Farmers, ranchers, and food professionals will head to Iowa this winter for one of the largest regenerative farming gatherings in the country. The 51st annual Acres U.S.A. Eco-Ag Conference runs December 1–4, 2026, in Coralville, right next to Iowa City. The event draws more than 1,200 attendees, over 30 speakers, and more than 100 exhibitors. Therefore, it offers a rare chance to learn, shop, and network in one place.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip. You will find dates, ticket prices, speakers, the daily schedule, hotel options, and travel tips. Additionally, a full FAQ section at the end answers the most common questions.
Quick Facts About the 2026 Event
The table below gives you the key details at a glance.
| Detail | Information |
| Event | 51st annual regenerative agriculture gathering and trade show |
| Dates | December 1–4, 2026 (Tuesday to Friday) |
| Venue | Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center |
| Address | 300 E 9th St, Coralville, IA 52241 |
| Organizer | Acres U.S.A. |
| Audience | Farmers, ranchers, consultants, and food professionals |
| Size | 1,200+ attendees, 30+ speakers, 100+ exhibitors |
| Questions | 970-392-4464 or the official ticket website |
A Short History of the Gathering
Acres U.S.A. has served ecological farmers since 1971. The company publishes books and a magazine, and it also hosts this yearly show. Last year, the group marked its 50th edition in Madison, Wisconsin. This year, the show moves to Iowa.
Moreover, attendees say the show feels fresh under new ownership. Many guests also come from conventional backgrounds. They want a different view on soil, crops, and animals. As a result, the crowd is mixed, curious, and friendly.
Dates and Location
The event spans four days, from Tuesday, December 1, to Friday, December 4. The first two days focus on Eco-Ag University, or Eco-Ag U. These are all-day workshops with expert teachers. The general conference then starts on Wednesday evening and runs through Friday afternoon.
The Hyatt Regency Coralville hosts everything. The hotel connects to the conference center, so you never walk far between sessions, the trade show, and your room. Coralville sits next to Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa. The closest major airport is in Cedar Rapids, about 25 minutes away by car. However, check current drive times before you leave. December weather in Iowa can turn cold and snowy, so pack warm layers.
Tickets and Registration
Acres U.S.A. sells several ticket types. The prices below came from the official site and were early-bird deals that ended October 2. Therefore, current prices may run higher. Always confirm the final cost on the ticket page before you buy.
| Ticket | Early-Bird Price | What It Includes |
| 1-day General Admission | $199 | Your choice of December 3 or 4. Breakouts, keynotes, trade show, and book signings. |
| 2-day General Admission | $249 | Opening keynote on December 2 plus December 3–4 access. |
| Friends and Family | $479 | Two adult tickets with the same access as 2-day General Admission. |
| 1-day Eco-Ag U | $549 | One day of workshops (December 1 or 2), the December 1 reception, and December 3–4 access. |
| 2-day Eco-Ag U | $699 | Both workshop days, the reception, and December 3–4 access. |
Note that general admission tickets do not include the Eco-Ag U workshops. In addition, the 1-day pass does not include the Wednesday evening keynote. Choose the 2-day pass if you want the full general program.
You can register online or call 970-392-4464. All prices include service fees.
Eco-Ag University Workshops
Eco-Ag U is the deep-learning side of the event. Each workshop lasts a full day, and space is limited. Workshops often sell out before the event. Therefore, register early if you want a seat.
The workshop instructors include Gary Zimmer, Gabe Brown, Nasha Winters, Dan Kittredge, Ray Archuleta, and Neal Kinsey. More instructors will join the list soon. Exhibitors who want a workshop seat can upgrade their badge by email or phone, because an exhibitor badge covers the main conference only.
The good news is that you miss nothing by attending a workshop. The trade show floor opens on Wednesday after the workshops end.
Featured Speakers
The speaker lineup covers soil, crops, livestock, business, and human health. The official site names more than 30 speakers and promises more announcements. Here are the highlights, grouped by theme.
