SOWTH 2025: Connecting the Region for Bolder Collective Impact
Join us for the inaugural SOWTH: A Regional Small Farms, Big Community Conference, a three-day gathering of over 1,000 farmers and leaders committed to sowing a strong sustainable agricultural movement across the South.
Location
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Dates
Key Features
- Regional networking with attendees and leaders from 13 Southern states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- A distinguished keynote and panelists
- Over 100 sessions on a range of practical and innovative topics
- Peer-led workshops and farm tours
- A robust expo
Conference Themes and Topics
- Connecting the Region for Bolder Collective Impact
- Climate Resilience and Reparative Ag
- Practical Tools in Livestock and Growing
- Technology and Innovation in Practice
- Advocacy
- Anti-Racism and Equity
- Community Food Solutions
- Procurement
- Management and Marketing for Farms and Agribusinesses
Keynote Speaker and Panelists
"Farmer Cee" Stanley
Keynote Speaker
Sue Beckwith
Panelist
Tomika Bell
Panelist
Diana Garcia-Padilla
Panelist
Mrs. Shirley Sherrod
Panelist
Leni Sorensen
Panelist
Ashley Smith
Panelist
Ira Wallace
Panelist
Farm Tours
Learn about cooperative farm ownership, scaling your farm for wholesaling, and best practices for food-safety and post-harvest processes.
Fort Valley State University
Learn about perennial fruit production, livestock production, and GAP certification.
Patchwork City Farms
Learn about maximizing production in a small farm space, growing creatively to increase output, and Certified Naturally Grown production practices.
Snapfinger Farm
Learn about scaling up your farm production, wholesale production, and conducting a crop cost analysis.
Global Growers Network
Learn about cooperative infrastructure, models for equipment sharing and co-farming, and accessing land and capital.
Grow Where You Are
Learn about land use agreements, transitioning from urban grower to rural farmer, labor management, and content creation for marketing.
Rodgers Greens and Roots
Learn about pasture-raised hogs, incorporating a full-farm fertility cycle, and transitioning from vegetable to hog production.
Decimal Place Farm
Learn about goat cheese production, dairy goat and pasture management, and rotational grazing practices.
High Hog Farm
Learn about cultivating fibers and natural dyes, heritage breeds of livestock, and making value-added products.
Chattahoochee Queen / Floribunda Flower Farm
Learn about flower production practices, soil fertility, selecting flower cultivars suited for the Southeast, and working with beneficial insects.
Schedule At-A-Glance
Day 1:
Tuesday, February 4
9:00 AM: Exhibitor Load-In at Georgia World Congress Center
9:00 AM: Farm Tours begin
12:30 PM: Lunch Break
2:30 PM: Workshops (Various Locations)
5:30 PM: Workshops Conclude
Day 2:
Wednesday, February 5
07:00 AM: Breakfast / Registration Opens
08:00 AM: Expo Hall Opens
08:30 AM: Welcome Address
09:00 AM: Conference Sessions
12:00 PM: Lunch + Plenary
02:15 PM: Conference Sessions
05:00 PM: Sessions Conclude/Expo Hall Closes
Day 3:
Thursday, February 6
07:00 AM: Breakfast / Registration Opens
08:00 AM: Expo Hall Opens
08:30 AM: Morning Plenary
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Conference Sessions
11:15 AM: Lunch + Plenary Sessions
01:00 PM: Conference Sessions
05:00 PM: Sessions Conclude / Expo and Conference Hall Close
Evening Break
06:30 PM: SOWTH Closing Dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the conference, registration, and more.
What are the dates of SOWTH 2025?
SOWTH 2025 will be held from February 4-6, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Where will the activities take place?
Farm tours and workshops on Tuesday, February 4, will be held at a variety of locations. Transportation to and from off-site locations will be provided for all registered attendees. All Conference sessions, meals, plenaries, and activities on Wednesday and Thursday, February 4 – 6, will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center.
How do I register for the conference?
Register online at www.sowth.org/join-us. Early bird discounts are available until December 7, 2024.
Can I register on-site?
While on-site registration will be available if capacity allows, we highly recommend registering in advance. Register online at www.sowth.org/join-us.
Are there scholarships available?
Scholarship applications are open until Wednesday, November 13 11:59pm EST. Scholarship award notification will be made November 26 – 27. For more information, visit www.sowth.org/join-us.
How can I volunteer for the conference?
We welcome SOWTH volunteers to help make the conference a success. Please visit www.sowth.org/join-us to learn more about how you can get involved!
Can I present at the conference?
All sessions and speakers at SOWTH were selected through an open Call for Session Proposals which were reviewed by Subcommittees made up of Regional Steering Committee members, community representatives, and Georgia Organics staff. We are no longer accepting proposals for speakers or presenters. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on opportunities that may emerge beyond SOWTH 2025.
Can my business or organization sponsor or exhibit at the conference?
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor, please visit our Sponsors & Exhibitors page to learn about the different sponsorship levels and benefits.
Will the conference sessions be recorded?
While we may record a few sessions and selected workshops, we currently do not have any plans to make these available to the public.
What should I bring to SOWTH?
We recommend bringing a notebook and pens, and any materials you may have for networking (business cards are welcome but not required). You are welcome to bring an iPad or laptop. Wifi is available. Comfortable clothing and shoes are also advisable, as there will be walking between sessions and events. If you plan to attend any Tuesday activities (farm tours, food tours, or workshops), please note any additional recommendations on what to bring or wear specific to your selected activities.
Is SOWTH a recurring conference?
The ultimate vision is for SOWTH: A Regional Small Farms, Big Community Conference is for it to rotate among different host organizations and sites throughout the region in the years ahead. Sign up to receive SOWTH emails and follow us on social media to stay up to date.
Photo Credits: Jason Pitre, Bayou Rosa Oysters, Member of the United Houma Nation, Leeville, LA. Photo by Anthony Pavkovich with Intertribal Agriculture Council. Sejah Farm Farmers Market, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Photo by DaraMonifah® Cooper, Southern SARE. Photo courtesy of Farmer Cee Stanley. Photo courtesy of Sue Beckwith. Photo courtesy of Tomika Bell. Photo courtesy of Diana Padilla. Photo courtesy of The Sherrod Institute. Photo courtesy of Indigo Road. Photo courtesy of Black Soil KY. Photo courtesy of Ira Wallace. Photo courtesy of Love is Love Cooperative Farm. Photo courtesy of High Hog Farm.