We’re still beaming after the 2026 Care Farming Network National Conference (February 9-11, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, MD). Check out this recap video for a taste of the laughter, learning, and connection enjoyed by attendees.
Presentation Slides + Recordings
We’re grateful to the dozens of care farmers, researchers, and advocates who shared their knowledge throughout the conference. Check out the full program here.
Breakout session slides are available on the following Resource Library pages:
- Care Farm Models for People with Dementia, People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and People in Recovery
- How Mental Health Professionals Practice Therapy on the Farm
- Rooted in Innovation: How Shared Language Strengthens the Care Farming Movement
- Workflow Strategies for Thriving Care Farms and Growers
- Therapeutic Horticulture: Building Inclusive Programs that Heal and Connect
- Getting Started in Care Farming: Lessons From the Field
- Care Farming Research in Action
- Navigating Growth On a Care Farm: Lessons Learned From Two Farm Managers
- International Care Farming Panel: Models and Partnerships Across the Pond
- Setting & Tracking Goals with Care Farm Participants
- From Farm to Body Care: Building a Social Enterprise for and by Formerly Incarcerated People
- The Heart of the Work: Storytelling for Connection and Impact
Video Recordings
CFN will offer two additional encore webinars this spring, available to both conference attendees and those who missed the event! Click here to register for From Seed to Submission: A Practical Grant Writing Workshop for Care Farmers (April 2nd, 3:00 PM Eastern).
Stay tuned for details on our third encore webinar.
Other Program Highlights
Though ice and cold prevented us from touring Red Wiggler Care Farm–this year’s host farm and CFN’s organizational home–the team pivoted to provide an informative indoor “tour” at the conference venue. Attendees learned from Growers and other Red Wiggler staff about programming, tools and farm implements, the history and origin story of Red Wiggler, budgeting and staffing, Red Wiggler’s public/private partnership model, and more.
Red Wiggler’s Executive Director Kara McCall and Grower Charley Schwartz welcomed attendees at a Monday night reception, with a special appearance by U.S. Congresswoman April McLain Delaney.
A Tuesday morning Kickoff led by CFN Co-Director Kate Mudge spotlighted the diversity in the care farming movement–and in the room. CFN Mentorship Program mentor Shawn Robinson (ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm) and mentee Jennifer Zeitler (Open Farms) shared their experience with the program, underscoring its importance in connecting beginning care farmers with resources and community. Rebecca Calisi-Rodriguez (Green Care Lab) explored why research matters now for care farming in the U.S., and how evidence opens doors to funding, policy, and broader recognition. As care farm leaders with lived experience, Joe Ricker (At Ease Orchard) and Shawn Hayden (GAAMHA) shared why care farming works for veterans and people in recovery, respectively.
Tuesday’s Lived Experience Panel Discussion was a conference highlight for many attendees. Luke Horochowski (Lynchburg Grows), Joel Nestor (Community Homestead), Enrique Blanco and Clare Carrillo (both from Red Wiggler Care Farm) shared what drew them to care farming, what part of the job they’re most proud of and what’s most challenging, what they’ve learned on the farm, and their goals for the future.
Conference attendees came out in spades for the first-ever Care Farmer Fashion Show! Care farmers showed off their favorite flannel, overalls, hats, footwear, “most well-loved” farmwear, and miscellaneous flair. Congratulations to Hillary Schauls of Community Homestead, winner of the People’s Choice Award!
The Care Farming Network National Conference is truly a community-driven event. Our small team couldn’t coordinate this gathering without the support of sponsors, volunteers, session moderators, and exhibitors. Please visit the 2026 Conference page for a list of 2026 sponsors and to learn how you can support future events.
