Build a Regenerative Grazing System Contest
Held in Conjunction with the Heart of America Grazing Conference - Designed for Ages 14-22
Effingham, Illinois
10 AM – 1 PM | Thursday, July 16, 2026
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.
Each team will have access to a mentor. Resources to help you prepare will be available after June 1.
Schedule:
Check-in: 10 AM
Contest: 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Complimentary Lunch: 12:15 PM
Award Announcements: 1 PM
Age Divisions
High School (as of Fall 2026)
Post High School (thru age 22)
Compete as Teams of 2 or 3 participants, or register as individuals and meet your teammates at the contest.
Prizes
The top team members in each division will receive a prize.
Each participant will receive a grazing stick.
Looking For More?
Register for the entire Heart of America Grazing Conference, including a tour of the Curt Rincker farm, at the reduced rate of $50. The conference begins at 1 PM, Wednesday, July 15 and ends at 4:30 PM Thursday, July 16.
This is for youth registration (ages 14+). We will have a separate youth track during conference sessions.
This two-day, must-attend event is for graziers, farmers, lenders, landowners, extension and government personnel, educators, processors, conservationists, and anyone interested in the future of land-use economics and profitability. Sessions include a farm tour, virtual fence panel discussion, and sessions on cropland grazing, large and small ruminants, bale grazing, and more!
July 15-16, 2026
Effingham, IL
Hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites, 1310 W Fayette Ave, Effingham, IL 62401