The state’s top agriculture officials took part in the 2023 Kansas Agricultural Growth Summit, hosted at the Manhattan Conference Center.
Gov. Laura Kelly kicked off the summit, touting the industry’s importance to the state and its strength despite challenges from drought.
“There’s no doubt: Kansas remains a worldwide powerhouse in agriculture. But it’s also clear that to keep our ag industry modern and competitive, we have to solve two major challenges facing us: water and workforce shortages,” Kelly said.
Those topics were the focus of the morning session Thursday, led by K-State Agricultural Economics professor Nathan Hendricks and National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner.
Kansas Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam also scheduled to recognize the 2023 Ag Heroes at the one day summit.
“Many of the initiatives that have contributed to Kansas agriculture were the result of discussions here at the Ag Growth Summit,” he said. “We appreciate the commitment of leaders and producers who take time to engage in active discussion about what can be done to drive growth and how we can collaborate to move agriculture forward to benefit the state of Kansas.”
