Kneading Conference 2025

Embark on an excursion with MGA's esteemed Director of Rare & Heritage Seed Restoration. Delve into the heart of East Madison as we explore exemplary organic grain restoration endeavors and engage in insightful discussions with industry leaders at the forefront of this vital field.

Join us in The Space on the River with April, and start your day with a harmonious blend of nature, movement, and mindfulness. Embrace the beauty of the present moment and nurture your well-being from the inside out. Through mindful movement and deep breathing, you can release tension, enhance focus, and restore vitality to both body and mind. Start your day with April for rejuvenation and self-care before the fun of The Kneading Conference!

Mats and blocks will be provided.

Farm-to-Table breakfast featuring pastries and locally sourced yogurt, granola, and fruit.

Take a leisurely stroll to a nearby local business, where you can savor a delicious cup of coffee or bubble tea with friends and fellow attendees. It's the perfect opportunity to network, unwind, and recharge before the next session. Whether you're catching up with colleagues or exploring the charming surroundings, enjoy a refreshing pause in your day filled with camaraderie and relaxation.

Lunch Options (Thurs.-Fri.):

1. The Maine Meal:
   • Main Course: Pasta dish TBD (vegetarian)
   • Sides: TBD
2. The Bankery:
   • Main Course: - 16oz Sesame Noodle Salad with tofu (vegetarian)
     
   • Sides: An apple and a classic whoopie pie for dessert
3. The Miller's Table at Maine Grains:
   • Main Course: Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad
     seasonal greens, shaved cabbage, chicken breast, smoky bacon, red onion, cocktail tomatoes, house basil buttermilk ranch dressing
   • Sides: Sourdough country bread and a chocolate rye brownie for dessert
4. Joe's Flat Iron Café:
   • Main Course: Bagel sandwich with turkey and fresh vegetables
   • Sides: Sides or chips TBD

This is during lunch. Please bring your bagged lunch to Maine Grains with you. You will have about 30 minutes after the tour to eat.

We hope you’ll join us for a free tour of the grist mill, it is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Maine Grains is housed in the historic former Somerset County Jail building, which is also the home of The Miller’s Table café, Crooked Face Creamery, Happyknits yarn shop, WXNZ community radio & the weekly Skowhegan Farmers Market. The mill has been an engine of entrepreneurship and resides in the heart of historic downtown Skowhegan.

During our tours you will learn about our unique history, the process of transforming a jail into a mill, how stone milled flour is made, and what we’re hoping to accomplish in the years to come. We’ll tour the facility from the bottom up, so you can see our team of talented millers at work and our beautiful Austrian stone mills busily humming away, transforming whole grain into beautiful & delicious flour.

Please be aware that your safety is our priority. We are a food producing facility & you’ll be venturing near machinery. Please refrain from wearing dangly earrings and loose clothing, tie back long hair, wear comfy shoes (we’ll be climbing stairs), and feel free to look but please don’t touch the equipment. Hairnets and earplugs will be provided.
***We will be climbing up/down flights of stairs 6+ times during the tour. We understand that not everyone can make this journey! It can be a workout. Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes.

https://mainegrains.com/tours/