Latest News & Updates in KC Agriculture - August 2026
DEVELOPMENTS
American Farm Bureau Federation economists are saying that President Trump’s plan to facilitate record imports of beef will have a significant impact on farmers and ranchers who are rebuilding their herds devastated by drought. The administration announced last week plans to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef over a 90-day period in an attempt to ease record-high ground beef prices. But AFBF says timing could work against ranchers who are deciding whether to expand their herds. It’s estimated that 70% of spring-born calves are sold between September and November, which fall within the increased import window. A glut of foreign-raised beef could drive down prices paid to ranchers at a time when critical farm business decisions are made. In a letter to the president, AFBF’s chief Zippy Duvall wrote, “Bringing down the price of cattle will not bring the price of beef down for American families. Instead, it will discourage American farmers and ranchers from making long-term investments in herd rebuilding, extending the cycle of tight cattle supplies, high production costs and elevated beef prices for consumers. To put it simply, allowing 300,000 metric tons – equivalent to more than 660 million pounds – of foreign beef into the United States at a 25% discount below market prices will undermine America’s ranchers who work tirelessly to grow food for American families.”
The Kansas Department of Agriculture hosted nearly 300 Kansas farmers, ranchers, business owners, educators, leaders, and policymakers at the 11th annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on August 20 in Manhattan. The focus of the day was Transportation in Kansas Agriculture, and the program offered a variety of perspectives on the ways in which transportation and infrastructure have an impact on the supply chain. Discussions also emphasized the importance of partnerships across the many sectors, agencies and organizations that work together to address the concerns facing the future of agriculture. “The Ag Summit puts all Kansas industries and commodities in one room, and past discussions have highlighted the shared needs across these varied sectors of agriculture,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “Transportation is one of those shared needs. Addressing that challenge will take continued collaboration among all of our partners.” Governor Laura Kelly ended the day by challenging attendees. “Our agricultural industry is powerful and it is resilient. It is innovative. And it is absolutely essential to the very being of our state,” she said. “You are the leaders who will determine what our state looks like in 10, 20, 50 years. Keep pushing, keep innovating, keep working together.” For more about the 2026 Kansas Ag Growth Summit and the full Ag Growth Project—including information from previous Ag Growth Summits — go to the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit.
Earlier this year Dairy Farmers of America was awarded up to $46 million from USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers program — an investment designed to open new market pathways, help farmer-owners stay competitive, and support practices for the farm that can strengthen long-term profitability and resiliency. This grant is especially meaningful for small farms, many of which are interested in conservation practices and can benefit from additional resources to make implementation more accessible. By designating funding to support conservation practices on farms, USDA is helping remove barriers and opening the door for more producers to participate in stewardship efforts they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue. “We’re excited to see the federal government make this kind of meaningful investment in farms at a time when milk prices are especially challenging,” said Hansel New, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability Strategy and Programs, Dairy Farmers of America.
Tyson Foods is making strategic changes to its beef operations to position the company for long-term success. Tyson Foods will anchor its beef business around three strategically located beef facilities in the central United States: Dakota City, Neb.; Holcomb, Kan.; and Amarillo, Texas, to create a more competitive footprint amidst one of the most historic cattle shortages the country has ever experienced. Recent USDA cattle inventory data, which included continued evidence of limited heifer retention, indicates these supply constraints are likely to persist, requiring strategic action. The company will end operations at its Joslin, Ill., beef facility and its Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility.
The Kansas Beef Council recently partnered with K-State Extension to support food preservation trainings in Riley and Cowley counties, reimbursing the cost of beef used and providing culinary education resources. The two sessions reached 28 participants. By investing in both community education and professional development, Kansas beef producers are helping expand access to science-based food preservation training. The effort encourages more Kansans to confidently preserve, prepare and enjoy beef, whether they are stocking a pantry or teaching others to do the same. For more information on how checkoff dollars are used in Kansas, go to www.kansasbeef.org.
