e4 Langston’sConferenceonFoodandAgricultureincluding Emerging Technologies. The conference theme is “Stronger Together: Enhancing Agriculture, Food, Fiber & Agribusiness. Information shared throughouttheconferencerevolvesaroundfourtracks:(1)AgribusinessManagement& Entrepreneurship; (2) Livestock Production Management; (3) Agriculture Leadership, Policy,andYouth&CommunityEngagement;(4)CropProduction&FoodSystems Innovation,includingHumanNutrition
The 2026 conference marks the fourth year of our successful transition from the traditionalseparategoatfielddayandsmallfarmersconferencetothecombinedFoodand AgricultureconferenceheldontheLangstonUniversitycampus.Thischangehasbeen successfulasitbringsstakeholdersfromallbackgroundstogethertoacquirenew,reliable knowledgeandinteractastheyshareuniqueexperiences TheOutreach,Extension,and research activities of the conference are geared toward supporting producers, small businesses, consumers, youth, and community development. As in prior years, the conferencewasplannedspecificallyforourstakeholders.Wecherishyourpresenceand participationinthisyear'sforum.
ItiswidelyrecognizedthatthefoodandagriculturesectorsintheUnitedStatesprovide sustenanceforitscitizensandsignificantlycontributetothegrowthandprosperityoflocal economies Thesesectorsfosterinnovation,economicopportunities,andpromotehealthy lifestylesbothwithinthecountryandglobally LangstonUniversityisacutelyawareof thesecriticalissuesandisdedicatedtoaddressingthem,aswellasthevariedneedsofall communities. I am confident that your attendance at this event will equip you with valuableinsightsthatwillenhanceproductionsystems,expandeconomicopportunities, andestablisharobustcommunicationchannelforseekingsupportwhennecessary
IsincerelythankallSL/SAASteammembersforthethoroughprogramplanningthat facilitated anothersuccessful conference Your continued commitment to conducting researchandtransformingitintoeffectiveExtensionandeducationalmaterialstoshare withandforsupportingstakeholdersishighlycherished.Keepuptheexcellentwork!
Once again, thank you for your participation in the 2026 Langston’s Conference on Food & Agriculture.PleasedonothesitatetoinformusofhowLangstonUniversitycanassistyouandyour communitiesinthepresentandfutureWearededicatedtoservingyouandyourcommunities
T. W. Shannon serves as a public affairs and government relations professional and is a former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Mr. Shannon represented District 62 from 2007 to 2015 and made history in 2013 as the first African American Speaker of the Oklahoma House. He has held various leadership roles during his legislative career and earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Cameron University and a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law.
Campus Map
Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences
Whova
Event Code
LUAGin2026
Langston University is dedicated to equality of opportunity within its community Accordingly, Langston University does not practice or condone discrimination in any form, against color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, or status as a veteran The University commits itself to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of those characteristics Langston University supports the protections available to members of its community under all applicable Federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, the Equal Pay and Age Discrimination Acts, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Contact us for reasonable accommodation requests at least 7days before the event English is the official language of the United States
AGENDA
E.L. Holloway Building
8:00 AM-8:45 AM 8:50 AM-8:55 AM
Allied Health Auditorium Room 105
Plenary Session May 1st
Moderator: Dr Rashell Campbell-Daughty
“Welcome” : Dr. Rashell Campbell-Daughty
“Remarks”: Dr. Wesley Whittaker
Overview of SL/SAAS Cooperative Extension & Outreach Programs Dr. Roger Merkel
Introduction of speaker : Mrs. Shalonda Guy-Kangah
Keynote Speaker
Mr. T.W. Shannon 9:00 AM-10:15 AM
Plenary Session: USDA Panel
