Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - April 2026
Developments
Kansas Livestock Association officers and staff were in Washington, DC, last week to participate in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Legislative Conference. NCBA state affiliates from across the country attended the event and shared beef industry priorities with their respective congressional delegations. KLA President Ty Breeden led the KLA contingent and the discussion with each member of the Kansas congressional delegation. He highlighted the labor challenges facing Kansas livestock producers and the importance of Congress capitalizing on the secure border by passing legislation to address the current workforce. The group advocated for key reforms to the H-2A guest worker program that would help livestock operations. Breeden also asked for changes to the Conservation Reserve Program to promote grazing, including the opportunity to install grazing infrastructure, noting additional access would support cowherd expansion. In addition to Breeden, the KLA group included President-elect Jeff George of Garden City, KS; Immediate Past President Troy Sander from Oklahoma City, OK; Cattle Feeders Council Chair Tod Kalous of Pratt, KS; and Stockgrowers Council Chair Rossie Stephens from Grinnell, KS. Source: Kansas Livestock Association, April 27, 2026
The U.S. House Committee on Rules announced it will consider the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 – referred to as Farm Bill 2.0 – beginning April 27, meaning the amendment process officially is open. Rep. Jim Costa of California submitted an amendment to strike Section 12006, the language that would protect livestock producers from California’s Proposition 12, which prohibits the sale of pork, veal and eggs produced from animals not housed according to the state’s arbitrary requirements. Striking the section would allow future state ballot initiatives to control interstate commerce and dictate how food animals in other states are raised. KLA and NCBA support the existing language in Section 12006, as it corrects a dangerous precedent that could harm cattle producers. The two organizations joined other livestock industry groups in submitting a letter to House leadership outlining the devastating impacts of states requiring arbitrary housing and husbandry standards on other states’ farms and ranches. The effort is being led by the National Pork Producers Council. Source: Kansas Livestock Association, April 27, 2026
Historically, Missouri’s cold winters have reduced tick populations. But over the last 10 years winters have become milder in the state as average wintertime temperature has been warmer. “These shifts are contributing to increased tick encounters and a growing risk of tick-borne diseases, including alpha-gal syndrome, across the state,” says University of Missouri Extension urban entomologist Emily Althoff. For Missouri producers and outdoor enthusiasts, the most noticeable change may be that tick season starts earlier and lasts longer. Ticks are not only a human health issue, says MU Extension state veterinarian Craig Payne. “Heavy tick infestations can reduce weight gain in cattle, transmit diseases, and increase veterinary costs. Dogs that accompany farmers, hunters or hikers are also at risk and can bring ticks into homes and vehicles.”
USDA’s Rural Development Kansas State director Gimmie Jo Jansonius announced that the agency is investing $11,018,000 to modernize critical water infrastructure in rural communities across Kansas. “Upgrading the infrastructure for community water systems will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,” said Jansonius. “USDA and the Trump Administration are dedicated to rural communities through long-term commitments to economic prosperity; because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.” USDA is making this $11 million investment through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality and environment of rural America. For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit USDA’s Rural Data Gateway: https://www.rd.usda.gov/rural-data-gateway.
Six students from National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan visited Manhattan, KS, March 28 through April 4, 2026, as part of a bilateral student exchange program focused on Kansas agriculture and trade with Taiwan. The students were selected by their university based on their exceptional leadership and communication skills and interest in agriculture. “This exchange strengthens the relationship between Kansas and Taiwan while building a global understanding of agriculture,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, Director of the Ag Marketing Division at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “We are grateful to the hosts who made the students feel welcome and helped create lasting connections.” The trip was coordinated by KDA and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver, Colorado. The trip was sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, K-State College of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Agriculture. In 2025, Kansas exported $210 million in agricultural products to Taiwan, its fifth-largest trading partner.
EPA Region 7 issued a final Underground Injection Control Class VI well permit to PureField Carbon Capture, LLC, near the city of Russell, Kansas. It is the first Class VI well permit in Kansas and across Region 7’s four Heartland states. Class VI wells inject carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep rock formations for long-term storage. This injection process is also called geologic sequestration. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA has authority to protect underground sources of drinking water and make permitting decisions based on underlying geology. “This permit exemplifies EPA’s support of domestic energy production and unleashing American energy dominance,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. “We’ll continue to advance projects that grow rural economies while fulfilling the agency’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment.”
