List of organizations and programs involved in small farm work

Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops
Jana Beckman, KCSAAC coordinator, c/o HFRR,3029 Throckmorton, Manhattan, KS 66506, (785) 532-1440, e-mail: kcsaac@oznet.ksu.edu, website: www.kansassustainableag.org

Kansas Rural Center
Description: A nonprofit organization committed to promoting sustainable agriculture, rural communities, and a healthy environment.
KRC, 304 Pratt, PO Box 133, Whiting, KS 66552, (785) 873-3431 fax: (785) 873-3432, e-mail: ksrc@rainbowtel.net, website: www.kansasruralcenter.org

Funding Sources

Beginning Farmer Loan Program, Kansas Development Finance Authority
Description: Assist new and certain existing farmers and ranchers by providing access to loans with below market level interest rates. Loans may be used to purchase agricultural land, farm buildings, farm equipment, and breeding stock.
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Suite 202 555 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603, (785) 357-4445 ext. 301

Kansas Cooperative Development Center Initial Assistance Grants, Kansas State University
Description: Provides for expenses incurred in obtaining legal, accounting, consulting and other business development expenses of start-up businesses. Eligible applicants must be a group or an association of agricultural producers.
David Coltrain, Kansas Cooperative Development Center, Department of Agricultural Economics, 303 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, (785) 532-1523 fax: (785) 532-6925, e-mail: coltrain@agecon.ksu.edu, website: www.agecon.ksu.edu/accc/kcdc/

Cooperative Development Services - Kansas Agricultural Value Added Center, Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing
Description: Assists producers in forming cooperatives, alliances, and other business structures to enhance market opportunities for Kansans. Market Development Loans are available for projects that explore a market or facilitate entry into a market. Commercialization Loans are provided for projects that involve actual processing, equipment, physical structures, and gap financing.
Ray Hammarlund, KDOCH Agriculture Products Development Division, 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612-1321, (785) 296-3084, fax: (785) 296-3776, e-mail: rhammarlund@kansascommerce.com, website: kansascommerce.com

Foods and Feeds Program - Kansas Agricultural Value Added Center, Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing
Description: Assists agricultural entrepreneurs and existing companies with business planning, product development, assistance in nutritional labeling, product sourcing, technology and marketing.
Raymond A. Hammarlund, KDOCH Agricultural Development, 1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 100, Topeka, Kansas 66612-1354, (785) 296-3084, fax: (785) 296-3776, e-mail: rhammarlund@kansascommerce.com

Domestic Marketing Program, Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing
Description: Assists Kansas agriculture producers and companies in marketing their goods domestically. The program can source products, identify and facilitate research issues, and assist with marketing alternative agriculture commodities.
KDOCH Agriculture Products Development Division, 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612-1321, (785) 296-3084, fax: (785) 296-3776

International Marketing Program, Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing
Description: Provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and agribusiness companies on export processes and markets.
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612-1321, (785) 296-3174, fax: (785) 296-3776, e-mail: jdudley@kansascommerce.com, website: www.kansascommerce.com

Websites
Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops -- www.kansassustainableag.org

K-State Research and Extension -- www.oznet.ksu.edu

Kansas Rural Center -- www.kansasruralcenter.org

Kansas Department of Agriculture -- www.accesskansas.org/kda

Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing Agricultural Information and Assistance -- kdoch.state.ks.us/busdev/ag_info.jsp

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Consumer Health -- www.kdhe.state.ks.us/bch/index.html

Growing for Market -- www.growingformarket.com

AgManager - K-State Agricultural Economics Department -- www.agmanager.info

Kansas Farmers Market Site, K-State Research and Extension -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr_kfmd/

Publications
A searchable database of K-State Research and Extension publications -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/

The Kansas Sustainable Ag Center has organized publications by topic from across the region -- www.kansassustainableag.org

Kansas Family Farmer and Rancher Resources and Services Guide -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/agec2/mf2544.pdf

Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) in Manufacturing, Packing or Holding Human Foods -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/fntr2/mf2505.pdf

Food*A*Syst Production Risk Management Guide -- A Food Safety Risk Management Guide for the producer. Individual sections address beef cattle production; production of poultry and eggs; vegetables, fruits and produce; safe water management; wastewater management; managing production waste; processing, packaging and transportation of fresh foods; and the safe handling of food at open-air markets. -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/fntr2/FOODASYST/foodasys.pdf

Food Safety for Farmers' Markets -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/mf2260.pdf

Extension Publications on Meat Science, Processing Technology, and Food Safety -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/meatscience/publications.htm

Reference Guide for Kansas Food Processors - copies available from Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing -- 785-296-3737

Starting a Seasonal Open-Air Market in Kansas -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/s140.pdf