Ms Janlyn Elwood, Executive Officer, Farm Service Agency
Ms. Jeanne Jasper, State Conservationist, USDA NRCS
Mr Jemall Pittman, Supervisory Program Specialist, UDSA/FNS/ Retailer Operation and Compliance
Mr LaGrand Elliott, Ag Ed Consulting, LLC
Breakfast & Registration Conference Shuttle to Allied Health Center 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Plenary Session: Break 10:20 AM-11:05 AM 11:05 AM-11:20 AM
Atrium areas of Extension and Research
E.L. Holloway Building
Ms. LaDonna Smith, Senior Program Specialist, USDA, Food and Nutrition Service 11:20 AM-12:10 PM
Bee Smart: A Journey into Bee Keeping Hoop Houses for Beginners 1:00 PM-3:30 PM
Smart Farming with Aquaponics as a Sustainable Solution for Producers - 1:30 PM-2:20 PM “Remarks” by Langston University Administrationby Mr Hank Baker by Dr. Leonard Kibet, Dr Devi Kandel by Dr. Kamal Gosh
AGENDA
Ms Natalie Paige
AGENDA
E.L. Holloway Building
Breakfast & Registration
Conference Shuttle to Allied Health Center
8:00 AM-8:45 AM 8:50 AM-8:55 AM
Allied Health Auditorium Room 105
Plenary Session
Moderator: Dr. Emisha Maytubby
“Welcome” : Mr. James Arati, Program Leader Community Resource Development Langston University Cooperative Extension and Outreach Programs
Overview of SL/SAAS Research Programs : Dr Zaisen Wang (AIGR Director)
May 2nd
Overview of the Agribusiness Center: Dr. Nirodha De Silva 9:00 AM-9:45 AM
Panel on Precision Agriculture and AI applied to Agriculture
Dr. Mohamed Naouri, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT
Remarks by Invited GuestsBreak/Meal 9:50 AM-10:50 AM
Dr. Isabella Condotta, University of Illinois-Urban-ChampaignDr. Angela Green-Miller, University of IllinoisDr. Ning Wang, Oklahoma State University10:50 AM-11:00 AM 11:05 AM-12:00 PM
Dr. Leonard C. Kibet, Director of Crops & Natural Resources
Dr. Tiffany Williams, Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader
Dr Rashell Campbell-Daughty, Youth Development & Urban Engagement Program Leader
LUCEOP Program Leader’s Panel, Langston University Mr. James Arati, Extension Program Leader
Ms. Dorothy Wilson, Director of 4H & Program Leader
Suzette Chang
By Mr Dawit Woldemarim
AGENDA
by Dr Carlos Alvarado
by Mr David Stephens
Shannon Briggs
Friday May 1st $10.00
Bee Smart:
A Journey into BeeKeeping
This educational class is designed for budding enthusiasts and curious minds alike, covering everything from the basics of beekeeping to the critical role bees play in our ecosystem. Dive into the art of hive management, honey harvesting, and pollinator care while gaining hands-on experience and knowledge.
Honeybee Extension Educator, Langston University creatures, this course will inspire you to become a smarter steward of nature.
Whether you're looking to start your own colony or learn about these incredible
Goat Soap Making
Discover the art and science of crafting high-quality goat milk soap in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn the fundamentals of soap making, including ingredient selection, safety procedures, and the benefits of using goat milk for skin health. The session will cover the coldprocess method, proper mixing techniques, and how to incorporate natural additives such as herbs, essential oils, and exfoliants.
Attendees will gain practical experience in creating their own batch of soap while learning about curing, storage, and labeling considerations. This workshop is ideal for beginners, small-scale producers, and anyone interested in valueadded agricultural products and natural skincare.
Participants will leave with their own handmade soap and the knowledge needed to continue soap making at home or for small business development
Ms.NataliePaige
The Bearded Doe and Company
LACTIC & SEMI HARD GOAT
CHEESE
Participants will explore the art and science of crafting soft lactic and semi-hard goat cheeses from scratch. This session will guide you through key cheesemaking techniques specific to these styles, including milk preparation, curd formation, draining, pressing, and early aging, while highlighting how each step influences texture and flavor.
