K-State Extension Offers Workshop Series for Local Food Producers

COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. — Kansas State Research and Extension is hosting a series of workshops in 2026 designed to help local food producers enhance their direct-to-consumer sales strategies.

The Local Food Producer Workshops will be held at six locations across south-central Kansas between February and March. Each session costs $25 and includes free scale certification and lunch.

The workshop schedule includes:

— Feb. 6 in Olathe — Feb. 7 in Hutchinson — Feb. 20 in Holton — Feb. 26 in Dodge City — Feb. 27 in Oakley — March 6 in Parsons — March 10 in Beloit

According to K-State Research and Extension, the workshops target farmers markets, producers and small food businesses seeking to learn about direct-to-consumer sales and local marketing opportunities.

The program is offered through Kansas Local Food Systems, a collaboration between K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education).

Topics covered in the workshops include food safety regulations, marketing strategies for farmers markets and direct sales, business planning, and regulatory compliance for small-scale food producers.

Registration is required and available at ksre.k-state.edu/food-producer-workshops. Additional workshop details and resources are available through the K-State Extension Local Food Systems program.

The workshops are part of K-State Extension's ongoing efforts to support local food systems development and help Kansas producers access local and regional markets.