Farmers conference upcoming

Jan. 31—MOREHEAD — Amy Le Ann Richardson knows a thing or two about the arts.

She also knows something about agriculture and how the two can mingle.

The Olive Hill farmer will share her knowledge about incorporating arts into agriculture at farmers markets when she speaks at this year's Eastern Kentucky Farmers Conference, scheduled for Feb. 16 and 17 in Morehead. Much of the conference will be farmers sharing knowledge about farming.

Richardson, who has a master of fine arts degree from Spalding University in Louisville, also works for Community Farm Alliance as the eastern Kentucky Food System Resilience Coordinator. She writes, makes art and is a teacher who has received grants and fellowships from the Kentucky Foundation for Women.

She said her presentation will focus on farmers who craft and sell art alongside their produce.

"I'm mostly focusing on diversifying your business," she said. "Also if you make arts and crafts and how integrating arts into farmers markets attracts customers and builds community, so allowing artisans who aren't also farmers to have a booth and having local musicians play, offering special events, selling arts and crafts also creates a revenue stream during times of the year when you may not be growing as much produce."

Some farmers markets have included artists and crafters for years, and some still do not. It's up to the individual markets to decide.

Richardson said she believes the markets that accept arts and crafts experience the benefits in more ways than one.

"I'll talk a little about collaboration with artists and ideas for marketing products, and I'm also going to discuss using storytelling and photography for marketing on social media, and how that can draw people in," Richardson said.

Organizers expect more than 100 attendees, including farms and technical assistance providers on subjects like high tunnels, livestock, farm funding and marketing.

A veteran farmer meet-up hosted by the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, with entertainment following.

There also will be a pre-conference session titled "Bringing the Farm to School" for producers interested in selling to schools.

Today is the last day to register online at tinyurl.com/2024EKFC, but day-of registration will be offered. Cost is $45. Registration includes dinner on Friday and breakfast and lunch on Saturday; registration does not include lodging.

For more information, email Jennifer Weber at jennifer@cfaky.org.