Farmer sentiment improved in March as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose from 116 points in February to 127. The Current Conditions Index increased by 6 points, while the Future Expectations Index increased 14 points. The Future Expectations Index this month was still 12 points below last December’s index, and 16 points below last year’s March index. The percentage of respondents, who cited high input costs as their biggest concern, increased from 44% to 46% this month. However, the percentage of respondents who think the U.S. is headed in the “right direction” and who expect land prices to be higher five years from now also increased. The March barometer survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the nation from March 16-20, 2026.
Pasco, WA-based Ecorobotix has announced that its flagship product, the ARA Ultra-High Precision Sprayer, is now being assembled for the U.S. market in Lyons, Kansas, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across North America. The sprayers will be assembled in partnership with KMW, a Kansas-based manufacturer with extensive experience supporting original equipment manufacturers through precision manufacturing and equipment assembly. The collaboration allows Ecorobotix to strengthen its U.S. supply chain while enabling Ecorobotix to adapt its technology more efficiently for U.S. production regions and specialty crop growers. The expansion will create more than 80 new jobs in the United States, adding to the company’s existing US team of 40 and strengthening the Ecorobotix global workforce of more than 300 employees. “Over the next three years, Ecorobotix will invest $50 million to expand U.S. operations and deliver our Swiss-engineered ultra-high precision agriculture technology to American farmers,” said Dominique Mégret, CEO of Ecorobotix. “Assembling the ARA in Kansas strengthens our commitment to the U.S. market and allows us to work closely with American partners to ensure our technology meets the needs of growers across the country.”
Some Kansas farmers have chosen to plant more acres of soybeans this year and fewer acres of corn. The swap happened amid shifting commodity prices and input costs. U.S. crop producers were expected to plant about 3.5 million fewer acres of corn and about 3.5 million more acres of soybeans in the 2026-27 cycle, according to the USDA.
Following a $900 billion surge in growth over the past year, the U.S. food and agriculture industry continues to serve as a primary engine for national commerce, trade, and local economic stability across every state, according to a new study. Feeding the Economy Report notes that close to one in every three jobs nationwide is tied to food and agriculture. Agriculture supports about 49 million jobs, which is about 30% of total U.S. employment. “Although less than 2% of the jobs are on the farm,” said FER, “when you add food manufacturing, wholesale and retail, that adds another 24 million jobs, or about 15% of the workforce”. Annually, FER measures the downstream, off-the-farm economic impact of U.S. agriculture. Danny Munch, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the report tracks three layers of impact. “When you combine those layers, ag supports about $10.4 trillion in economic output, or about one-fifth of the entire U.S. economy,” Munch said on the Newsline Podcast. Source: Jennifer Shike, The Scoop, March 31
Interest is growing in corn-based bioproducts, and a recently introduced bill could boost the development and production of bioproducts and build corn demand, according to the Kansas Corn Growers Association. Congressional representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) and Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) introduced H.R. 8137 the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act to incentivize the production of biobased chemicals and materials, which will create new markets for American farmers. KCGA and the National Corn Growers Association are working closely with Congress and a coalition of organizations to support and expand the ag bioeconomy. The Kansas Corn Commission invests in the development of new uses for corn through biomanufacturing. Kansas Corn Commissioner Chad Epler said the bill would help the growth of biomanufacturing efforts creating potential markets for corn and other ag products. Epler serves as chair of NCGA’s Research and New Uses Action Team.