Soil and Crop Science
- Gary Zimmer: known as the father of biological agriculture
- Neal Kinsey: advances the Albrecht soil fertility system
- John Kempf: helps farmers grow healthier crops with fewer inputs
- Dan Kittredge: advances the science of nutrient density
- Ray Archuleta: makes soil health practical and profitable
- David Knaus: connects soil minerals to crop nutrition
- Brian Dougherty: turns soil science into farm decisions
- Keith Berns: builds healthier soil with cover crop diversity
- Jason Mauck: builds productive acres through relay cropping
- Dr. Don Huber: questions the chemical paradigm in agriculture
Livestock and Grazing
- Joel Hollingsworth: pushes the limits of ultra-high-density grazing
- Steve Campbell: links cattle genetics, nutrition, and herd health
- Jordan Green: designs profitable pasture-based hog systems
- Dr. Art Dunham: brings over 50 years of veterinary experience
- Kenneth Hamilton: connects healthy soil to healthier meat
- Will Harris: revives the family ranch for future generations
Farm Systems and Business
- Gabe Brown: the rancher who helped launch the soil health movement
- Mark Shepard: redesigns agriculture through perennial systems
- Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin: pioneers poultry-centered agroforestry
- Megan Neubauer: builds profitable farms through agritourism
- Brandon Gutzmann: guides growers through the business of organic grain
- Bob Quinn: champions regenerative grain and food as medicine
- Catherine Austin Fitts: explores financial resilience through local economies
- André Leu: builds a worldwide regenerative future
Food, Health, and Community
- Dr. Nasha Winters: bridges metabolism, environment, and human resilience
- Sara Keough: links soil health, nutrition, and wellness
- Dani Kusner: connects healthy soil to healthy bodies
- Erin Martin-Hollingsworth: reimagines healthcare through food and farming
- David Stelzer: rethinks how healthy food reaches families
- Mollie Engelhart: advocates for regenerative farms and local food systems
Programming Topics
Sessions fit many types of operations. Whether you manage five acres or 5,000, you will find useful talks. The program groups content into six tracks.
| Track | Focus |
| Livestock | Healthier herds and more profitable grazing |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Market gardens, orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops |
| Row Crops | Lower input costs and stronger resilience at scale |
| Agronomy | The science behind productive, resilient soils |
| Farm Business and Marketing | Turning good farming into a strong business |
| Human Health | Links between healthy soil, nutrient-dense food, and wellness |
Daily Schedule
The schedule below follows the official at-a-glance plan. However, organizers can change times. Check the full schedule online before you travel.
| Day | Time | Activity |
| Tuesday, Dec 1 | 7:30 am | Eco-Ag U registration opens |
| Tuesday, Dec 1 | 8:30 am–4:00 pm | Eco-Ag U workshops |
| Tuesday, Dec 1 | 4:30–6:00 pm | Eco-Ag U reception and bookstore opening |
| Wednesday, Dec 2 | 8:30 am–4:00 pm | Eco-Ag U workshops |
| Wednesday, Dec 2 | 2:00 pm | General conference registration opens |
| Wednesday, Dec 2 | 3:00–6:30 pm | Trade show and bookstore |
| Wednesday, Dec 2 | 4:30–6:00 pm | Opening keynote |
| Wednesday, Dec 2 | 6:15–7:30 pm | Reception on the trade show floor |
| Thursday, Dec 3 | 8:00 am–6:30 pm | Trade show and bookstore |
| Thursday, Dec 3 | 8:30–9:30 am | Morning keynote |
| Thursday, Dec 3 | 9:30 am–4:00 pm | General sessions |
| Thursday, Dec 3 | 4:30–6:00 pm | Evening keynote |
| Thursday, Dec 3 | 6:15–7:30 pm | Reception on the trade show floor |
| Friday, Dec 4 | 8:00 am–1:00 pm | Trade show |
| Friday, Dec 4 | 8:30 am–3:00 pm | General sessions |
| Friday, Dec 4 | 3:00–4:00 pm | Final keynote |
| Friday, Dec 4 | 4:00 pm | Event ends |
If you want to check in early for Eco-Ag U, registration also opens on Monday, November 30.
Trade Show, Bookstore, and Food
The trade show features more than 100 exhibitors. You can meet suppliers, compare tools, and ask direct questions. Sponsors this year include Green Lightning, Noble Research Institute, and Tend. Additionally, many companies host booths for soil products, cover crop seed, farm software, and lending.
You need a conference badge to enter the trade show. The organizers do not sell trade-show-only badges.
