Kansas and Missouri Ag Leaders Address Key Concerns
Lindsey Patterson Smith, director of the Patterson Family Foundation and the American Royal Association, opened the June Agricultural Business Council’s annual state-of-the-ag-departments in Kansas and Missouri. She hinted there is “something evolving” in the two states’ ag industry sector that was “not just about building a bigger barn.” She said it is about creating a culture and community built on “connections and cooperation among all enterprises, institutions and associations.”
Both state agriculture leaders – Chris Chinn of Missouri, and Mike Beam of Kansas – noted the two states are always in touch. Especially when the reintroduction of the New World Screwworm fly is threatening livestock not only in Missouri and Kansas, but nationwide, said Chinn. “Kansas and Missouri are on the same page,” Beam added. Both Chinn and Beam endorsed Patterson-Smith’s call for tighter bonds between agriculture and other industries. But it’s not enough to bring businesses to the state, Beam said. “We have to support them.” Chinn reiterated what she often notes: “Getting Missouri and Kansas together is a good thing.” Together, Missouri and Kansas account for nearly 9% of total U.S. agricultural production, second only to California’s at roughly 12%.
Among the usual challenges agriculture directors face each year – weather, disease outbreaks, input costs, market conditions – Directors Chinn and Beam this year and next have to address and manage the demands, changes and inquiries about agriculture from new governors and legislators. Missouri Governor Kehoe took office earlier this year and a new governor for Kansas will be sworn in early next year. That means both directors and their departments have to hustle to provide comprehensive documents and summaries of their operations, as well as descriptions and proposals for future needs.
As for the near term outlook for agriculture in Missouri and Kansas, Chinn and Beam leaned toward optimism. Missouri’s ag sector is projected to be strong in 2026-2027, if stable government payments remain in place and gains for selective crop and livestock production continue. Job growth is expected. The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center estimates Missouri’s net farm income will be only modestly lower in 2026 than in 2025.
Kansas farmers can expect tighter margins this year, but could see improved margins in 2027. Beam noted that Kansas is pushing for year-round E-15 legislation. He also said Kansas will continue monitoring for foreign animal diseases through strict livestock import regulations. He also said he would like to see broader implementation of animal disease traceability technologies.