Fort Worth-based Ranchbot, a growing U.S. ranch technology company, has raised over $15 million to invest in the future of American ranching. The company will use the capital to grow its U.S. team, keep improving the tools ranchers already rely on, build new technology for the wider ranch and team up with other companies producers trust. Ranchbot supports more than 12,000 customers who manage around 10 million beef cattle and 15 million sheep across North America, Australia and other markets. Its platform uses rugged, field-proven sensors and near real-time satellite connectivity, so producers can check water levels, rainfall and infrastructure right from their phone regardless of how remote their ranch is. Kansas City-based Fulcrum Global Capital participated in the investment round and is proud to support Ranchbot as the company expands its technology and reach across the U.S. ranching industry. "This is an important milestone for our company and our dedicated team, who have spent more than a decade building solutions for the ranching and farming communities of the United States and Australia," said Andrew Coppin, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ranchbot. "This investment lets us do even more for our customers — more people on the ground, better hardware and software, and tools that work in the real world. Together with our investors, we're investing in the future of ranching."
After years of speculation about artificial intelligence’s potential in agriculture, the industry has quietly crossed a threshold. The question is no longer whether AI will matter to ag retail — it’s how to make it matter. And according to a group of agribusiness leaders who gathered here July 20-22 at Tech Hub LIVE 2026, that answer has less to do with technology and everything to do with workflow. “The organizations creating the most value with AI aren’t simply adopting new technology, they’re changing how they work,” said Tami Craig Schilling, founder-adviser of DeepRoot Strategies LLC, who led a workshop at the conference. “Farmers don’t buy technology. They buy confidence.” Schilling was joined by Ben Sloan, vice president of transportation management at Ever.Ag, and Mike Roudi, co-founder and CEO of Emergent Connext, in a session that drew ag retail leaders and a handful of AgTech startups from across the industry. The workshop, part of the AI pre-conference spearheaded by Meister Media Worldwide’s Amy Reddington, show director, explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping ag retail operations.
USDA announced that six additional meat and poultry companies have adopted its voluntary Product of USA label to help consumers easily identify products that are truly born, raised, harvested and processed in the United States. “The Product of the USA label is a win for American farmers, ranchers, processors and consumers alike, and we are continuing to see companies respond to this demand,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, Arkansas City, Kansas, is among the six. The Product of USA initiative also complements USDA’s Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers Program, a $500 million investment to help eligible small- and mid-sized beef processors preserve and expand domestic processing capacity.
National FFA Organization continues its record-setting growth with yet another increase in membership over last year. The nationally recognized school-based student leadership development organization recorded 1,053,847 student members during the 2025-2026 school year in 9,591 active student chapters. These members live in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Seeing FFA continue to grow is a powerful reminder that students everywhere are looking for opportunities to lead, build meaningful skills and prepare for their futures,” said Scott Stump, CEO of the National FFA Organization.
After three consecutive months of decline, farmer sentiment rebounded as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reported an increase of 13 points in July to 126. The Current Conditions Index increased 20 points to 122, while the Future Expectations Index rose 11 points to 129. High input costs remained producers’ top concern, with 46% identifying them as the biggest challenge facing their operation. When asked about the biggest challenge to success over the next five to 10 years, 30% of respondents cited crop or livestock prices. The survey was conducted among 405 farmers across the nation from July 13-17. “Stronger crop prices during the survey period likely contributed to the improvement we observed in both farmer sentiment and the Farm Capital Investment Index,” said Michael Langemeier, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall has expressed deep disappointment in the failure of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to advance a farm bill. He called on senators to return to the negotiating table for the sake of rural communities across America. “We are deeply disappointed that senators failed to advance a farm bill today,” said Duvall. “At a time when farmers, ranchers and rural communities across the country are facing multiyear losses, the need for a strong, bipartisan farm bill, one that included the long-awaited year-round E15, has never been greater. We appreciate the efforts of Chairman Boozman and members who supported the bill and urge them not to give up. An overwhelming majority of Americans recognize that the farm bill is a matter of national security to ensure we continue to have a safe and abundant food supply. In fact, most Americans say they would be more likely to support a member of Congress who votes to reauthorize the farm bill, which makes the current gridlock even more puzzling.”