Pioneer®, the flagship seed brand of Corteva, recently commemorated 100 years of innovation and global agricultural leadership at an event at the Corteva Global Seed Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. Founded a century ago by former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace, Pioneer was the first to produce hybrid corn at scale – a groundbreaking innovation that contributed to average corn yields in the U.S. increasing by nearly 600%, revolutionizing American agriculture and the American farm economy. That tradition continues: today, Pioneer is the No. 1 corn and soybean brand in the U.S. by market share and has world-record-breaking yield performance in corn, soybeans and dryland sorghum. “Farming is the beating heart of this country, and we could not be prouder to have worked alongside farmers for the past century to feed and fuel it,” said Executive Vice President, Seed Business, Judd O’Connor. “Innovation has always been part of the story of agriculture – from hybrid corn in 1926 to new hybrid wheat technology today – and Pioneer, as its name suggests, has always been at the leading edge of innovation. And with tools like gene editing on the horizon, we know that after the remarkable past century, Pioneer is only just getting started.”
Events
Trends in animal rights movement activity will be front and center at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2026 Stakeholders Summit. The event, set for May 5-7 in Kansas City, Missouri, is themed “High Steaks: Navigating Pressure on Animal Protein.” Registration for the in-person event is open through May 1. By popular demand, a recording-only pass is now available for those unable to attend live. Check the Summit website for the most up-to-date information. For general questions about the Summit, email summit@animalagalliance.org or call (703) 562-5160. “Monitoring the activities of adversarial groups remains at the forefront of the Alliance’s work,” said Abby Kornegay, director, issues and engagement. “Part of this includes sharing key findings and insights to keep agriculture stakeholders informed – and there’s no better place to learn more than the annual Summit.” When farms are targeted by physical intrusions, cyber incidents, or viral misinformation, the impact can be immediate and overwhelming. Through candid discussion, the session will explore how awareness, decisive leadership, and coordinated response can turn moments of disruption into resilience, equipping attendees with practical insights to recognize threats early, respond effectively, and rebuild trust across their operations and communities.
Most beef cattle operations in Missouri develop and breed their own heifers rather than purchase bred replacements. Because replacement females represent one of the largest costs in producing a calf, choosing and managing the right ones is critical for long-term herd success. “Many of us are thinking about expanding the size of our herd to capitalize on this period of high calf prices. Unfortunately, that means keeping back or purchasing some pretty pricey heifers,” said Jordan Thomas, beef reproductive physiologist in the University of Missouri Division of Animal Sciences. Thomas is one of the presenters at Retain With Intention: Building a Better Missouri Cow Herd, May 5–6 in Columbia. During the program, Thomas and fellow MU Extension specialists will provide tools to help producers identify, develop, and manage females that remain productive in the herd. They will highlight ways to evaluate heifers for retention and share management strategies that support efficient reproduction and long-term fertility. Register by April 28 at https://pears.io/events/mu/5052.
Kansas Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its annual Agricultural Reporting Awards, recognizing the important contributions of print and broadcast journalists in portraying the stories of Kansas farmers and ranchers. “We want to recognize the outstanding ag reporting produced every year in Kansas,” KFB’s Greg Doering said. “We know journalists do great work in telling the stories of Kansas farmers and ranchers, and we want to highlight work that really showcases what goes into growing our food.” To be eligible, journalists must cover agriculture in Kansas, be published or aired with byline or credit in a professional capacity between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Journalists may submit entries to https://form.jotform.com/260766484952167. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, June 19. A panel of Farm Bureau members and KFB staff will judge entries. Winners will be announced at KFB’s 2026 annual meeting December 5-7 in Manhattan.
Foote Cattle Company, Manhattan, Kansas, is hosting an afternoon of learning and an evening to connect with industry peers. The Beef Quality Assurance training will take place May 7, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a program and dinner at 5 p.m. Backed by the latest science and industry expertise, BQA provides practical guidance to help protect cattle well-being, beef quality and producer investment. More than a certification, it serves as a commitment to continuous improvement for farmers and ranchers working to raise high-quality beef the right way. The training will be led by Dr. Dan Thomson, Ph.D., DVM, Production Animal Consultation. Thomson will cover core BQA principles and key areas for improvement within the industry. After the BQA training, certification documents will be presented, followed by a Certified Angus Beef ® steak dinner and comments from special guest Chris Klieman, retired K-State football coach. Glynn Tonsor, Ph.D., Kansas State University, will share a beef demand update to help cattlemen navigate current market dynamics. RSVP online at www.CABcattle.com/raisedwithrespect/.
