2026 CultivateGrowth Conference
GreenStone's CultivateGrowth Conference is an event you won’t want to miss, packed with a wealth of learning possibilities, chances for personal and professional development, and networking opportunities.
With the input of farmers like you, this two-day event on March 12-13 has been designed to provide young, beginning, and small farmers with a platform to expand your networks and knowledge as you progress on your agricultural journey.
The topics and speakers have been hand selected to help answer your questions and provide a foundation for you to build on. Most importantly, opportunities to learn from your peers, build connections, and share your experiences are heavily integrated into the event. View the full agenda here.
Join GreenStone at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing, MI on March 12 -13 for our fourth CultivateGrowth Conference to network and learn from industry leaders covering a wide range of topics impacting you as a young, beginning, or small farmer!
Space is limited - don't wait to register! Registration will close when all spots are filled or on February 2, 2026.
Event Details:
2026 CultivateGrowth Conference
Location: Crowne Plaza - Lansing, MI
Day 1: Thursday, March 12 - 1:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Day 2: Friday, March 13 - 7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Industry leaders will cover essentials every young, beginning, or small farmer should know.
- Financial workshops - creating and understanding your financial documents
- From their experience - farmer panel
- Fraud and cybersecurity - tips to protect your identity
Keynote Speakers:
Rob Sharkey
With grit, humor, and honesty, Rob shares his personal journey from the brink of bankruptcy during the hog crash of 1998 to building a diversified, resilient path forward. He reflects on the lessons learned through hardship, the power of reinvention, and how those experiences led to the creation of the SharkFarmer Podcast, SiriusXM show, and TV series. Known for his authentic, down-to-earth interview style, Rob reminds us that everyone has a story worth telling—and sometimes the toughest chapters lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs.
About CultivateGrowth:
GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth program provides the foundation to flourish in your agricultural aspirations. Uniquely designed to support the diversity of today’s young, beginning and small farmers, the multiple aspects of this program provide funding, networking, education and financing to serve your individual needs.
- Specialized Loan Programs: CultivateGrowth provides financing in unique and individualized situations through our relaxed underwriting standards
- Resources: $40,000 in CultivateGrowth Grants are available to support continued education and personal growth.
- Networking: Our program offers new or young farmers unique learning and networking opportunities by working with an experienced farmer through the CultivateGrowth Mentorship.
For more information on CultivateGrowth, call your local branch or visit the program webpage for details!