Dr. Ravi Teja Neelipally attended the 81st Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) International Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. He presented on “Building Functional Organic Grain Systems Under Southeastern Conditions,” highlighting lessons from organic grain research at the University of Tennessee.

The presentation explored how organic cropping systems can be designed to better respond to the variable weather, narrow management windows, and production challenges of the Southeast. Drawing from completed and ongoing research, Ravi discussed strategies such as flexible crop rotations, cover crop and residue management, reduced soil disturbance, and preventive approaches to weed control and crop establishment.

The conference also marked another professional milestone as Ravi received a certificate of recognition for his participation in the 2026 SWCS Emerging Leaders Program. Through the program, he participated in professional development, networking, and leadership activities with other early-career conservation professionals from across the country.