Looking for a space to host your meeting, workshop, or activity this summer? The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is offering premium event space in conjunction with our 81st SWCS International Annual Conference, July 26-29, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. Take advantage of this opportunity to bring your partners and staff together, without the hassle of managing logistics. Let us provide the space while you focus on delivering a great event. View more information. Deadline to secure space is extended to May 29.
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Showcase
Monday, July 27
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in conjunction with SWCS, will host the CIG Showcase at the SWCS annual conference. Since 2004, CIG has supported the development of innovative natural resource conservation approaches and technologies on working lands.
This year’s showcase includes an overview of the CIG program and three themed panels. The first panel is an introduction and highlights the variability of the CIG program, the second panel explores innovations in irrigation management, and the last panel covers innovative conservation approaches for nutrient management.
This showcase runs from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, July 27. Following the showcase, CIG project posters will be included in the poster presentation session held in the poster display area of the Exhibit Hall from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Conservation Concierge Workshop
Monday, July 27
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The Campbell Foundation and The Commons invite you to learn about and help develop a key new conservation tool, the Conservation Concierge™.
In this session, we will demonstrate a new conservation tool that is designed to assist conservation professionals in assessing agricultural lands for enrollment in conservation programs and simplifying the funding application process.
The session will demonstrate the tool and provide a forum for engagement in refining, development, and deployment of the tool. We anticipate this will be a significant new asset to assist conservation professionals (and farmers) in accessing adoption of conservation and funding for implementation. Drinks will be provided.
An invitation email will be sent out in June; RSVP will be required.
CEAP Showcase
Tuesday, July 28
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The Conservation Effects Assessment Project-Watershed Assessment Studies (CEAP-WAS) was initiated in 2003 to quantify the measurable outcomes of conservation practices and develop the science base for managing agricultural landscapes for improved water quality, water and nutrient use efficiency, and soil health. CEAP Watersheds has grown to include 26 active watershed studies assessing effects of conservation practice implementation and 10 collaborative network projects addressing priority conservation topics including legacy nutrients and sediments, ephemeral gully erosion, and the development and assessment of conservation tools and models. Please join USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university CEAP scientists to learn about and discuss the assessments conducted in cooperation with farmers across the United States measuring the outcomes of stewardship efforts and informing American agricultural producers. This year’s CEAP Showcase will again bring new findings and insights directly to conservation professionals, farmers, and scientists participating in the annual SWCS meeting. The CEAP Showcase will feature 12 oral presentations with discussions across 3 sessions on Tuesday, July 28, and a poster session with 24 posters on Monday, July 27, and Tuesday, July 28. Presentations range in topics from quantifying conservation outcomes, legacy sources (processes and conservation options), and innovative tools and approaches for assessing conservation outcomes. Please join us to learn about and discuss your thoughts on CEAP work, findings, and conservation insights!
Beyond Corn: Reimagining the Midwestern Landscape
Tuesday, July 28
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
This documentary explores how three Midwest farmers navigate the challenges and opportunities of diversifying their operation beyond conventional corn and soybean systems. Through on-the-ground stories and candid perspectives, it highlights the economic, environmental, and social factors shaping decisions on working lands. Grounded in real-world experience, the film offers a hopeful, farmer-driven vision for a more resilient agricultural future.
Association of Retired Conservation Service Employees (ARCSE) Annual Meeting
Wednesday, July 29
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (This meeting will be held both in person and via Zoom)
The annual meeting is open to Association members and others interested in learning more about organization. Leaders from NRCS, SWCS, ARCSE, and other organizations have been invited to speak on topics involving conservation policy and program direction, project updates, and other priority interests. The ARCSE Awards Ceremony will be held during the meeting to honor award recipients for distinguished service, community service, and meritorious service.