CURTIS, Neb. — More than 35 secondary agricultural educators from Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado gathered July 7–10 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis for the 2026 Tri-State DELTA Conference, a premier professional development event designed to strengthen teaching, leadership, and innovation in school-based agricultural education.
Hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication (ALEC), the Kansas Department of Education and the Colorado Community Colleges, the annual conference provides educators with practical strategies, collaborative learning opportunities, and meaningful professional connections that enhance student learning and support long-term teacher success. Significant funding was also provided by the Nebraska FFA Foundation and the Kansas FFA Foundation.
Throughout the four-day conference, participants engaged in hands-on workshops, keynote presentations, instructional breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on innovative teaching practices, student engagement, leadership development, agricultural technology, and program excellence.
“The Tri-State DELTA Conference is about investing in the people who invest in students every day,” said Stacie Turnbull, Lecturer in UNL’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. “Agricultural educators wear many hats—as classroom teachers, FFA advisors, and community leaders. DELTA provides them with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a network of colleagues who understand both the opportunities and challenges of the profession.”
A hallmark of the conference is its emphasis on collaboration across state lines. While learning from national leaders in agriculture education, teachers from Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado also exchanged ideas, shared successful classroom practices, and explored innovative approaches to preparing students for careers in agriculture, food and natural resources. Participants walk away from the Delta Conference competent and capable to articulate to peers and partners how they engage students in the classroom, how they teach leadership to all students, and how their program is a vital component to the school and community. Each participant will create his or her own personal and professional influence plan before they depart the training.
For many participants, the greatest value came from learning alongside fellow educators facing similar challenges.
“Tri-State DELTA Conference is an experience unlike any other. It has reinforced familiar concepts while simultaneously opening my eyes to new ways of teaching and thinking. DELTA has changed my perspective and shifted my mindset forever.” Elizabeth Sturgis, Girard FFA Chapter, Kansas
Sessions throughout the conference highlighted instructional innovation, creating effective lessons, and strategies for creating engaging learning environments. Participants provide and accept feedback on their teaching throughout the Conference.
“The strength of agricultural education has always been educators who are committed to continuous improvement, in themselves and their students,” Turnbull said. “When teachers continue to grow professionally, students benefit. Conferences like DELTA help ensure that agricultural education programs remain relevant, innovative, and responsive to the needs of today’s learners.”
“Having the Delta Conference on our campus is one of the highlights of the summer. Agricultural educators are shaping the future of our industry every day, and we’re honored to provide a place where they can learn, collaborate, and grow together. Strong partnerships with high school ag teachers are incredibly important to NCTA, and we look forward to continuing to support the outstanding work they do for students and their communities.” Dr. Jennifer McConville, Associate Dean for Academic Innovation, Learner Success, and Career Pathways, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
The conference also reflects the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s land-grant mission by expanding educational opportunities, strengthening partnerships across the region, and supporting educators who prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders and skilled professionals.
Since its inception, Tri-State DELTA Conferences have become a valued regional collaboration that brings together agricultural educators to learn from one another, share best practices, and return home equipped to make an immediate impact in their schools and communities.
The 2026 Tri-State conference was made possible through partnerships among the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, the Kansas Department of Education, the Kansas FFA Foundation, the Colorado Community College System, and additional sponsors committed to advancing agricultural education across the region.
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