Veterans from Indiana and beyond are invited to join us at the 22nd Annual West Virginia Small Farm Conference, February 26–28, 2026, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
This conference is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical knowledge, connect with fellow veterans, and explore resources designed to support beginning farmers.
Why Attend?
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Scholarships Available: First-time attendees, including those traveling from out of state, can apply for scholarships that cover the full cost of registration. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on January 29, 2026.
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Hands-On Learning & Networking: The conference offers workshops and sessions to help small farms transition from commodity production to food production for community and local markets. Gain insights on farm production, marketing, and business operations while meeting nonprofit partners, USDA programs, and other veteran farmers.
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Special Events: Participate in the Friday Night Mixer, Nonprofit Roundtable, AgrAbility Information sessions, and visit the Winter Blues Farmers Market on Saturday, February 28, from Noon–5 p.m., showcasing local West Virginia products like fresh vegetables, meats, maple syrup, and more. The market is free and open to the public.
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Conference Goals: Attendees will gain reliable, tested knowledge on current trends, essential farming skills, and strategies for building a successful small farm enterprise. The conference also encourages local production, processing, and marketing to strengthen regional food systems.
Collaborating Hosts & Partners: We are thrilled to be working with Mission Beelieve, West Virginia State University Extension, At Ease Orchard, and the National AgrAbility Project to bring sessions specific to veterans to life. Their expertise and support make this an incredible opportunity for veteran farmers to learn, connect, and grow.
The drive from Indianapolis is about 6 hours, making it a doable trip for those looking to expand their farming knowledge and connect with other veteran farmers.
Military Veterans Contact: