Events

Here are upcoming events and grant deadlines for farmer veterans in Texas. Be sure to follow our Facebook page for updates on new events not listed here.

NOVEMBER

Small Producers Initiative – Regenerative Ranching to Restore Biodiversity – November 15 in Bryan.

Representatives of the Audubon Society, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and the Amphibian & Reptile Conservancy will join us to discuss programs and strategies designed to increase biodiversity and support wildlife in ranching operations.

Council for Healthy Food Systems – How to Make Compost – November 16 in Nixon (San Antonio).

Learn how to turn your scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your small farm at our Small Farm Composting Basics event.

Council for Healthy Food Systems – Crop Planning & Management, Part 1 – November 16 in Dallas.

Council for Healthy Food Systems – Crop Planning & Management, Part 2 – November 23 in Dallas.

Crop planning is essential to successful food production allowing for efficient use of space and resources, seasonal adaptation, soil health, pest & disease management, increased yields & profitability and market timing to name a few. In this 2-part crop planning workshop, Lisa Attaway, farm manager with Green City Growers, will discussing the fundamentals of putting an effective crop plan together that ensures a successful growing operation.

Texas Climate Smart Funding: Online Info Session – November 19 on Zoom.

The Texas Climate Smart Initiative (TCSI) is a new 5-year program run primarily by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas universities. The program has a total of $38.8 million to help producers implement climate-smart practices including cover cropping, silvopasture, irrigation, tree establishment, and much more.

If you are: 1) Actively farming or ranching at least 1 acre in Texas; 2) Interested in starting or expanding conservation farming practices on your land; and 3) In need of funding to implement regenerative land management, then join this webinar to learn how this new program can help pay for regenerative practices!

Texas Center for Local Food – Understanding Direct to Consumer Beef Sales - November 20 on Zoom.

The Texas Center for Local Food (TCLF) is collaborating with Texas ranchers in the Delta Regional Food Business Center service area to bring you a new online educational series. In the Breaking into Direct Markets for Cattle Series, Texas producers will share their journey from cow/calf to establishing direct-to-consumer beef operations throughout the state. Each producer has hands-on experience and different approaches to meeting local demand for quality beef.

Featuring Warren Cohn in North Zulch, TX. Warren will discuss his approach to production, which includes careful management of resources, with tracking tools and certifications that help ensure credibility and transparency.

Where’s the Beef Direct to Consumer Marketing Workshop – November 22 in Bonham (near Dallas).

Many consumers are interested in purchasing beef directly from the farm, making this a prime opportunity for cattle raisers. This Texas A&M AgriLife workshop discusses how to retail your beef to a direct-to-consumer market, including navigating legal protections, permitting requirements, labeling considerations, and slaughter facility selection. This day-long course includes meat specialists, lawyers, economists, and a panel of direct beef sales producers as speakers.

Prairie View A&M Extension – Fall Garden Workshops – November 22 in Prairie View.

Topics include: Pollinator Gardens in Autumn, Fall Forestry, and Breaking Animal Superstitions.

TSCRA Working Grant Application Due! – November 30

TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation’s Working Grant Program was established to help business owners in the beef industry who intend a long-term career in the beef industry to commence and/or grow their Beef Businesses.

DECEMBER

Texas Center for Local Food – Marketing and Sales Strategies – December 4 on Zoom.

The Texas Center for Local Food (TCLF) is collaborating with Texas ranchers in the Delta Regional Food Business Center service area to bring you a new online educational series. In the Breaking into Direct Markets for Cattle Series, Texas producers will share their journey from cow/calf to establishing direct-to-consumer beef operations throughout the state. Each producer has hands-on experience and different approaches to meeting local demand for quality beef.

Featuring Doug Havemann of Mesquite Field Farm in Nixon, TX. Doug will share how he uses tracking systems to manage operations and explore different marketing channels, such as websites, farmers markets, and social media, to expand reach. 

Small Producers Initiative – Urban Farming with Passion – December 6 in Waco.

