The Nebraska Regional Food Systems Initiative (NERFSI) and Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society (NSAS) announce the 2026 annual Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society Conference. An important event for farmers, ranchers, ag educators and food system advocates, the conference takes place Jan. 30-31, 2026 at the Divots Conference Center in Norfolk, Neb.
Registration is open at https://www.sustainablenebraska.org/conference.
The NSAS has been a cornerstone of sustainable farming and ranching in Nebraska since 1976, and the annual conference has been a mainstay event for 50 years for farmers and ranchers to connect and share knowledge. Designed to serve a broad and inclusive audience committed to advancing sustainable farming practices across the state, the conference serves farmers and ranchers, particularly those engaged in or transitioning to regenerative and conservation-based agriculture, as well as agricultural educators, researchers, extension professionals, nonprofit leaders, and rural community organizers. The conference also prioritizes outreach to beginning and underserved farmers and producers.
“This year’s conference is more critical than ever, especially as Nebraska and the nation grapple with a rapidly evolving agricultural economy and increasing consumer demand for more transparent food systems,” said Ben Jewell, a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator and team lead for NERFSI. “It provides a crucial forum for farmers, researchers and advocates to exchange practical knowledge, strengthen their networks and share best practices for the industry. The collective impact of implementing these strategies — from improving soil health to increasing local food access — will be vital for the future of our rural economies and the health of our communities.”
Conference highlights include:
- More than 30 sessions on topics spanning the agricultural and local food system spectrum, including farm financial and transition planning, farm skills, field crops, livestock, farm and food policy, urban agriculture and local food access, and more.
- Keynote speaker Gabe Brown. Brown is featured in the film Kiss the Ground, is an education/resource partner with the Understanding Ag group, and farms with his family in North Dakota. Brown authored "Dirt to Soil,” which shares the story of his farm’s transition from conventional to regenerative farm.
- Keynote speaker Stephanie Hartman, MD. Hartman is an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine, division of general internal Mmedicine for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and will speak on the linkage of soil health to human health.
- Opportunities to network with other farmers, researchers, sponsors, service agencies and consumers including a Friday evening reception, fundraising event and exhibit hall.
The cost is $85 per day, or $160 for both days, and includes meals and access to all conference events. Scholarships are available. Registration closes Jan. 15, 2026, at https://www.sustainablenebraska.org/conference.
