CLAY CENTER, January 26, 2026 — The Clay County Conservation District will host its annual meeting on Monday, January 26th, at the Clay County Event Center, offering a free catered meal and a chance to celebrate local conservation efforts. The event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. and promises an evening of recognition, education, and community engagement.
Celebrating Stewardship and Looking Ahead
The annual meeting provides a platform to recognize landowners dedicated to conservation and report on the district’s activities.
- The meeting will recognize award winners in soil conservation, grassland management, windbreak practices, and young farmer categories.
- Thomas Eisenbarth, founder of Grounded Ag and a Farm Bureau award winner, will speak about mental health and well-being in agriculture.
- Attendees can vote for the ‘People’s Choice Award’ in the Poster Contest, showcasing the creativity of Clay County students.
- A unique art exhibit, “Fire Art” from Great Plains Fire Science, will be on display.
- RSVPs are encouraged by January 19th to ensure an accurate food count.
District Manager Jessica Boeckman emphasized the meeting’s dual purpose: “The Conservation District’s Annual Meeting is designed to allow the Board of Supervisors to report back to the residents of Clay County about the previous year’s conservation activities.” She added, “It also allows us to recognize landowners who are doing an outstanding job of conservation stewardship.”
What types of conservation efforts will be honored at the meeting? This year’s awards will spotlight achievements in soil conservation, grassland management, and windbreak practices, alongside the prestigious Young Farmer Award.
A Focus on Farmer Well-being
This year’s special guest, Thomas Eisenbarth of Pottawatomie County, brings a unique perspective to the event. As the founder of Grounded Ag and a recipient of a Farm Bureau award, Eisenbarth frequently speaks about the critical importance of mental health and well-being within the agricultural community, drawing from his own experiences.
Engaging the Next Generation
The annual meeting isn’t just for adults. Activities for children will be available throughout the evening, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere. Boeckman highlighted the popular Poster Contest Awards, noting, “We had a tremendous number of entries from Clay County students this year. We even had a couple of posters recognized as Honorable Mention for State awards, and we had a Second-Place State Award winner this year.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the ‘People’s Choice Award’ voting for the Poster Contest, further celebrating the artistic talents of local students. Adding to the event’s diverse offerings, an art exhibit titled “Fire Art” from Great Plains Fire Science will be showcased, promising a visually stimulating experience.
“We’re looking forward to having everybody out, and we hope to see you then,” Boeckman concluded.
Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP by January 19th to assist with the food count. Contact Boeckman for more information. Additional details about the meeting can be found on the District’s Facebook page.
