MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture invites you to join them in Manhattan this summer as they discuss growth opportunities for agriculture at the 11th annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, August 20, at the Hilton Garden Inn at 410 S. 3rd Street in downtown Manhattan.
Each year, the Ag Summit takes on new challenges, and that has led to different formats in the last couple of years. This Summit will again see a significant change, as the whole day will be focused on transportation in agriculture, including the infrastructure, logistics, and networks that support the movement of Kansas agricultural products from farm to market. We will examine issues related to these topics through our speakers and panels, including a look at the new commodity flow study, a discussion about state infrastructure, and an examination of what improvements are needed to expand market access for Kansas producers.
The keynote speaker, Alejandra Castillo, president and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association, will share expertise related to trade opportunities and how investments in domestic infrastructure can solidify Kansas as a consistent international trade partner in the long term.
Along with this shift to a focused topic, another change to note is that KDA will not be hosting the annual social this year, but instead will be encouraging attendees to attend the K-State College of Agriculture’s ribbon cutting for the new agronomy innovation complex, which will be taking place shortly after the end of the Summit.
Due to the generosity of the sponsors, there is no cost to attend the Ag Growth Summit events, but it is important that attendees register by August 5 to guarantee a meal. After that date, walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Registration can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit.
All farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners and industry professionals are welcome at the 2026 Ag Growth Summit — if you’re committed to working for agricultural growth in Kansas, please join KDA in this effort.
If you have questions about the 2026 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth, please contact Naomi Hawkinson at [email protected] or 785-564-6799.