Join SPI for a special on-farm workshop with Passion Garden — a woman-owned, diversified urban farm in Waco that grows nutritious food and herbal teas for the community without the use of synthetic chemicals.

FACT Fund-A-Farmer Grant Application Due! – December 8

This FACT grant is used to support high welfare, humane, pasture-based livestock and poultry farmers. Eligible projects are awarded to farmers transitioning away from confinement, improving pastures and generally improving the well being of their food animals. This year they have included a new category for innovation with awards up to $10,000. The deadline for the grant is December 8. 

Texas Center for Local Food – Producer to Processor: What to Know – December 11, on Zoom.

The Texas Center for Local Food (TCLF) is collaborating with Texas ranchers in the Delta Regional Food Business Center service area to bring you a new online educational series. In the Breaking into Direct Markets for Cattle Series, Texas producers will share their journey from cow/calf to establishing direct-to-consumer beef operations throughout the state. Each producer has hands-on experience and different approaches to meeting local demand for quality beef.

Featuring Emory Davis of My Mark 61 Cattle Co. in Tomball, TX and Corey Robinson of 74Ranch in Centerville, TX. Emory and Corey will share practical insights on processing, packaging, and delivery to help producers make informed choices. They will also discuss how selecting the right processor can impact product quality, logistics, and brand identity.

Urban Harvest’s Women in Ag Conference – December 13 in Houston.

Join Urban Harvest for their annual "Women In Agriculture" Conference. Bring your smiles and learning hats as they celebrate, educate, and acknowledge the hard work of urban growers, entrepreneurs, and plant enthusiasts from all over the great state of Texas.

Council for Healthy Food Systems: Extend Your Growing Season – December 14 in Nixon (near San Antonio).

Learn how to extend your growing season using tunnels to protect your plants from the elements and maximize your harvest!

Council for Healthy Food Systems – Vermiculture – December 28 in Mission (RGV).

Join us on December 28th for an educational event on worm castings (vermiculture/ worm composting) and funding opportunities through the USDA/NRCS.

Small Farm Innovation Challenge Application Due! – December 31.

The Innovation Challenge invites farmers, entrepreneurs, students, hackers and any ingenious, farm-loving thinkers to propose tech-based innovations that will help small scale agriculture compete, survive and thrive. All ideas, big or small, in any phase of development, will be accepted for the Innovation Challenge. With up to $10,000 in prizes, the deadline to apply is December 31.

2025 Events

Council for Healthy Food Systems: Steps to Starting a Farm – January 18 in Nixon (near San Antonio).

Come join us at Mesquite Field Farm for a hands-on workshop on starting your own small farm! Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, this event is perfect for you. Learn the essential steps in planning, planting, and growing your own farm from experienced farmers. Get ready to dig in and get your hands dirty! Don't miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your farming journey. See you there!

APPPA 2025 Pastured Poultry Conference – January 23-25 in Allen.

The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA) Pastured Poultry Conference is a gathering of pastured poultry producers to share challenges, find solutions, and innovate. The conference provides a space for producers to network, learn about technical insights, and discuss poultry production topics.

Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (TOFGA) Conference – January 26-28 in Pflugerville.

Join farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals and advocates from all over Texas to share ideas, network, build community, and have fun! The conference includes two days of in-depth workshops and learning sessions, plus multiple off-site intensives and farm tours. Additional highlights include a Farm Feast with a keynote speaker, social and networking opportunities, and an excellent trade show featuring new and innovative material as well as mainstay agricultural tools, inputs, and services. 

NCBA CattleCon – February 4-6 in San Antonio.

CattleCon is a place to connect and form new business relationships with fellow producers from all over the country. You'll have the opportunity to meet with industry leaders, subject matter experts, and suppliers who can help you grow your operation.

Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo – April 11-13 in Fort Worth.

The Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo is the largest annual ranching event in Texas and Oklahoma. The

event combines an industry-leading Expo, School for Successful Ranching, renowned speakers and great

parties into a single action-packed weekend.