Bayer is changing its go-to-market approach for branded crop protection and seed products, with Simplot Grower Solutions set to exit distribution and retail sales of Bayer-branded products beginning with the 2027 season. “As farmers’ needs continue to shift, Bayer actively works with our dealer network to ensure we collectively provide the value customers deserve,” a Bayer spokesperson said. “Bayer’s relationship with Simplot will be evolving beginning with the 2027 season. We look to continue working with Simplot in new ways moving forward.”
A recent article by Project for Public Spaces told the story of three communities where farmers markets became more than a place to shop. They are hubs for connection. These stories demonstrate how farmers markets benefit communities beyond connecting people to local farmers and nutritious food. Recently, a team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Farmers Market Coalition has been exploring similar themes through a national survey. The results show real data behind the community benefits of farmers markets that many of us personally witness or experience. Here’s what they found: the more often people go to farmers markets, the more connected they feel to their community. People who frequented farmers markets more often reported higher levels of two civic engagement measures: community participation and a stronger sense of community.
According to USDA’s July Milk Production report, the dairy market anticipates a drop in milk production due to heat stress, however the overall production numbers for the year exceed expectations month after month. Forecasts for the year anticipate 236.6 billion pounds of milk produced in the United States for 2026. That is 5.9 billion pounds higher than milk produced last year. That growth is expected to continue into 2027, leaving a massive amount of supply for the market to find buyers for. Over the last year, the market has been successful in creating demand with competitive pricing and innovation by pushing new products to consumers looking for clean protein sources. Exports are trending over 25% higher than the first half of 2025 when comparing January through June and nearly surpassing the total export volume of 2024. Low prices typically do see more demand but the innovation in products along with the changing of the consumer focus appears like this new demand for healthy whole foods is here to stay. It doesn’t take long to look at local coffee shops advertising protein cold foam, protein lattes or even convenience stores offering protein chocolate milk. Reprinted from a recent article by Sarah Jungman, a commodity broker with AgMarket.Net and AgDairy, the dairy division of John Stewart & Associates Inc., a full-service commodity brokerage firm based in St. Joseph, Missouri.
PEOPLE
Emporia area farmer Matthew Fowler has been selected as the Next Generation Advisory Representative on National Farmers Union’s Board of Directors. Fowler is a sixth-generation resident of Lyon County, Kansas, where his family has farmed since 1855. A third-generation Farmers Union member, he is passionate about strengthening family agriculture, advocating for rural communities, and ensuring the next generation of producers has a voice in shaping the future of American agriculture. Since 1907, Kansas Farmers Union (KFU) has worked to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and their communities. Kansas Farmers Union represents its members, who are engaged in diverse farming and ranching pursuits, through education, legislation, and cooperation. Source: Kansas Farmers Union
Jim Brownlee, Kansas State alum and former director of communications at USDA, passed away August 2. After his stint at USDA, he held a role as the director of public affairs at the Agricultural Marketing Service. He retired from USDA in 2015 in the midst of a bout of blood cancer. Before he worked for USDA, Brownlee worked in agricultural communications at Farmway Co-op and Union Equity. His memorial service will be held November 23 at the United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. in Stafford, Kansas.
Agri-Pulse Communications has hired Tim Hearden as western editor, bringing more than 35 years of agricultural, government and community journalism experience to the nation’s leading farm and rural policy news organization. Hearden joins Agri-Pulse after an eight-year stint as a senior staff writer and editor for Western Farm Press, part of Farm Progress’ nationwide family of agribusiness publications. A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in journalism, Hearden spent 20 years as a reporter for daily newspapers. His coverage of flooding for the Napa Valley Register and drought for the Redding Record Searchlight earned California News Publishing Association awards. He is a past president and current committee member of North American Agricultural Journalists, where he has received numerous writing honors.
