The annual Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference will take place August 4 and 5 at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center, in San Marcos. The two-day event is presented by the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA), Texas State University’s Small Producers Initiative and the Council for Healthy Food Systems.

Now in its 7th year, the conference is the largest gathering of independent farmers, ranchers and food advocates in Texas, offering more than 50 sessions across six educational tracks, including sustainable farming, regenerative grazing, value-added products, homesteading, and marketing for small producers.

Pre-conference workshops will be held August 2 and 3, including hands-on intensives, seed saving, grazing school tours and farm-based trainings designed for all experience levels. In addition to the educational programming, attendees can explore an exhibitor marketplace, enjoy social gatherings and networking events, and participate in community-building activities like a seed swap and veteran farmer meetups.

FARFA’s mission is to support independent family farmers and protect local food systems through education and advocacy. This annual conference brings together those who are shaping the future of food, from beginning farmers and homesteaders to educators, entrepreneurs and policy advocates.

For more information, registration or scholarship details, visit FarmAndRanchFreedom.org/conference.