Welcome to the 2026 Conservation Districts of Iowa Annual Conference!
August 25th, 2026 – Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, Ames, Iowa.
The 80th Annual Iowa Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners Conference is a forum for elected soil and water conservation district commissioners that serves as a bridge and beacon: connecting commissioners with resources, programs, and knowledge, while providing a space to advocate for sound, science-based policy. The 2026 event invites farmers, conservationists, and local leaders to work side by side to empower conservation initiatives that safeguard the natural resources sustaining both Iowa agriculture and communities.
2026 CDI Annual Conference Schedule
*Schedule subject to change, more details to come*
Monday, August 24th, 2026
7:00 pm: Registration
7:00 – 9:00 pm: Presidents’ Reception
Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 am: Registration
7:00 – 8:30 am: Breakfast Buffet
8:30 am:
Welcome speech by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig.
Morning speaker, Ruth McCabe, Heartland Cooperative conservation agronomist
9:30 – 10:00 am: Networking break and visit sponsors
10:00 am – noon: Annual CDI Business Meeting
noon – 1:30 pm: Awards Luncheon
2026 Ken Wagner Award
2026 Outstanding SWCD Commissioner Award
2026 Paul Johnson Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Award
2026 Ruth Wagner Award
2026 CDI President’s Recognition Award
2026 CDI Honorary Member Award
1:30 – 1:45 pm: networking break and visit sponsors
1:45 – 3:00 pm: Afternoon speaker, Eric Dirth, Assistant Attorney General, Environmental Division of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office – Legal Updates for Commissioners plus Q&A
3:00 pm: snack break and visit sponsors
3:15 pm: Silent Auction Wrap Up
3:30 – 4:45 pm: Afternoon speaker, Adam Schneiders, DNR Water Quality Coordinator
4:45 pm: Conference wrap-up and dismissal
Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
Field Day Event at Helland Farms
