Join the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program and Northern Grain Growers Collaborative (NGGC) for the 2026 Grain Growers Conference on March 18 at the Essex Resort & Spa.

The annual conference is part of a two-decade-long effort by the NGGC and Extension to boost infrastructure and research-based information on growing local grains.

This year, growers, millers and bakers will present at the conference on topics like:

  • Small-scale grain production on vegetable farms
  • Starting a direct market grain enterprise
  • Bread flavor
  • Flour and dough quality

There will be baking sessions, research updates and networking opportunities. And, back by popular demand following the debut at the 2025 Grain Growers Conference, bakers can showcase their best bread and baked goods.

View the conference flyer and agenda here.

Six round loaves of baked bread.
The Bakers Showcase is back at the Grain Growers Conference this year, by popular demand. Photo by NWCS.

2026 Grain Growers Conference Details:

WHEN: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 

TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a networking social hour from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

WHERE: The Essex Resort & Spa, 70 Essex Way, Essex, VT 05452 

COST: $85 per participant, $60 per NGGC member, $50 per student

REGISTRATION: Register online today or call UVM Non-Credit Registration Office at 802-656-8407 to register by phone. 

If you are a baker and want to showcase a product in the second annual Bakers Showcase, please contact Carrie Brisson at carrie.brisson@kingarthurbaking.com. The Bakers Showcase will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

ACCOMMODATIONS: If you require an accommodation related to a disability, please contact UVM Student Accessibility Services at access@uvm.edu or 802-656-7753 as soon as possible.

SPONSORSHIP: There will be no exhibitor tables available due to meeting location space, but there are opportunities for sponsorship. View the 2026 sponsor form here. Sponsors register online here.