UK New Crop Opportunities Conference Targets Farmers Seeking New Enterprises

“The goal of this conference is to help farmers know what it takes to succeed, and we'll have a number of experienced, successful farmers there to share their insights and knowledge.” Christy Cassady, coordinator, New Crops Opportunities Center, UK College of Agriculture

By Haven Miller LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2003) – Kentucky producers who are starting an alternative crop enterprise, or want more information before choosing one, are urged to attend a conference in Lexington on Saturday, November 15. Sponsored by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and its New Crop Opportunities Center, the conference offers sessions on nursery crops, small fruit, bedding plants, hydroponic tomatoes, edamame (green vegetable) soybeans, organic vegetables, sweet sorghum and more.  It also features a session on how to start a new enterprise. “The goal of this conference is to help farmers know what it takes for a new crop enterprise to succeed, and we’ll have a number of experienced, successful farmers there to share their insights and knowledge,” said Christy Cassady, coordinator of the New Crop Opportunities Center. Session speakers include Becky Naugle of the Small Business Development Centers; Danny Townsend, sweet sorghum producer; Sara McNulty and Martha Lee, who will lead a discussion on edamame soybeans; Bill McCord, hydroponic tomato grower; Doug Langley, wheat straw producer; Mark and Gina Eubank, greenhouse owners; Steve Smith, organic vegetable producer; Rob Roberts, nursery owner; Tom Larson, an organic grain producer from Nebraska; and Paul Dennison, fruit and vegetable producer and business owner who will be part of a small fruit grower panel. “There will be plenty of opportunities for farmers to ask questions about a variety of crops, and to talk to growers and specialists who are considered experts in the various areas,” said Cassady. The conference is from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on November 15, and will be at the Sheraton Suites, 2601 Richmond Road in Lexington.  Early registration is highly recommended, as the conference is limited to 100 participants. To receive registration information, contact Christy Cassady at 859-257-1477, or cgcass0@uky.edu. Source: Christy Cassady, 859-257-1477 Return to Main News page.