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Kansas Farmers Grow Local Food Movement with Harvest Hubs
Community-based operations connect producers, processors, and distributors of local food products
Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:07am
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Across Kansas, a network of 'harvest hubs' is taking root, bringing together local farmers, food producers, and distributors to grow the state's local food economy. Hubs in Sumner, Sedgwick, and Rice counties are thriving, while a successful model in McCune is inspiring other rural areas to follow suit.
Why it matters
These harvest hubs are helping small and mid-size farmers like the Elams expand their product lines and distribution, while also making locally-grown and produced foods more accessible to Kansas communities. The hubs are strengthening regional food systems and economies, especially in more sparsely populated areas of the state.
The details
The Elams, who run a lavender farm near Winfield, have been able to increase their product offerings and get their name out there thanks to the nearby Border Queen Harvest Hub, a commercial kitchen facility. Other recently launched hubs in Sumner, Sedgwick, and Rice counties are also thriving, while the food network in McCune, about 150 miles east of Wichita, is being touted as a model for other rural areas of Kansas to emulate.
- The Elams have been growing lavender and operating their farm near Winfield for several years.
- The Border Queen Harvest Hub in Caldwell recently launched to support local food producers like the Elams.
- New harvest hubs have also recently opened in Sumner, Sedgwick, and Rice counties across Kansas.
The players
Rick and Ingrid Elam
Owners of a lavender farm near Winfield, Kansas that produces 32 different products.
Border Queen Harvest Hub
A commercial kitchen facility in Caldwell, Kansas that supports local food producers by providing processing and distribution services.
McCune Food Network
A thriving local food system in the rural town of McCune, Kansas that is being held up as a model for other sparsely populated areas of the state.
What they’re saying
“It's pretty amazing to watch all the bees and the moths and the butterflies and all the pollinators in there. A lot of people just take pictures of them as they go.”
— Rick Elam, Lavender Farmer (Rural Messenger)
“The hub 'helped quite a bit in getting our name out there. Now it's up to us to fine-tune the products that we have and get those in the hands of the people that want them.'”
— Rick Elam, Lavender Farmer (Rural Messenger)
What’s next
The harvest hubs are expected to continue expanding across Kansas, providing more opportunities for small and mid-size farmers to grow their businesses and get their products to local and regional consumers.
The takeaway
The rise of harvest hubs in Kansas is strengthening regional food systems, boosting rural economies, and making it easier for consumers to access locally-grown and produced foods. These community-based operations are proving to be a successful model for supporting small and mid-size farmers, especially in more sparsely populated areas of the state.
