Kansas soybean farmers and their industry partners will gather Jan. 9, 2019, in Topeka for the Kansas Soybean Expo. The Kansas Soybean Association organizes the annual event, with checkoff funding from the Kansas Soybean Commission, to coincide with the Topeka Farm Show.
The free event returns to the Capitol Plaza Hotel’s Maner Conference Center at the Kansas Expocentre. Registration and exhibits open at 8:30 a.m., with the program scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. A reception with KSA and KSC leaders will follow.
The welcome will be given by KSA President Lucas Heinen, Everest, and KSC Chairman Kurt Maurath, Oakley. The opening session will offer checkoff-partner updates. The first will be “The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System: What It Means to Kansas” from Thaddaeus Babb, waterways program manager for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Next will be Ed Anderson, executive director of the North Central Soybean Research Program, with a presentation titled “Leading the Research Effort.”
Promising a unique keynote address, Bob Farmer entertains, educates and motivates all types of audiences across the country. He has been called a good mix of Jerry Clower and Garrison Keillor. He is a member of the International Society of Storytellers, and Zig Ziglar sponsored his joining the prestigious National Speakers Association more than 20 years ago.
Rich in American heritage and steeped with tradition, the Farmers’ Almanac is one of the nation’s oldest, most respected publications. Farmer brings that national treasure alive with his down-home style of humorous storytelling. Like the Almanac, his talks are laced with anecdotes and remedies, and his practical tips for better communication have helped businesses and individuals from coast to coast.
Tom Brand, executive director of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, will be master of ceremonies at the luncheon. U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins has been invited to be the featured speaker there. KSA and KSC then will present awards and recognitions, including the 2019 Young Leaders. Next, Heinen will preside over the association’s annual meeting, which will include the approval of policy resolutions and director elections.
Following lunch, KSA will announce the Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests winners. The next three updates will come from Kansas State University Research and Extension. Bill Schapaugh, soybean breeder, will present “Increasing the Rate of Genetic Gain for Yield in Soybean-breeding Programs.” Dallas Peterson, weed-science specialist, will lead “Dicamba: A Look Back and a Look Ahead.” Joe Janzen, assistant professor of agricultural economics, will offer “Soybean Price Outlook: How Low for How Long?”
A complete, detailed agenda and the preregistration form are available at KansasSoybeans.org/expo on the web or by calling 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923). Those who preregister by Jan. 2 will have guaranteed seats at the luncheon and be eligible for the early-bird prize drawing.