The Acres U.S.A. bookstore carries hundreds of eco-farming titles. It takes cash, checks, and major credit cards. Authors also hold book signings during the event. Furthermore, food vendors serve lunch on the trade show floor, and the host hotel has food as well. Restaurants and cafes sit within walking distance.
Where to Stay
The host hotel connects to the venue, so it is the most convenient choice. However, two other hotels also offer group rates. All group rates expire on November 9, 2026. Therefore, book soon.
| Hotel | Address | Distance to Venue |
| Hyatt Regency Coralville | 300 E 9th St, Coralville | Connected to the venue |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton | 921 E 2nd Ave, Coralville | About 3 blocks |
| Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville | 815 1st Ave, Coralville | About 4 blocks |
The host hotel phone number is (319) 688-4000. Use the official event website to reach each group booking link.
Planning Tips for First-Time Visitors
A little preparation makes the trip smoother. Consider these steps:
- Buy your ticket early, because workshops sell out.
- Book your hotel before November 9 to lock in the group rate.
- Review the full schedule and pick your top sessions in advance.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk and stand a lot.
- Bring a notebook and a charger for your phone.
- Pack cash or a card for the bookstore.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors, because the community is a big part of the value.
Bringing Your Family
Families are welcome. Children younger than 14 attend free. Teens who are 14 or older must register as students. A Kid’s Room offers books, toys, and activities. However, parents must stay with their children at all times, even in that room.
Cancellations and Transfers
Acres U.S.A. does not refund conference tickets. Instead, you have two options. First, you can transfer your registration to next year’s event. Second, you can receive recordings of the sessions. Eco-Ag U workshops follow the same rule, because space is limited. Volunteer spots are full for this year.
Why You Should Attend
The Eco-Ag Conference stands out for three reasons. First, the speakers farm, ranch, and teach for a living. They share real results, not just theory. Second, the schedule mixes deep workshops with broad sessions, so every learner finds a fit. Third, the trade show and receptions help you build lasting contacts.
In addition, the topics reach beyond the field. Sessions on nutrition and human health show how farm choices shape the food we eat. Therefore, the show suits farmers, health professionals, and curious eaters alike.
Conclusion
The 51st annual Eco-Ag Conference takes place December 1–4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Coralville in Iowa. Eco-Ag U workshops fill the first two days, while the general program runs from Wednesday evening through Friday afternoon. Tickets start at $199 at the early-bird rate, though current prices may be higher. Speakers include Gabe Brown, Gary Zimmer, John Kempf, Ray Archuleta, and many more.
To sum up, plan early. Book your ticket, reserve your room by November 9, and check the full schedule. Then pack warm clothes and bring your questions. You will leave with new skills, new friends, and fresh ideas for your land.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the 51st annual event?
It runs from Tuesday, December 1, through Friday, December 4, 2026.
2. Where does it take place?
The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center hosts it. The address is 300 E 9th St, Coralville, Iowa 52241.
3. How much do tickets cost?
Early-bird prices ran from $199 for one day of general admission to $699 for two days of Eco-Ag U. Those deals ended October 2, so check the ticket page for current prices.
4. What does the 2-day general admission ticket include?
It covers the opening keynote on December 2 and full access on December 3–4. That includes breakouts, keynotes, the trade show, and book signings.
5. What is Eco-Ag U?
Eco-Ag U is a set of all-day workshops on December 1 and 2. Expert instructors teach deep topics such as soil fertility, nutrient density, and farm systems.
6. Who are the main speakers?
The lineup includes Gabe Brown, Gary Zimmer, John Kempf, Ray Archuleta, Mark Shepard, Dr. Nasha Winters, Dan Kittredge, and many others. Organizers will add more names.
7. Can I buy a trade-show-only pass?
No. You need a conference badge to enter the trade show, and the organizers do not sell trade-show-only badges.
8. Can I bring my children?
Yes. Children younger than 14 attend free, and a Kid’s Room is available. Teens who are 14 or older register as students.
9. Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?
No. However, you can transfer your ticket to next year’s event or ask for session recordings.
10. Where should I stay, and when do group rates end?
The Hyatt Regency Coralville connects to the venue. Homewood Suites and Drury Inn & Suites are close by. All group rates expire on November 9, 2026.
