas
💲 $20 | Lunch included

Space is limited. Register by at the link in bio!

*This is one of two workshops focused in long-term conservation strategies & conservation easements. Our second workshop is with Native Prairies Association of Texas in Hopkins County — see our previous post for more info!

09/23/2026

🌾 See conservation in action at Ebel Grassland Ranch! 🌾

Join Small Producers Initiative and Native Prairies Association of Texas for an on-farm workshop at this protected, 1,000+ acre Silveus’ dropseed prairie and working cattle ranch.

🌱 Tour the ranch and learn how the Ebel family uses rotational grazing, virtual fencing, prescribed fire, brush management, and native seeding to improve soil health and care for their grasslands.

You’ll also hear from NPAT about how conservation easements can protect working lands while keeping them productive and privately owned — and from the Ebels about why they chose this path for their family and their land.

🗓️ Friday, November 13
🕘 9 am - 4 pm
📍 Ebel Grassland Ranch | Sulphur Bluff, Texas
💲 $20 | Lunch included

Space is limited. Register at the link in bio!

*This is one of two workshops focused in long-term conservation strategies & conservation easements. Our second workshop is with Texas Agricultural Land Trust in Comal County, learn more at www.smallproducersinitiative.org/workshops

08/13/2026

🌱 On behalf of the organizing team of the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible 2026 sponsors!

Your generosity and partnership made it possible for this community come together to learn, connect, and strengthen resilient local food systems.

Thank you for investing in the future of agriculture and in the people who steward our land, grow our food, and strengthen our communities. We are truly grateful to have you as partners in this work!

Please join us in thanking our sponsors for helping make the 2026 Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference possible! 🌾💚

07/08/2026

🎤 We’re excited to introduce another group of incredible speakers joining us at this year’s Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference!

Whether you’re interested in livestock, crops, soil health, business planning, marketing, conservation, or beginning farmer resources, there’s a session for you.

Join us August 3–4 at Texas State University for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

🔗 Visit the link in our bio to explore the conference website, browse our growing lineup of exhibitors and speakers, learn about networking events, the Grazing School, and everything else the conference has to offer!

We can’t wait to see you there!

07/07/2026

⏳ We’re less than ONE MONTH away from the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference!

There’s still time to join us — including early bird pricing and financial aid applications!

Join us and don’t miss out an opportunity to:

✅ Learn from 100+ farmers, ranchers, researchers, and industry experts
✅ Choose from 50+ practical sessions covering livestock, crops, business, soil health, marketing, and more
✅ Connect with community organizations, businesses, and service providers in the Exhibit Hall
✅ Discover funding opportunities, technical assistance, and resources to support your operation
✅ Leave with practical strategies and actionable ideas you can put to work right away

Register today and secure your spot — we can’t wait to see you this August at Texas State University!

🔗 Register and learn more through the link in our bio.

07/02/2026

🎤 Meet some of the incredible speakers and sessions at this year’s Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference!

From experienced farmers and ranchers to educators and agricultural professionals, our speakers are bringing practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and real-world experience to this year’s conference.

Explore our website to see the full speaker lineup, and stay tuned — the complete conference schedule and full session lineup will be announced soon!

🌱 Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing and join us August 3–4 at Texas State University for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

View the full line-up here: https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/2025speakers-1

LocalFood FarmConference

06/26/2026

🌱 Can the way we graze cattle improve our soils, support wildlife, and strengthen the future of our farms?

SPI is excited to partner with American Farmland Trust to host a screening of Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there) on Sunday, August 2 in San Marcos!

This acclaimed documentary follows ranchers and scientists as they compare adaptive and conventional grazing practices through years of real-world research.

The evening includes:
🍽️ Dinner & reception
🎬 Film screening
💬 Live Q&A with director Peter Byck and local farmers

📅 Sunday, August 2 | 5:30 PM
📍 The Price Center | San Marcos, TX
💲 Just $10

Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, landowner, student, or simply curious about the future of agriculture, we hope you’ll join us for a great evening of learning and conversation!

🎟️ Limited seating—reserve your spot today: bit.ly/4uQsWvK

06/23/2026

🤝 Come for Knowledge, Leave with Your People 🤝

Some of the most valuable parts of the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference happen outside the classroom — over coffee, during a shared meal, or in conversations with someone who understands the challenges and joys of working in agriculture.

Meet new collaborators, find mentors and resources, reconnect with old friends, and become part of a statewide community at these networking events:

🇺🇸 Farmer Veteran Coalition Breakfast
🌱 Community Seed Social with Central Texas Seed Savers
☕ FARFA Coffee & Community
🏛️ Exhibit Hall (60+ vendors)
🔬 OFRF Networking Session
🥂 Gather & Graze featuring music, drinks and dinner!

Visit the Events page on the conference website to see a full description of each gathering: https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/2026events

We can’t wait to see you!

The Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference
Aug 3-4 (M-T)
San Marco, TX

06/22/2026

🐓 ATTN: EARLY BIRD PRICING EXTENDED TO JULY 3! 🐓

It’s not too late to save up to $50 on your registration for the SFFFS Conference and join hundreds of farmers and ag professionals for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration!

Your conference registration includes:

🌱 50+ educational sessions covering livestock, crops, business & marketing, beginning farmer topics, food policy, and more

🤝 Small-group consultation halls for deeper learning and one-on-one conversations

🎤 Inspiring keynote speakers

🏛️ An exhibit hall featuring 60+ agriculture-focused organizations, agencies, and businesses

🎁 A silent auction filled with food and agriculture goodies

🌾 Networking opportunities to connect with fellow farmers and agricultural professionals from across the region

Whether you’re just getting started, looking to grow your operation, or hoping to connect with others working to strengthen our food system, there’s something for you at SFFFS.

⏰ Early Bird pricing ends July 3!

Visit the conference website to view the full program and register today!

06/18/2026

🔬 CALL FOR RESEARCHERS 🔬

Share your research with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals at the 2026 Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference, taking place August 3–4 at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

The Small Producers Initiative is seeking faculty, staff, student, and professional researchers from all food and agriculture-related disciplines to participate in our Research Track and Poster Session. Applied research with practical relevance to producers is strongly encouraged.

With more than 50% of conference attendees being farmers and ranchers, this is a unique opportunity to share your work directly with the people who can put research into practice.

Researchers may apply to:
✔ Deliver a 30-minute oral presentation
✔ Present a research poster
✔ Participate in both opportunities

📅 Research application deadline: July 10, 2026

https://www.southernfamilyfarmersconference.org/research

Address

100 Main Plaza
San Marcos, TX
78130

Website

http://www.smallproducersinitiative.org/

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