Over 600 Attend Local Agricultural Summit
The 2025 Oklahoma Local Agriculture Summit (OKLAS), hosted by the ONIE Project in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry, was a resounding success, bringing together over 600 agricultural entrepreneurs, agritourism producers, farmers market managers, and support organizations. The three-day event, held in Edmond, Oklahoma, provided a platform for networking, education, and collaboration on sustainable production, market management, funding opportunities, and hands-on agricultural demonstrations.
Key Highlights of the Summit
The main Summit Day, held on Thursday, January 30, attracted nearly 600 attendees. Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell opened the event, addressing the state of Oklahoma’s local agriculture and his personal commitment to the industry. Attendees engaged with more than 30 agricultural exhibitors while enjoying breakfast and networking. The day featured 25 expert-led sessions tailored for Producers, Market Managers, Agritourism professionals, and Support Organizations. A new addition this year was a second session room for producers, expanding learning opportunities.
Keynote speaker Jill Ragan of Whispering Willow Farm delivered an inspiring speech on the challenges and triumphs of farming. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet her and purchase signed copies of her book.
The day concluded with the 2025 Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative Awards, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations within the local agriculture community:
Inspiring Agritourism Award:
Chester Hocker, Chester’s Party Barn
Outstanding Support Organization:
Jenna Moore, OKC Food Hub
Inspiring Farmers Market Manager:
Emily Harmon, Edmond Farmers Market
Inspiring Beginning Producer:
Katelyn John, 4J Meats
Inspiring Producer:
Kevin Marshall, Indigo Acres
Oklahoma Local Agriculture Advocate:
Jona Kay Squires, Mid-America Tech Center
Key Collaborator of 2025:
Josh Campbell, OSU Extension
Advisory Board Member of 2025:
Katie Plohocky, RG Foods
Partner of the Year:
Justin Whitmore, Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Pre-Summit Workshops and Farm-to-Table Dinner
The Summit kicked off on Wednesday, January 29, with OKLAS Workshops, drawing over 300 participants. The three workshop tracks—Marketing, Business, and Production—offered sessions led by industry experts. Highlights included Langston University’s producer sessions on seed germination, high tunnel growing, and beekeeping, as well as business planning consultations and beginner marketing strategies. The day concluded with a farm-to-table dinner at the historic Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market, featuring locally sourced dishes by farm-to-table chef Carolyn Piguet and a curated local wine menu.
Farm and Agritourism Tours Cap Off the Summit
On the final day, January 31, attendees had the opportunity to participate in guided farm and agritourism tours across Central Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Local Ag Collaborative (OLAC) led a farm tour focusing on innovative agricultural practices, visiting Ruzycki Farms, Indigo Acres, and Phocas Farms. Simultaneously, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture’s agritourism coordinators led visits to four agritourism destinations: Ralph’s Ranch, Cross Timbers Christmas Tree & Pumpkin Patch, Valley View Pecan Company, and Sunshine Shelly’s Pumpkin Patch.
Looking Ahead
With valuable feedback collected from attendees, the ONIE Project and its partners are already planning the 2026 Summit. The team is eager to explore new partnerships and enhancements to better serve Oklahoma’s agricultural community. Those interested in collaborating on future OKLAS events are encouraged to submit a request via the Outreach Form.
