“The Conscience of Agriculture” is the theme of Kansas Farmers Union’s 117th anniversary state convention to be held at SpringHill Suites in Lawrence, KS November 20-21.
“Every year our state convention is great, but this year it feels like it’s going to be even more special. Besides our policy drafting and business meeting, our guest speakers will be superb and educational. We invite KFU members and the public to join us for our annual convention,” Donn Teske, KFU State President said.
A pre-convention session co-hosted by Common Ground Producers & Growers will be held November 18-19. Whether an experienced specialty crop grower or just starting out, the second annual pre-convention training offers valuable insights for both urban and rural agriculture enthusiasts, community gardeners, and growers.
Covering topics from canning to marketing your products, participants will gain a wealth of knowledge from industry experts across various facets of agriculture. More information and registration can be found here: https://commongroundpg.com/farmers-training/
The 117th anniversary KFU convention kicks off the morning of Wednesday, November 20 with a keynote presentation from Dãnia Davy, founder of Land & Liberation, a consultancy promoting liberatory relationships between humans, natural and financial resources, and land. She will challenge attendees to face their individual and collective land histories so they can recognize the critical role we each have to play in restoring our internal and external ecosystems.
Lucas Bessire, author of Running Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains will lead an open conversation with attendees about the Ogallala Aquifer. He will share insights from the research that led to his book on groundwater depletion in southwest Kansas, reflect on his family’s relationships to groundwater, discuss the major myths that have prevented solutions, and think together with attendees about what can be done now.
Other Wednesday speakers include Kansas farmer Gail Fuller who will lead a two-part breakout on farm and rural mental health, National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) President & CEO Doug O’Brien will speak about the upcoming International Year of Cooperatives, and the K-State Produce Safety Extension Team of Dr. Manreet Bhullar and Katelynn Stull will deliver information on the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.
Convention attendees will also get the opportunity to tour Bowersock Mills & Power Company Hydroelectric Plant Tour – the only operating hydroelectric plant in Kansas, located just across the river from the convention hotel.
Wednesday evening features a banquet where attendees will receive an update on the Farmers Union Midwest Agency and the annual Ruth Hirsh Friend of the Family Farmer Award, Linda Hessman Lifetime Achievement Award, and Farmers Union Midwest Agency Agent of the Year Award will be presented. Following the banquet, a live and silent auction will be held to benefit the Kansas Farmers Union Foundation.
On the morning of Thursday November 21, National Farmers Union (NFU) government relations representative Layla Soberanis will provide an update on NFU’s 2024 policy priorities—legislative wins and end of year lame duck expectations. She will also cover the 2024 election results, what that means for 2025, and the possibility of getting a Farm Bill done. KFU contract lobbyist Sean Gatewood will provide an outlook on the upcoming Kansas legislative session which begins in early January.
Dawn Buehler, Kansas Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Friends of the Kaw will talk about Kansans for Conservation – a coalition of more than 40 organizations working to ensure a sustainable future for Kansas. Brownie Wilson of the Kansas Geological Survey will look at water resources and use patterns across the entire state with particular emphasis on water level changes and trends of the HPA and its subsystems- the Ogallala, Great Bend Prairie, and Equus Beds.
Immigration Attorney Valerie Sprout will present on the immigration programs and policies that help sustain agriculture, and what changes could be made to the immigration law to continue to help rural communities. Smoky Hills PBS’ Max Aguiar will discuss how animation promoted food conservation and production during both World Wars, turning everyday tasks like rationing and farming into patriotic acts.
The final speaker of the convention will be Sammy Gleason to share how Kansas Department of Agriculture’s From the Land of Kansas trademark program helps members promote their Kansas products and provides members with a variety of business development tips and opportunities including marketing assistance.
Grassroots policy updates and development takes center stage Thursday afternoon. Each year, members review past policy, propose, and debate new issues, and adopt policy for the coming year. KFU members will also elect board members from the north and south districts, state president, and delegates to National Farmers Union’s annual convention.
KFU convention registration, sponsorship opportunities, hotel information, and full convention agenda are available at https://www.kansasfarmersunion.org/news Scholarship opportunities are available by contacting KFU Executive Director Nick Levendofsky ([email protected])
About Kansas Farmers Union – 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.