Rules and Regulations for Seasonal Open-Air Markets in Kansas -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/s140a.pdf

Newsletters
Growing For Market - Subscription newsletter for market gardeners. To subscribe, call 800-307-8949 or www.growingformarket.com

Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops Newsletter -- www.kansassustainableag.org

K-State Ag Biotech Newsletter -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/biotech/BTNewsLe.htm

K-State Animal Sciences and Industry Newsletters
Beef Tips: www.oznet.ksu.edu/ansi/nletter/beeftips.htm
Dairy Lines: www.oznet.ksu.edu/ansi/nletter/dairylin.htm
Food Safety: www.oznet.ksu.edu/ansi/nletter/foodsafe.htm
Swine Update: www.oznet.ksu.edu/ansi/nletter/swineupd.htm

K-State Crops Market Update -- www.agmanager.info/crops/marketing/outlook/agupdate/default.asp

Kansas Insect Newsletter -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/entomology/extension/KIN/KIN_current.htm

Plant Disease Alert Newsletter -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/path-ext/Alerts/IndexforAlerts.asp

Rural Papers - Newsletter of the Kansas Rural Center. To subscribe, call (785) 873-3431

Weather Summary, Growing Degree Days and more -- www.oznet.ksu.edu/wdl/kansasag.htm

Regular Events
Great Plains Vegetable Conference - January
Kansas Winter Grazing Conference - January
Mid-America Fruit Growers Conference - January
Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Roundup - February
Farmers' Market Workshops - March
Kansas State University Cattlemen's Day - March
Risk and Profit Conference - August

Other Small Farm Resources

Technical Resources:
Kansas Farmers' Market Information, K-State Research and Extension
Description: Web site with technical and regulatory information related to farmers markets. The site also lists all of the Farmers' Markets in Kansas. Website: www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr_kfmd/

From the Land of Kansas Program, Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing
Description: A trademark program that works to heighten consumer awareness and loyalty to products produced and marketed in Kansas. A Trade Show Assistance Program is available to FLOK members.
Ruth A. Smerchek, Marketing Specialist, Agricultural Development, 1000 St Jackson St, Suite 100, Topeka, Kansas 66612-1354, (785) 296-7006, fax: (785) 296-3776, e-mail: rsmerchek@kansascommerce.com, website: www.kansascommerce.com

Kansas Value-Added Foods Lab, Value-Added Support Facilities, Kansas State University
Description: The Kansas Value-Added Foods Lab includes facilities, equipment, and instruments for food product development, packaging, and physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses of foods. The lab staff answers questions concerning food processing rules and regulations and acts as a "Processing Authority"
Tom B. Lindquist, KVAFL Manager, Dept of Animal Sciences and Industry, 222 Call Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-1600, (785) 532-1667, fax: (785) 532-3295, e-mail: tlindqui@oznet.ksu.edu

Thermal Processing Lab, Value-Added Support Facilities, Kansas State University
Description: The lab offers processors an opportunity to develop new products, test thermal processes, scale up operations, and run test market batches.
Tom B. Lindquist, KVAFL Manager, Dept of Animal Sciences and Industry, 222 Call Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-1600, (785) 532-1667, fax: (785) 532-3295, e-mail: tlindqui@oznet.ksu.edu

Meat Science Support Program, Value-Added Support Facilities, Kansas State University
Description: The program provides consulting and technical services in the areas of meat and poultry product and process development; product evaluation and testing; sourcing materials, equipment and services, nutrition facts label development; and HACCP and food safety assistance.
Liz Boyle, Meat Science Support Program, Dept of Animal Sciences and Industry, 251 Weber Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-0201, (785) 532-1247, fax: (785) 532-7059, e-mail: lboyle@oznet.ksu.edu, website: www.oznet.ksu.edu/haccp

Dairy Processing Plant, Value-Added Support Facilities, Kansas State University
Description: The Dairy Processing Plant is equipped to make a variety of dairy and beverage products, including fluid milk, frozen desserts, cheeses and butter.
Karen Schmidt, Dairy Processing Plant, Dept of Animal Sciences and Industry, 138 Call Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-1600, (785) 532-5654, fax: (785) 532-5681, e-mail: kschmidt@oznet.ksu.edu

The Extrusion Center, Value-Added Support Facilities, Kansas State University
Description: The Extrusion Center researches, manufactures, and commercially tests food, feed, and industrial products. Typical product applications include the production of savory snacks, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, pet foods, and aquatic feeds.
Eric Maichel, The Extrusion Center, Dept of Grain Science and Industry, 201 Shellenberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-2201, (785) 532-4802, fax: (785) 532-4017, e-mail: emaichel@wheat.ksu.edu, website: www.ksu.edu/extrusion

