Field Day
2025

Save The Date July 18, 2026

Join us for our annual Grain Place Foundation Field Day on Saturday, July 18th – a day of learning, inspiration, and community.

The event will start with a guided tour of our regenerative organic farm and grain processing plant to see firsthand how we prioritize healthy soil and healthy food at the Grain Place.

Then, we’ll head to a local venue for an engaging afternoon program featuring a keynote presentation by The Director of Science and Stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, Chris Helzer, followed by a panel discussion, and a delicious farm-to-table lunch made with organic ingredients.

More Info to Come Soon

We look forward to welcoming you! The event runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Morning tours: 1904 N. Hwy 14, Marquette, NE 68854  |  8:00 – 11:00am
Afternoon program: 2211 Q St, Aurora, NE 68818  |  11:30am – 4:00pm

Feel free to attend only the morning tours, just the afternoon program, or both.

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Chris Helzer

Chris Helzer is Director of Science and Stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, where he conducts research and supervises the Conservancy’s preserve stewardship program. He also helps develop, test, and share prairie management and restoration strategies.

Chris is also dedicated to raising awareness about the value of prairies through his photography, writing and presentations. He is the author of The Prairie Ecologist blog, and two books: The Ecology and Management of Prairies and Hidden Prairie: Photographing Life in One Square Meter. He is also a frequent contributor to NEBRASKAland magazine and other publications. Chris and his family live in Aurora, Nebraska.

Become a Sponsor

We are currently seeking additional Sponsors for Field Day 2026. Your donations support not only the Field Day event, but enable the ongoing work of the Grain Place Foundation.

Become a Sponsor

Meet the Chef

Farm to table lunch prepared by Chef John Boeder at The Leadership Center

JohnBoeder

Executive Chef

As the Executive Chef at The Leadership Center in Aurora, Nebraska, I’ve turned a lifelong love of food into a mission of connection and hospitality. My passion started in the kitchen with my family and has grown through years of hands-on experience, learning alongside talented professionals and always staying curious.

At The Leadership Center, I lead a dedicated culinary team that prepares meals for groups ranging from 10 to over 500 guests. We cater across the state and serve communities through our food truck, bringing quality meals to people from all walks of life.

Teaching is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. I work with students in the kitchen on everything from candy and chocolate making to smoking meats and baking thousands of Christmas cookies. I’ve led hands-on classes in cake decorating, candy-making, and even sushi rolling. We’re committed to ensuring every guest is well-fed, including those with special dietary needs—because everyone deserves a meal that tastes great and meets their needs.

I believe a good meal can do more than satisfy hunger—it can build community, spark conversation, and create lasting memories. “Creating Moments that Matter”

Lodging is available at The Leadership Center, a premier conference and retreat center located in Aurora, Nebraska.

Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)

Field Day is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP)
Transition to Organic Partnership Program