About — The Great Plains Growers Conference 2027

About the Great Plains Growers Conference

As of 2027, the Great Plains Growers Conference will have served as a premier educational and networking event for specialty crop producers across the Midwest for three decades. Since its establishment, the conference has brought together fruit, vegetable, organic, and specialty crop growers from Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and surrounding regions to share knowledge, explore emerging production practices, and strengthen connections within the agricultural community.

Hosted collaboratively by University of Missouri Extension, K-State Extension, Nebraska Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Lincoln University, the conference reflects a regional commitment to supporting growers through research-based education and industry collaboration.

Each year, the conference welcomes more than 300 growers, agricultural professionals, and industry partners for multiple days of educational programming, networking opportunities, and conversations focused on the future of specialty crop production. With educational tracks covering both conventional and organic production systems, marketing strategies, and emerging innovations, the event continues to provide a valuable forum for growers to learn, connect, and adapt in a changing agricultural landscape.

The conference also highlights the importance of producer-driven collaboration through activities such as growers association meetings and Growers’ Innovation Night, where participants share ideas, experiences, and solutions that help move the specialty crop industry forward.

In 2027, the Great Plains Growers Conference will celebrate 30 years of bringing together the region’s specialty crop community. The anniversary event will continue its tradition of providing practical education, meaningful networking, and opportunities to build relationships among growers, educators, and agricultural businesses.

See the Conference Schedule

The conference is held at the Fulkerson Conference Center at Missouri Western State University. The university is located at 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO. Located at the crossroads of Interstate 29 and MO Highway 36 and only 30 minutes from North Kansas City, St. Joseph is within easy driving distance for most attendees.

Driving directions

From the South - Kansas City

Take I-29 North
Take the US-36 East (Cameron) exit 46A
Take the first exit, which is Riverside Road
Turn left onto Riverside
At second stoplight, turn left on Mitchell Avenue
Go about 1 miles, MWSU is on your right

From the North - Maryville

Take I-29 South
Take the exit 47 MO-6 (Frederick Blvd)
Turn right onto Frederick Blvd.
Turn left on Woodbine
Turn left on Mitchell
MWSU is on your left

From the East - Cameron

Take US-36 West
Exit at Riverside Rd.
Turn right onto Riverside Rd.
At second stoplight, turn left on Mitchell Ave.
Go about 3/4 mile and turn right on SE University Dr.

From the West

Take US-36 East
Take ramp toward Belt Hwy
Turn left on US-169
Turn right on Mitchell Ave.
MWSU is on your left

About Missouri Western State University

Missouri Western State University, located on more than 700 acres in St. Joseph, Mo., serves Missouri and surrounding states. Originally founded as St. Joseph Junior College in 1915, Missouri Western was transformed into a four-year college in 1969 and became a full member of the State of Missouri system in 1977. In 2005, Missouri Western received university designation and changed its name to Missouri Western State University.

Missouri Western has been the proud home of the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp as well as the Walter Cronkite Memorial. Come explore some of the major events of the 20th century through the eyes of this iconic journalist. The Memorial is free of charge and is conveniently located in the same area as the conference. GPGC attendees are free to visit it between sessions.

About St. Joseph

During your stay in St. Joseph, be sure to consider visiting one of the city's 13 distinctive area museums. Drive around and take in some of St. Joseph's amazing architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city is home to over 225 shops, ranging from large department stores to hidden antique shops and over 150 restaurants within a 10-mile radius. Whatever you like to do in your off-time, St. Joseph provides many options for entertainment while you visit. For additional information, visit www.stjomo.com