The Sensory Analysis Center, Value-Added Support Facilities, Kansas State University
Description: Can assist clients with project design, testing, analysis, and interpretation. The center offers many types of sensory testing, descriptive testing and consumer testing.
Edgar Chambers, The Sensory Analysis Center, Dept of Human Nutrition, 145 Justin Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506-1407, (785) 532-0166, fax: (785) 532-0176, e-mail: ecib@humec.ksu.edu, website: www.sensoryanalysis.com

First Stop Clearinghouse Program, Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing
Description: Serves as a link between the business owner and state government by providing a central point of contact for state government requirements to streamline the registration process. The clearinghouse provides state forms, applications, and permits that relate to the licensing of new businesses and answers basic questions concerning legal structure, employment, taxes, licensing, and some federal requirements.
Janice R. Millburn, Business Development Representative, 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612-1354, (785) 296-3803, fax: (785) 296-3490, e-mail: jmillburn@kansascommerce.com

Important Agency and Organizational Contacts:

Kansas Organic Producers Marketing Cooperative
Description: A marketing cooperative producers association. Earl Wright, Marketing Coordinator, PO Box 226, Council Grove, KS 66846, (620) 767-7272, fax: (620) 767-7252, e-mail: ebwright@cgtelco.net

Kansas Organic Crop Improvement Associations
Kansas organic chapters for the certification of organic production.

Kansas Organic Crop Improvement Association #1
Jason Berning, 500 N Wichita-Scott Rd, Marienthal, KS 67863, (620) 872-3952, e-mail: bern@wbsnet.org

Eastern Kansas Organic Crop Improvement Association #2
Jackie Keller, 2222 SW Glick Road, Topeka, KS 66614, (785) 478-4078 or (785) 633-4621, e-mail: keller7@hotmail.com

Kansas Organic Crop Improvement Association #3
Bryce Stephens, (785) 678-2474, e-mail: sfarms@ruraltel.net

Live Plant Dealers License
Description: Producers selling live plants with roots must have a Live Plant Dealers License.
Plant Protection and Weed Control Program, Kansas Dept of Agriculture PO Box 19282, Topeka, KS 66619, (785) 862-2180, website: www.accesskansas.org/kda/Plantpest/index.htm

Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, Kansas Department of Agriculture
Description: Provides guidance on regulations applicable to the slaughter, processing, and sale of meat and poultry products. Producers direct marketing meat and poultry products must register with KDA and submit documentation of what slaughter/processing facility being used.
Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, 109 SW 9th, 3rd Floor, Topeka, KS 66612-1215, (785) 296-3511, fax: (785) 296-0673, website: www.accesskansas.org/kda Click on Meat and Poultry

Agriculture Commodities Assurance Program, Kansas Department of Agriculture Licenses and Registrations
Description: Licenses and registrations are maintained for individuals selling eggs; livestock remedies; and feed stuffs and pet foods. Individuals selling seed must obtain a seed dealers license from ACAP.
ACAP, Forbes Field Building 282, PO Box 19282, Topeka, KS 66619-0282, (785) 862-2415, fax: (785) 862-2460, website: www.accesskansas.org/kda Click on ACAP.

Livestock Waste Management Program, KDHE Bureau of Water
Description: Registers all sizes of dairy operations. Upon KDHE's site evaluation for significant pollution potential, livestock pollution control permits will be required for parlor water discharge.
KDHE Bureau of Water, Livestock Waste Management Program John Harsch, Chief, 1000 SW Jackson St, 4th Floor, Topeka, KS 66612, (785) 296-0075, website: www.kdhe.state.ks.us/feedlots

Dairy Inspection Program, Kansas Department of Agriculture
Description: Regulates all aspects of the Kansas dairy industry beginning with milk production and continuing through retail sale. Dairy farms, milk haulers, milk transportation tankers, dairy processing plants, restaurants selling frozen dairy desserts, and retail stores selling milk and milk products are licensed, inspected, and sampled.
George Blush, Program Manager/Dairy Commissioner, 109 SW 9th St, 3rd Floor, Topeka, KS 66612, (785) 296-3511, fax: (785) 296-0673, website: www.accesskansas.org/kda

Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Tax Operations
Description: Small farm businesses need to obtain a tax ID number and submit sales taxes.
Docking State Office Building, 915 SW Harrison St, Topeka, Kansas 66612-1585, Taxation Assistance Center - 1-877-526-7738, KDOR Tax Form Request Line - (785) 296-4937, website: www.ksrevenue.org

Kansas Insurance Department, Consumer Assistance Division
Description: Assists producers identify insurance needs and insurance companies.
420 SW 9th St, Topeka, Kansas 66612, Consumer Assistance Hotline, Topeka Office: 1-800-432-2484, 785-296-3071, Wichita Office: 1-800-860-5260, 316-337-6010, website: www.ksinsurance.org