This summer, an opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture is coming to the Delta with the 17^th annual Conservation in Action Tour hosted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), a member-based organization. 

In all its years, this marks the first time the tour will make its way through Arkansas.  

The 2024 theme is “Diversity in Conservation,” and the two-day event will kick off with a dinner and networking opportunity on June 10 at the Hyatt Centric hotel in Memphis, Tenn. Then on June 11, participants will embark on a day trip through the northeast region Arkansas, learning from a full slate of presenters with farm stops along the way. 

CTIC Executive Director Ryan Heiniger said the tour focuses on cutting-edge conservation practices in agriculture and will have something to offer to folks across the supply chain.  

Heiniger said, “This is a great networking opportunity to compare ideas and generate new partnerships.” 

Attendees range from local farmers and agronomists to university researchers and scientists, all the way to c-suite leaders from both agricultural and conservation companies. 

“Of course, it is very much rooted in a chance for all those audiences to hear from farmers themselves and discuss: What is working? What are their continued hopes and dreams? What are their challenges? How can the larger community better support them?” 

Additionally, there is heightened opportunity to discuss how partnerships can maximize their efforts with Climate-Smart funding and conservation incentives.  

“There has never been as much of a federal investment into conservation agriculture as there is right now,” Heiniger said. “Ultimately, we want organizations and partnerships to lean into this historically unprecedented opportunity with the most effective outreach to farmers. 

“The more it is grounded in the needs of farmers – as well as then synchronized amongst all the players involved – the more successful everyone stands to be.” 

Following the tour, participants are invited to continue the conversation at a rooftop social from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Heiniger said the tour is planned by a great team of partners and members, along with local stakeholders helping to finalize the agenda. The official agenda will be published in advance on the CTIC website at https://www.ctic.org/tour.  

Early registration is open through March 10 at a reduced cost of $250. Regular registration is open through May 11 at a rate of $300. Beyond those dates, the fee for late and onsite registration is $350. 

Sponsorship for the event includes companies Mosaic and Syngenta, The Nature Conservancy, USDA-NRCS, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Field to Market, and Sand County Foundation. The event is also sponsored by the Certified Crop Advisers, and continued education credits are available.  

Heiniger said the hopes are for attendees to leave with a deeper, richer understanding aligned with CTIC’s vision to support farmers, promote sustainable production systems, and champion conservation agriculture.