NACD invites you to join us in San Antonio, Texas, for the 2026 Annual Meeting! Hosted in partnership with the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), our 80th meeting will take place on February 15-19, 2026, at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. This special anniversary meeting with explore the theme "Deep Roots, Bold Horizons," to look back on NACD's past and ahead to its future.

As we countdown to the meeting, we’re excited to highlight some of the keynote speakers joining us in San Antonio:

Joining us on Tuesday is Chet Garner, creator, host, and executive producer of The Daytripper, an 18-time Emmy-award-winning Texas travel show airing on PBS stations across the country. The Daytripper takes viewers on adventures with Chet as he explores Texas’ natural wonders, food, and history. All things made possible through good land stewardship and conservation!

Speaking on Wednesday is Barry Mahler, a member of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. Mahler is an Iowa Park businessman, cotton, and wheat farmer. He has been a District Director at the Wichita SWCD for the past 40 years, previously served as President of the Association of Texas SWCDs, and is a former alternate member of NACD's Board of Directors. 

Our closing keynote speaker on Thursday is Aaron Alejandro, Executive Director of the Texas FFA Foundation. With more than 300,000 students enrolled in agricultural science courses and Texas FFA membership with more than 188,000 members, Aaron’s efforts are bringing much needed “fuel” - in the form of sponsorships - to help make dreams come true.

Don't miss out on your chance to hear from these and other conservation leaders! Register for Annual Meeting by January 26 and save up to $80 per attendee.

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON? GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

Members of the House return to Capitol Hill today after an extended holiday break, with attention focused on completing the four remaining annual spending bills that must pass before January 30 to avoid a partial government shutdown. These packages cover some contentious funding areas, including the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. The House has four session days before a scheduled recess next week, while the Senate is out this week and returns on January 26.

Lawmakers are also beginning to address the farm economy through legislation that could replace components of a traditional Farm Bill. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R‑Ark.) and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Chairman John Hoeven (R‑N.D.) have released a proposal outlining financial assistance for farmers, building on the recently announced Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. Their plan would expand the Bridge program to align payments with changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), increase flexibility and funding for specialty crop programs, and cover a larger share of producer losses, among other updates to the farm safety net. The Senators met earlier this week with House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R‑Pa.) to discuss specific funding levels.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH CONSERVATION: SUBSCRIBE TO NCPP UPDATES

Over the last decade, NACD has proudly partnered with the National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP). Together, we have taken steps to advance conservation planning, and are excited to help shape a renewed strategic direction in 2026!

NACD's feedback has set the tone for growth and valuable new resources for the people we serve. Here’s a peek at what’s to come:

• NCPP is unveiling a brand new website
• They’re including powerful tools that support conservation planner certification
• Communications will be customized to unique role and needs

This year, NCPP will launch new resources and tools designed to support the work of conservation planning professionals—and we want to make sure you’re among the first to access them!

Stay connected so you don’t miss what’s ahead:

• Subscribe to NCPP emails
• Connect with NCPP on Facebook
• Follow NCPP on LinkedIn

SUPPORT CONSERVATION EDUCATION WITH DONATIONS AT ANNUAL MEETING

Whether or not you're joining us at Annual Meeting, there are ways you can get involved and directly support conservation education initiatives!

Through NACD's Pack-A-Book drive, books will be accepted by the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts and distributed to local schools, public libraries, and conservation education programs in the Annual Meeting host community. 

NACD invites you to participate in Pack-A-Book! In celebration of this year’s Stewardship Week theme, "Soil. Where It All Begins" we’re highlighting a collection of soil-themed books to donate. Purchase a book from the Pack-A-Book Amazon Wish List to send directly to NACD, or go to your favorite local bookseller and bring it with you to San Antonio. All donated books will be displayed at the NACD Stewardship and Education booth in the Annual Meeting Expo.

Also during the 2026 NACD Annual Meeting, NACD's sister organization, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) will host their Live Auction in support of the NCF-Envirothon program and the Next Generation Leadership Institute.

Individuals, conservation districts, and state associations are encouraged to donate unique items for the NCF Auction. Items can feature local artists, a special product made only in your state or territory, or interesting items with a conservation theme. Popular items have included pottery, jewelry, and “made in” agriculture products.

Submit items at nationalconservationfoundation.org/auction. The deadline for online donations is January 31, 2026. After that, donations will be accepted on-site in San Antonio.