Associate Farm Reporter Carli Davenport recently spoke with Kristine Nichols, coordinator of the Southern Oklahoma Urban and Small Farm Hub at Murray State College, to discuss a new effort aimed at supporting producers and local agriculture in the region. Nichols said the Ag hub was created through collaboration between multiple partners to strengthen agricultural opportunities in southern Oklahoma. “The Southern Oklahoma Urban and Small Farm Hub was created with a partnership — the Conservation Commission, the Chickasaw Nation and Murray State got together and collaborated to create the small farm hub,” Nichols said.
Nichols explained the goal of the partnership is to build awareness and expand opportunities for local producers. She said the hub is focused on strengthening the local food system while also encouraging sustainable practices. “They got together to collaborate to increase awareness for local agriculture, specifically local food, and to increase the supply of that, and also to promote regenerative, sustainable agriculture,” Nichols said.
One of the hub’s upcoming initiatives is a resource fair called Funding the Farm, scheduled for March 26. Nichols said the event will give producers direct access to funding resources and program specialists. “It’s an open house style resource fair where you can come and go between 1pm and 4pm, and there will be program specialists from all different organizations… that have the resources that you need to fund your farm,” Nichols said.
During the event, attendees will also have the chance to learn more about federal programs through presentations from agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency. Nichols noted that some producers may already qualify for programs without realizing it. “You may even already be doing some of the things that they’re looking for, and if you miss out on applying for their programs, you’re just leaving money on the table,” Nichols said.
Nichols emphasized that the event is open to everyone, not just small or urban producers, and will also include resources for rural and community development. Those interested can register by emailing Nichols, signing up online, or simply attending the event. “It’s open to everybody… it doesn’t matter the size of your farm or where your operation is located,” Nichols said. “Any way that you’d like to let us know you’re coming would be great — Nichols can be contacted via email at knichols@mscok.edu or by phone at 580-319-0353.