EVENTS
The Kansas Beef Council returns to Bill Snyder Family Stadium with the “Tailgater of the Game” program for the 2026 K-State football season. Tailgaters have a chance to win a Pit Boss griddle at the first six home games simply by cooking beef at their tailgate. The program kicks off September 5 ahead of the Wildcats’ home opener against Nicholls State University. KBC is partnering with K-State Collegiate Cattlewomen this year to walk the parking lots with beef swag and entry cards. KBC and CCW representatives will be looking for tailgaters cooking beef burgers, brats, stews, chili and more to enter for a chance to win a tabletop, two-burner Pit Boss griddle, a prize banner and bragging rights. The winner will be announced during the second half. “Tailgater of the Game” is part of KBC’s efforts to connect fans in fun, memorable ways. By recognizing winners throughout the season, KBC highlights the versatility of beef while celebrating traditions that unite fans and communities. More information at www.kansasbeef.org for recipe inspiration, cooking tips and more.
The Kansas Sustainable Ranchers Tour, presented by Farm Journal’s Trust in Food Initiative, will be held September 29 at Clover Cliff Ranch near Elmdale. The event is designed to bring ranchers, landowners and industry stakeholders together for a day focused on practical, sustainable ranch management. Participants will hear a briefing on the state of the beef industry; see a demonstration of the Natural Resources Conservation Service rainfall simulator; and participate in discussions on grazing management plans, conservation programs and beef supply chain sustainability. The event starts at 8 a.m. with registration and concludes at 2:30 p.m. It is free to attend, but registration is required. Lunch is included. More information and registration at kssoilhealth.org.
Room blocks for the 2026 KLA Convention & Expo are open for reservations. The event will be held November 18-20 at the Manhattan Conference Center and Hilton Garden Inn. Members are encouraged to reserve their hotel rooms as soon as possible. The headquarters hotel will be the Hilton Garden Inn. To make reservations by phone, call (785) 532-9116 and use the group code KLA26. Room rates are $135 per night. The K-State Wildcats will play Arizona at home Saturday, November 21. Members who would like to stay for the game can book a room through Friday, but the room rate will increase to $235 for that night. More information at https://www.kla.org/events-meetings/annual-convention.
Registration is now open for KSU Swine Day, which will be hosted at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan, Kansas, on Thursday, November 19. The trade show, with more than 30 exhibitors, will begin at 8 a.m., followed by a program with updates on K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Research and a presentation from Dr. Annie Lerner, Director of Nutrition and Research at Schwartz Farm Inc. on “Evaluating Technology: From Concept to On-Farm Implementation.” Pre-registration is $30 per participant and is due by November 10. On-site registration is $50 per participant.
The 46th Annual American Royal BBQ gets under way September 30, running through October 4, 2026. For five straight days, hundreds of championship pitmaster teams will battle it out across brisket, ribs, chicken, and sauce categories, filling the air with the smoky aromas that put KC on the map as the true capital of barbeque.
Registration is now open for this year’s 27th Annual KSU Beef Stocker Field Day, which will be held in Manhattan, Kansas, on Thursday, September 24, at the KSU Beef Stocker Unit. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. with registration and coffee and will conclude with a Prairie Oyster Fry. Pre-registration is $30 per person and is due by September 10. After that date or onsite, the cost is $40 per person. Complete details and registration at asi.k-state.edu/events.
John Deere recently served as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa. Field of Dreams is a celebration that brings together baseball, agriculture, and the communities that help feed the world. It honors the hard work, resilience and deep connection to the land that defines rural America. “What makes this sponsorship especially meaningful,” noted a John Deere spokesperson, “is the impact beyond the game.” In collaboration with MLB Together, River Bend Food Bankand Feeding America, John Deere employees, dealers and customers packed approximately 12,000 meals for families across Iowa. The John Deere Foundation will also donate one million meals to communities nationwide.
The Land Institute will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Salina, Kansas, along the banks of the Smoky Hill River, September 25-27. It will be a weekend of speakers, perennial grain foods, artists, musicians, hands-on demonstrations, and more. The Land Institute invites members of the perennial community to reflect on the past 50 years of its collective work to transform food systems for people and the planet and envision the next 50 years of a global perennial agriculture revolution. Register to attend at www.landinstitute.org.