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.

APRIL

Saving America’s Working Lands Conference – April 23-25 in Dallas.

Farm and conservation organizations, planners, state and county agencies, researchers, land trusts, and more from around the country, working on farm and ranch land protection and retention are registering every day. Attend to network and engage in discussions with peers and colleagues from across the country to generate new ideas, solutions, and strategies, enabling you to bring fresh perspectives to your work.

Nuts, Bolts, and Benefits of Good Grazing at Menke Farm & Ranch – April 25-26 in Waller.

Join us for an experiential, two-day workshop with rancher and consultant Kent Donica of Understanding Ag, returning to Menke Farm and Ranch — a premier Houston-area hay producer. This workshop will introduce the fundamentals of high-density grazing, based on methods developed by Understanding Ag in collaboration with producers nationwide, and will feature in-depth sessions

MAY

Drought Proofing Your Ranch at Horizon Ranch – May 2 in Jourdanton. 

Join Small Producers Initiative & certified Holistic Management International (HMI) educator, Christine Martin, at a regenerative, family-owned livestock operation south of San Antonio to learn how producers and landowners can “drive through drought” by making pastures more resilient!

Conservation in Action Farm Tour at Reeves Family Farm – May 2 in Princeton.

Whether you’re curious about where your local food comes from or you’re a farmer looking to learn how others implement sustainable practices, this series of events is for you.

After the Farm Tour, connect with fellow attendees during our Farmer & Friends happy hour, a perfect opportunity to build community and share insights!

Livestock Management to Support Biodiversity and Health – May 9 in Grandview.

Join SPI and the Audubon Society to explore how Burgundy Pasture Beef transformed its 1,400-acre, formerly cultivated property back into grassland, becoming Texas’ first certified ranch in Audubon’s conservation ranching program. Burgundy demonstrates that meat production and environmental health don’t have to be at odds. In fact, when managed well, livestock can enhance habitat, biodiversity, and soil health. 

Planning for Intergenerational Farm & Ranch Success – May 16 in Luling.

Co-host Deydra Steans of Black Gold Resourcing, LLC, will be joined by several members of her family to discuss management practices on the ranch and her work with the Texas Grazing Network.

Topics such as grazing, (pecan) orchard production, marketing and succession planning will be covered. We will also discuss the principles of soil health and mitigation of environmental impacts on the land. The Audubon Society will highlight the role of birds in agro-ecosystems. Our sponsor, NRCS, will provide an overview of their programs to support producers.

Soil Testing Basics & Benefits – May 17 in Luling.

Soil testing is a key step in evaluating soil fertility and health, and it plays a crucial role in effective land management. Join Small Producers Initiative to explore the benefits of healthy, organic-rich soil, traditional and innovative soil tests, and real-world case studies on how soil test results can guide farm and ranch management decisions.

LATER IN THE YEAR

Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference – August 4-5 in San Marcos.

Join us for two days of high-quality education & 50+ unique sessions. With peer-to-peer learning
as a focus, 60+ speakers will join us from farms, organizations, institutions, agencies and other agricultural businesses to share their knowledge & expertise.

Beef Cattle Short Course – August 4-6 in College Station. 

The Beef Cattle Short Course is nationally and internationally recognized as the largest attended beef cattle educational program of its type in the world. Sessions are designed for everyone, from the newest member of the industry to the most seasoned producer. 

Texas Sheep & Goat Expo – August 15-16 in San Angelo.

This unique sheep and goat event provides producers and other interested persons the opportunity to attend educational presentations. The expo will feature guest speakers, educational seminars and numerous live sessions for participants to choose from. 

FVC National Stakeholders Conference – October 26-28 in Waco.

Explore the latest trends and innovations in food, agriculture, and health during three days of education, guest panels, breakout sessions, a farm tour, and much more. Join fellow farmer veterans for this unique opportunity right here in Texas!