With the 2026 Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) Annual State Meeting less than a month away, Executive Director Jean Lam joined Oklahoma Farm Report’s Farm Director KC Sheperd to outline the agenda for what promises to be a pivotal gathering for the state’s agricultural stewards.
Set for March 1–3, 2026, at the newly unveiled OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, this year’s meeting centers on the theme “Homecoming: One Land, One Legacy.” According to Lam, the theme reflects a dual focus: celebrating the deep roots of Oklahoma’s conservation history while navigating the modern challenges facing today’s producers.
A Return to Roots
Speaking with Sheperd, Lam emphasized that the annual meeting serves as the primary rallying point for the district directors who operate in every county across the state.
“This meeting is our ‘homecoming’ in every sense of the word,” Lam told Sheperd. “It is about bringing our family of conservationists back together to remember why we do this work. We are celebrating the legacy of those who came before us—the ones who built these districts out of the Dust Bowl—while equipping our current producers with the tools they need to ensure that legacy survives for another century.”
Strategic Discussions and Legislative Priorities
The three-day event will feature a robust schedule of legislative updates, technical training, and partnership building. A key component of the meeting is recognizing outstanding contributions to the field, with awards for youth leaders, district employees, and state legislators who have championed conservation statutes.
Lam noted that the choice of the new OKANA Resort as the venue signals a step forward for the organization, providing a central and modern hub for the hundreds of attendees expected to participate.
“Our districts are the boots on the ground for everything from drought response to soil health education,” Lam explained. “When we gather in March, the goal is to make sure every district director leaves feeling empowered and supported, knowing they have a statewide network behind them.”
Addressing Modern Resilience
The conversation also touched on the broader context of the meeting: the ongoing need for drought resilience and “climate-smart” agricultural practices. Lam highlighted that the sessions are designed to bridge the gap between federal funding opportunities—such as USDA’s Climate-Smart Commodities partnerships—and the practical, day-to-day realities of Oklahoma farming and ranching.
“Whether you are a large-scale cattle operator or a specialty crop grower, the principles of stewardship remain the same,” Lam said. “This meeting is where we share the data, the strategies, and the stories that help our neighbors keep their land productive.”
Registration and Attendance
Registration for the 2026 OACD Annual State Meeting is currently open. Lam urged district directors and partners to register by the early bird deadline of February 10 to secure their spots.
“If you care about the future of Oklahoma’s natural resources, this is the room you need to be in,” Lam concluded.
You can click through the scheduled Agenda for the Meeting below.
