UW Extension to Host Season Extension and Food Production Conference in Sheridan April 6

The University of Wyoming Extension will host a one-day conference on season extension and small-scale food production at Sheridan College Saturday, April 6.

The conference, which is supported by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Program, is part of UW Extension’s Harvest Wyoming initiative. Event partners include the Barnyards & Backyards team, Wyoming Food Coalition, Sheridan College, and UW’s Growing Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program.

two women wearing dark gray polo shirts and jeans stand beside a flower bed with yellow flowers alongside a geodome greenhouse — UW staff members Kelly Greenwald and Amy Smith check out a pollinator garden planted alongside a geodesic dome greenhouse at the James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Lingle.

Workshops will highlight season extension structures, pest management, hydroponics, Wyoming soils, pollinator habitats, a producer panel, and more. Weather permitting, attendees will also have the option to participate in a low tunnel build in Sheridan College’s agriculture field lab.

“This conference is for anyone who is curious about how to maximize their growing season,” says Micah Most, a UW Extension educator and co-organizer of the event. “This will be an excellent opportunity for folks to come interact with experts, to ask their questions, and to connect with other individuals in the community.”

Speakers include Adam Bunker of Papa Joe’s Produce and several other local producers, as well as experts from UW Extension, Sheridan College, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, and the Popo Agie Conservation District.

The conference is organized into three concurrent tracks; attendees can attend any sessions of their choice.

The registration cost is $30 per participant. For those who register by March 26, lunch will be provided. Late registrants are welcome to attend, but are not guaranteed a meal. To register, visit https://bit.ly/harvest-wy-24.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Whitney Building at Sheridan College, located at 1 Whitney Way. Opening remarks begin at 8:50 a.m. and sessions start at 9 a.m. The event concludes at 3 p.m.

To learn more about the conference, visit wyoextension.org/harvestwyo. Contact Micah Most at mmost@uwyo.edu or (307) 684-7522 with questions.