Ag Business Council Recognizes 2026 Young Leaders in Agribusiness
KANSAS CITY, MO – The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City is proud to announce the selection of four individuals as its 2026 Young Leaders in Agribusiness.
The Young Leaders in Agribusiness program recognizes emerging professionals who are making significant contributions to their organizations and the broader agricultural industry while demonstrating exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to advancing agriculture.
“We are proud to recognize these outstanding professionals for their achievements and leadership potential,” said Kristie Larson, Chair of the Agricultural Business Council and Strategic Relationship Manager for The DeBruce Foundation. “Agriculture depends on talented leaders who are willing to innovate, collaborate, and serve. This year's honorees are already making meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have on the future of our industry.”
The 2026 Young Leaders in Agribusiness are:
Dr. Garret Ashabranner
Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions Program Manager, Kansas State University Olathe
Dr. Ashabranner serves as Program Manager for the Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS) program at Kansas State University Olathe, a partnership with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). He oversees scientific evaluations of new animal food ingredients and coordinates a nationwide network of subject matter experts supporting ingredient review and regulatory science initiatives. Prior to joining K-State Olathe, he served with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. He is recognized for advancing science-based regulatory innovation, mentoring future professionals, and strengthening animal food ingredient science.
Dr. Garret Ashabranner
Morgan Attaria
Senior Manager, DFA Risk Management, Dairy Farmers of America
Morgan Attaria serves as Senior Manager of DFA Risk Management at Dairy Farmers of America, where she leads initiatives focused on operational effectiveness, risk management programs, and farmer-owner service. During her ten-year career with DFA, she has advanced through a variety of leadership roles spanning producer education, commercial risk management, and operations. Morgan is recognized for her people-first leadership style, commitment to mentorship, and contributions to programs and strategies that support dairy farmer-owners, processing operations, and customers.
Morgan Attaria
Dr. Logan Britton
Associate Professor, Kansas State University
Dr. Britton is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, where he teaches and mentors students pursuing careers in agribusiness, agricultural finance, logistics, and supply chain management. Since joining the faculty in 2020, he has taught more than 1,100 undergraduate and 50 graduate students while leading applied research focused on consumer behavior, food and agricultural supply chains, and emerging technologies. His work has secured nearly $4 million in funded projects and earned national recognition for excellence in teaching, advising, and leadership.
Dr. Logan Britton
Pete Oppliger
Senior Principal Production Engineer, Bayer Crop Science
Pete Oppliger is a Senior Principal Production Engineer with Bayer Crop Science, where he supports manufacturing operations and optimization efforts for key crop protection products. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of engineering and operational leadership roles, including supporting the successful start-up of a new manufacturing process in Germany. A licensed Professional Engineer, Pete is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to operational excellence, and community involvement. He is also known for his willingness to take on new challenges and support evolving business needs across Bayer's manufacturing operations.
Pete Oppliger
The 2026 Young Leaders in Agribusiness will be formally recognized during the Agricultural Business Council’s Summer Social on July 16, 2026, at the American Royal in Kansas City.
The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City represents more than 700 leaders from across the food and agribusiness value chain. Agribusiness remains a cornerstone of the Kansas City regional economy, accounting for approximately 8 percent of the workforce and 22 percent of the region’s gross regional product.
For more information, including photos of the 2026 Young Leaders class, visit www.agbizkc.com/news or contact Zach Helder at zach.helder@agbizkc.com.
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