Alternative Cropping Symposium | 02.19.26

Seventh Annual Palouse Alternative Cropping Symposium

Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Palouse Empire Fairgrounds, outside Colfax, WA

$10 registration fee (lunch provided)

The Annual Palouse Alternative Cropping Symposium brings together farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals for a day of learning, discussion, and community. Building on the success of previous symposia, this event explores cover cropping, intercropping, integrating livestock, and emerging research and technologies. This year, the focus is on capturing market value from regenerative agriculture and alternative crops, including opportunities for direct marketing, helping producers translate innovative practices into economic benefits.

Registration is available through February 15th.

Registration for this event has closed. If you were hoping to join us and did not register by the deadline, please reach out to ElizabethS@PalouseCD.org. Thank you!

The program will feature short presentations from area growers, sharing practical experiences and lessons learned, alongside networking breaks that encourage informal dialogue and connection with the broader farming community. Whether you're experimenting with new cropping systems or looking to strengthen the economic viability of your farm, this symposium provides valuable insights and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

8:00 AM Coffee & Mingle

8:30 AM Welcome

Jennifer Boie | Palouse Conservation District

8:35 AM Sunflowers in the Inland PNW

Brent Uhlorn | Uhlorn Family Farms, Cottonwood, ID

9:10 AM Organic Dryland Grain Production and Markets

Craig Kincaid | Kincaid Partners, Pullman, WA

9:45 AM Break

10:00 AM Ryzosphere Initiative

Joni Kindwall-Moore | The Ryzosphere

10:30 AM DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) Marketing

James Wahl | FarmToYou

11:00 AM Q&A: Joni and James

11:15 AM Break

11:30 AM A Community-Based Research Approach to Herbicide Resistance

Management

Nicolas Bergmann | WSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

12:00 PM Lunch

12:45 PM Growing the Past for the Future: Heritage Grains, Regenerative Lessons, and

Resilient Local Food Systems

Karl Scheuerman | Palouse Heritage Mercantile

1:20 PM Panel: Marketing and Opportunities in Alternative Crops

Gavin Doree | Rainier Seeds

James Wahl | FarmToYou

Joni Kindwall-Moore | The Ryzosphere

Kyle Hinrichs | Columbia Grain International

2:00 PM Closing Remarks

Questions? Contact Andrew at AndrewW@PalouseCD.org or (509) 553-1850.