Farm Forward Niche Ag Conference

The 2025 Northeast NC Niche Ag Conference will be held on November 14, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Currituck Cooperative Extension Center in Barco, NC. The theme for this year’s conference is “Farm Forward”.

Join us for this hands-on conference exploring the future of niche agriculture. From high tunnel production strategies and farm equipment techniques to value-added food preservation skills, this event is designed for producers looking to boost profitability, efficiency, and resilience. Connect with experts, discover practical tools, and gain inspiration to move your farm operation forward.

Three educational tracks will be shared throughout the day. The first will cover ways to enhance your farm’s profitability through value-added products. Four topics covered on this track will delve into value added processes including freeze-drying, fermenting, canning and proper labeling for retail sales.

The second educational track will focus on high tunnel production of high value specialty crops. Four topics featured will be peppers, ginger, and other specialty crops. Also, high tunnel automation and design for North Carolina climates will be featured. Along with the classroom presentations, there will be a demonstration in our high tunnel.

Small farm equipment is the focus of the third track. Plastic mulch laying, no-till drill set-up and calibration, sprayer calibration and other implements for compact tractors will be covered. This is an outdoor, hands-on track.

In addition, exhibitor booths featuring USDA, state agencies, agricultural businesses and organizations will be a part of the conference. Lunch will be provided.

Due to the hands-on nature of this event space is limited. Thirty spots are available for each of the three tracks. The three educational tracks run concurrently so you must choose ONLY one track to attend. You will select the track you would like to follow when you purchase your ticket. A promotional ticket price of $15 will be available until October 31, 2025. After that the ticket price will be $20.

For more information, questions or to request accommodations for persons with disabilities contact Cyndi Knudson via email ceknudson@ncat.edu or phone 336-908-9820 at least 10 days prior to the event.

NC Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider