The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition and the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council will host the 2026 Heart of America Grazing Conference on July 15–16, 2026, in Effingham, Illinois, in conjunction with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and University of Illinois Extension.

Producers interested in NRCS conservation programs, including the Regenerative Pilot Program, should apply to their local NRCS office by Jan. 15, 2026 to be included in the first round of funding.

The best advice often comes from peers who have worked through the obstacles to build profitable resilient farm operations.