EMDC Annual Symposium
Sustainable Land Stewardship
The Ecosystem Modeling and Data Consortium is hosting the 2026 4th Annual Symposium.
Join scientists, investors, philanthropists, agricultural leaders, tech founders, and policymakers for a day of collaborative learning, networking, and forward-looking conversation as we explore the science, tools, and decision-support systems that set the foundation for sustainable land stewardship and a more resilient future for our working lands.
October 8th
October 9th
Consortium Meeting
Consortium Members Only
4th Annual Symposium
9am-4:30pm
Happy Hour til 5:30pm
Location: CSU’s Canvas Stadium Michael Smith Alumni Center
Our Annual Symposium is an invite-only event exploring the state of land stewardship, along with its challenges and solutions, as we chart a path toward thriving and healthy agroecosystems.
People & Topics
Keynote Speaker
Tom Vilsack, Former USDA Secretary of Agriculture
The survival of small farms and current farm economics
Panels, speakers, and interactive sessions covering current challenges, active work, and forward-looking solutions in sustainable land stewardship. Including:
Producer Perspectives Conversation
Roy Pfaltzgraff, Pfaltzgraff Farms
Cheyenne McEndaffer, McEndaffer Beef Genetics
Zachary Thode, Lehi Ranch
Lunch provided, table discussions, and student poster sessions
Learn about the new EMDC Model Runner for DayCent and MEMS
Short Talks
GHG Emission Mitigation Policy Support for the 45z Program, Dr. Stephen Ogle, CSU
California Site Simulation, Dr. Annette Heinemeyer, Chico State
Stacking practices; The Translation of Science to Dollars, Brad Justice
Adaptive Grazing Panel Moderated by Dr. Greg Thoma, CSU AgNext
Dr. Justin Derner, USDA-ARS
Dr. Anna Claire Molenzun, Graze LLC, The Rangeland Living Laboratory, Cultivo
Ashley McDonald, National Grazing Lands Coalition
Dr. Paige Stanley, Colorado State University
Sustainability across the agricultural supply chain and scope 3
Dana Dufresne, Grassroots Carbon
Susan Scow, Eileen Fisher
Alexandre Leite, NaturAll Carbon
Emergent Solutions Discussion: Biochar, agrivoltaics, ERW
Transportation + Lodging
If you’re coming from the Denver International Airport, the Groome Shuttle picks-up and drops-off at your hotel or the CSU campus Transit Center. Groome Transportation: (970) 226-5533
Other transportation options include:
-Bus from Union Station in Denver ($45): Bustang
-Rental cars: Enterprise, Budget, Hertz
-Rideshare: Lyft or Uber
Accommodations
The Elizabeth Hotel
111 Chestnut St.
CSU discount Rate
Hilton, Fort Collins
425 W Prospect Rd.
CSU discount rate
The Buxton Hotel
914 S College Ave.
Call for CSU rates:
970-484-2984
Questions? Get in touch
Email margaret.morgan@colostate.edu with questions or fill out the form below: