KANSAS STATE FAIR

We’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new promotional materials designed to showcase the vibrant agritourism opportunities across Kansas at the State Fair! We have created recipe cards that highlight all agritourism locations in Kansas on one side and delicious recipes using Kansas specialty crops on the other. Be sure to stop by our booth and say hi—we’d love to chat and give you a copy!

READY, SET, GROW!

Pumpkin season is almost here in Kansas and that means it's time to update our pumpkin patch page. We try to provide visitors with the most up-to-date information about where to visit pumpkin patches in Kansas! Be sure to check out our list and make sure you are on it if you have a pumpkin patch! If you have recently added pumpkins to your operation shoot me an email at kelsey.wendling@ks.gov and we will make sure to get you added!

ATTRACTION DEVELOPMENT GRANT

The Attraction Development Grant is now open for applications! This grant offers a unique opportunity for communities, organizations, and businesses across Kansas to receive funding to enhance and develop tourism attractions. Whether you're planning to expand an existing site or create a new destination, this grant can help turn your vision into a reality. 

Don’t miss out on this chance to make your project a part of Kansas’ thriving tourism landscape. Applications are open now through October 1, so be sure to submit yours soon! For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Kansas Tourism Office website.

Are you looking for ways to improve your marketing or small agritourism business but aren't sure how?

We are excited to invite you to participate in the K-State Global Food Systems Seed Grant project, which provides financial support for agritourism operators in Kansas to engage in three different learning opportunities to help you achieve just that!

• Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement Insight Summit (digital marketing online course)
• College of Business Administration microcredentials (business planning and strategic innovation)
• KSU Wildcat Consulting (business development plans). 

To indicate your interest in a learning opportunity and engaging in the research, please click the button below!

For questions, contact either kelsey.wendling@ks.gov or nlhill@ksu.edu

WMF CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Do you have skills or educational topics to share with farm and ranch women? The Women Managing the Farm Conference, held February 13-14, 2025, in Manhattan, KS, is accepting voluntary breakout session proposals through October 1, 2024. This conference, with an average attendance of 250 women, offers an empowering environment for female farm operators, partners, and landowners. Proposals should cover topics like financial, human/personal, legal, price/marketing, production, community advocacy or development, retail agriculture, social media, agritourism and others. Submissions must include presenter details, session description, target audience, learning objectives, and hands-on application. Accepted presenters will receive complimentary registration. Notifications will be announced this fall.

The USDA, through the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, has announced the Business Builder Grant, offering $5,000 to $50,000 in funding to support local and regional food enterprises across the supply chain in the Heartland Region, including Kansas. This grant aims to promote business expansion, job creation, capacity building, and the availability of local products in the market. Funds can be used for consultants, staffing, supplies, equipment, and more. The application deadline is October 15, 2024, with awards announced in early 2025.

 NEW MEMBERS!

• The Light Center 
• Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center