Saturday May 2nd $20.00 Instructor
Through hands-on activities, you will develop practical skills and gain the confidence to create your own highquality cheeses at home. For small-scale farmers, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to diversify product offerings. Producing soft lactic and semi-hard cheeses from goat milk can help you stand out in the marketplace while meeting the growing demand for distinctive, nutritious, and healthconscious dairy products.
Goat Soap Making for Youth
Participants will take part in Goat Soap Making for Youth, a fun, hands-on activity designed specifically for young learners. This workshop introduces the basics of creating natural soap using goat milk in a safe, engaging environment, while teaching simple techniques and encouraging creativity. Designed for youth, this session promotes interactive learning, builds practical skills, and helps participants discover the value of turning agricultural products into unique, everyday items.
Saturday May 2nd $25.00
Krystle Robinson-Hershey Sage & Elm Apothecary, CEO
Saturday
May 2nd
Food preservation workshop
Participants will explore the fundamentals of safe food preservation in this hands-on workshop focused on water bath canning and jelly making. This session covers essential techniques including proper sterilization, ingredient preparation, cooking, and sealing methods to produce high-quality, shelf-stable products.
Dr. Tiffany Williasm, Langston University, Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader
Mrs. Keisha ScottFamily and Consumer Sciences Educator , Langston University
Designed for those interested in home food preservation, this workshop builds practical skills and confidence through guided, step-by-step instruction. Space is limited to 8 participants to ensure an interactive and personalized learning experience.
TheASMprogrampreparesstudentsforabroadcross-sectionofprofessional fields including animal physiology, animal reproduction and improvement, food technology, meat product evaluation and quality control, animal nutrition, ruminant production, livestock production, and other animal sciences-related fields. Students are also prepared for admission to veterinary andgraduateschools.
BSINPLANTSCIENCEANDNATURALRESOURCE(PSNR)
The PSNR is a multidisciplinary program that prepares students in broad professional fields that include the environment and natural resources conservation and management; precision agriculture; crop improvement and biotechnology; crop physiology and nutrition; crop health, production, and consultancy; fruit and vegetable production; controlled and open environment culture; nursery and genetic stocks management; forestry; extension; and other related conservation, soil and plant science fields. Graduates are also prepared to pursueadvanceddegreesinagriculturalfields.
BSINAGRIBUSINESSANDAPPLIEDECONOMICS(AAE)
The AAE program integrates both business and economics disciplines and covers the management, financial, and marketing aspects of the food and fiber industry. This includes the production, processing,anddistributionofagriculturalandrelatedproducts.Itequipsstudentswithbusinessand analytical skills to solve problems in agriculture, related businesses, communities, and the broader economy
DEPARTMENTOFFAMILYANDCONSUMERSCIENCES
The Early Childhood Program promotes the idea that children learn best by doing, by becoming activelyinvolved,andbyparticipatingfullywiththeirminds,bodies,andemotions.Theprograms focus on the Social, Emotional, Cognitive, and Physical development of children and include the followingPrograms:
BSinChildDevelopment
BSinEarlyChildhoodEducation
MASTEROFSCIENCE
ProgramOverview
SUSTAINABLEAGRICULTURE&FOODSECURITY(MS-SAFS)
The SL/SAAS Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (MSSAFS)isdesignedtopreparegraduatesforCareersinacademia,governmentagencies, non-governmentalorganizations,commercial&enterprises,andprivatecompanies.The program's vision is to serve as a prominent hub for bold and transformational leaders andeducatorstopromoteintegrated food,agriculturepolicy,andsustainability.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the United States Department ofAgriculture, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) for their investment in advancing research, education, and Extension efforts. This funding enables us to deliver impactful programs, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities in agriculture, food systems, and applied sciences. We sincerely appreciate their continued commitment toinnovation,collaboration,andtheland-grantmission.
