Associate farm reporter Carli Davenport spoke with Sheri Glazier , the dietitian at the Dirt Road, about the grown event coming up this November. She emphasized why the event matters for nutrition professionals, explaining that “there’s a significant learning gap in understanding basic ag practices and principles,” and that her goal is to “slowly close that gap and create immersive and memorable opportunities” for registered dietitians and students.
This year’s event will take place in Tulsa and is designed to keep attendees out of the weather while still connecting them deeply with agriculture and food systems. Glazier explained the vision: “We’re stepping out of the elements, growing food, and giving back.” She credited the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and the Oklahoma Pork Council for making the event possible.
The day will begin at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, where attendees will learn “all things pork and pork nutrition” followed by a tour of Better Day Farms. There, participants will see a hydroponic lettuce and herb operation that supplies schools statewide. Returning to the food bank, Chef Jeremy Johnson will lead a hands-on culinary session featuring pork loin, flavor development, spice rubs, and vinaigrettes—an experience Glazier believes is impactful because “it’s also impactful when you’re able to get your hands dirty.”
A new addition this year is the “GROWN Gives Back” service project. In response to the ongoing SNAP crisis, participants will assemble holiday food boxes for families served by the food bank. Later, Elise Anderson of Topeka Coffee will guide attendees through a seed-to-cup roastery tour—one of the few fully integrated operations of its kind. Glazier noted how valuable this is for practitioners whose clients “really enjoy coffee” and how dietitians can “enhance that experience with them.”
Although tickets for 2024 are sold out, Glazier confirmed the event will return. While nothing is finalized for 2026, she aims to spotlight more outdoor produce operations and hopes to schedule it earlier in the year to take advantage of farm and orchard seasons. She encouraged those interested to learn more at dirtroaddietitian.com, where “everything about what we’re doing is through there,” including updates on future GROWN events.
