Electric lines skirt soybean fields along Highway 94, bringing electricity to rural communities throughout the Missouri River bottoms.
Big ideas and insightful conversations are on the agenda for the upcoming Governor’s Conference on Natural Resources. Government and industry leaders from across the state will gather this fall to explore the complexities and long-term trajectory of Missouri’s agriculture, energy and critical mineral sectors, and provide updates on Missouri’s state parks and historic sites.
Set for Nov. 16-17, 2026, at the White River Conference Center in Springfield, the conference will highlight the important connection between government and industry, illustrating that stewardship and economic growth go hand-in-hand.
The conference will bring together key voices from government agencies, industry experts and stakeholders to share ideas and discuss the crossroads between managing Missouri’s natural resources and supporting economic growth.
Attendees can expect engaging panel discussions, interesting presentations and a lively exchange of ideas that highlight new challenges, innovative ideas and partnership, along with opportunities to connect with other attendees during an evening networking reception.
Leaders from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will host a hot-topics panel discussion to share their vision and priorities for the future, and answer participants’ questions about where the department is going and how it will get there.
Agriculture sessions will touch on topics that explore the intersection of priorities between the department and various agriculture groups, protecting water resources in Missouri, and examining the impacts of increased electricity demands on our rural communities. Ag leaders will be on hand to highlight the successful collaboration among state and federal leaders, commodity groups, local organizations and cooperatives.
Energy experts will provide the latest on the state energy plan along with an overview of Missouri’s energy landscape, from the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s electrical grid to exploring emerging trends and the growing demand for reliable, sustainable power sources across the nation.
Critical mineral conversations will feature geological experts and showcase how Missouri is well suited to lead the nation in all facets of critical mineral development. Missouri is home to 36 of the 60 mineral commodities identified by USGS as critical to the national economy and security, and topics of discussion will touch on exploration, extraction, processing, manufacturing, energy and workforce development.
Department geologists will be on hand to present information about the new Missouri Hydrology Information Center and its efforts to help forecast and mitigate flooding impacts and dangers. They will also share information about Missouri’s geohazard risks, including sinkholes, earthquakes, historic mine shafts and aging dam infrastructure.
Communities interested in financing for critical water infrastructure will learn how the department assists communities in securing funding. Two recent funding recipients will share their project experience and how the department supported their success.
The department’s Division of Missouri State Parks will provide updates on the state parks system and how all Missourians benefits from our state’s unique Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. Park specialists will recount the process of planning, restoring and developing the new Shepherd of the Hills State Park in Taney County.
Governor Mike Kehoe has long shared his vision of a balanced approach to natural resource management for Missouri. While recognizing that Missouri’s natural resources are among our state’s greatest assets, his administration has supported responsibly managing these resources while also supporting the farmers, ranchers, businesses and communities that depend on them.
For more information or to register to attend the Governor’s Conference on Natural Resources, visit the Governor’s Conference on Natural Resources webpage.