Rodeo action takes place April 30-May 2, 2026, at the American Royal Complex. Top cowgirls and cowboys from across the nation will compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and the fan-favorite mutton busting. There will be theme parties before each performance and live music in the Tailgate Beer Garden after the rodeo. The Tailgate Beer Garden is free and open to the public.
Thursday & Friday | 5:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday | 4:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
There also will be live music after the rodeo at 9:00 p.m. each night in the Tailgate Beer Garden. Free admission!
Thursday | Sons of Sterling
Friday | Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders
Saturday | Bull Haulers
The American Royal is also hosting a Kentucky Derby Watch Party on Saturday, May 2, at 4:00 p.m. Staffers at the Royal remind: “Wear your best hat for the hat contest; enjoy mint juleps and food from local food trucks.” There will be fun and games for everyone as you watch coverage from the Kentucky Derby. Post time is 5:57 p.m. Just in time to head into the rodeo, when doors open at 6:00 p.m.
People
North Dakota State University has named Marshall Stewart its 16th president, following selection by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. Stewart will assume the role on May 28, succeeding Interim President Rick Berg. Stewart currently serves as executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff at Kansas State University, where he leads statewide engagement, government relations, economic development partnerships, fundraising strategy and service to constituents across Kansas. His career reflects a consistent focus on student-centered leadership, land-grant mission delivery, and building trust-based partnerships across campus and community.“North Dakota State University has a strong foundation, a clear mission and a deep connection to the people it serves,” Stewart said. “NDSU’s impact is felt across the state and beyond, and I am honored by the opportunity to work alongside students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners to build on that legacy while positioning the university for the future.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently announced several appointments to state boards, councils, a commission, and a committee. Included among those were five appointments to the Kansas Animal Health Board. Kevin Schultz, Brandon Depenbusch, Ryan Arndt, Wade Taylor and Melissa Hildebrand-Reed were all reappointed to the board. The Kansas Animal Health Board consists of nine members who serve in an advisory capacity to assist the animal health commissioner in determining policies and plans relating to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health.
The USDA Farm Service Agency recently announced the appointment of five leaders in agriculture to serve on the Missouri USDA Farm Service Agency. Members of the FSA state committee, appointed by USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders and keeping producers informed about current FSA programs. Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. The following individuals were appointed to serve on the Missouri committee:
Robin Wenneker, Chair (Columbia) – Wenneker is an agricultural landowner and managing partner with more than 25 years of experience overseeing row crop, pasture, and conservation acres across multiple counties. She has extensive statewide leadership experience through her roles with the University of Missouri, the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, and Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow.
Neal Bredehoeft, Member (Alma) – Bredehoeft is a lifelong row crop producer and co-owner of a century-old family farm that grows soybeans and corn across Lafayette and Saline Counties. He has decades of experience in crop production, farm management, and producer-focused stewardship efforts, and served on state and national soybean boards.
Barry Kagay, Member (Amity) – For more than 40 years, Kagay oversaw all aspects of crop planning, financial management, operations, and long-term stewardship. He brings extensive experience with USDA and FSA programs and a strong record of agricultural and community leadership.
Kate Lambert, Member (Laclede) – Lambert is a row crop and livestock producer who helps operate a diversified family farm raising crops, commercial cattle and registered Dorper and White Dorper sheep, along with seasonal agritourism enterprises.
Josh Worthington, Member (Dadeville) – Worthington is a first-generation Angus breeder who leads a performance-focused breeding program serving commercial and registered producers. He was named “National Young Breeder of the Year” by the American Angus Association in 2025.
Kansas Sorghum has hired Sanders Williams as Director of Emerging Markets. Williams began serving in her role this month. Her responsibilities include maintaining strong connections to Kansas farmers enrolled in National Sorghum Producers’ Advancing Markets for Producers initiative and other special projects related to sorghum market development programs. Williams graduated from K-State in 2023 with a major in Agricultural Economics with a pre-law focus. After graduation, she worked at the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification. Most recently, Williams has worked for National Sorghum Producers as a Conservation Implementation Specialist since 2023.