Grazing returns to America’s heartland.
The Heart of America Grazing Conference comes to Illinois on July 15–16 in Effingham. This annual conference brings together graziers from across the Midwest for two days of speakers, farm tours, and practical learning focused on improving regenerative grazing systems.
Highlights
KEYNOTE: Steve Campbell of Tailor Made Cattle
Steve is widely recognized for his work in high-performance forage-based cattle systems, and his practical, producer-driven approach makes him one of the most sought-after voices in regenerative grazing today.
Day 1: July 15 ($40) | Noon - 8 PM
Farm Tour of the Curt Rincker Farm
Tradeshow
Dinner Keynote
Virtual Fence Panel Discussion
Day 2: July 16 ($45) | 8 AM- 4:45 PM
Cattle Genetics Keynote
Bale Grazing
U of I Research
Small Ruminants
Virtual Fencing 101
Sponsorships Available
Please join us in bringing the Heart of America Grazing Conference to Illinois in 2026! We anticipate 100 attendees including livestock producers, forage producers, and landowners interested in grazing technology and best practices.Check out the sponsorship opportunities available to support the conference and participate in the accompanying vendor trade show.
NEW IN 2026
Build a Regenerative Grazing System Contest for Teens and Young Adults
Age 14 - 22
10 AM – 1 PM | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | Effingham
Held in conjunction with the Heart of America Grazing Conference
Be creative as you plan a successful regenerative grazing system using adaptive practices. The contest includes a short quiz on your understanding of adaptive grazing practices. Then, apply what you’ve learned by mapping out a grazing system, including forage maintenance, pasture design, and grazing rotation schedules.
You’ll have help
Each team will have access to a mentor. Resources to help you prepare will be available after June 1.