Kansas Farmers Union to meet in Wichita November 18-19

McPherson, KS — “For Farmers' Sake” is the theme of Kansas Farmers Union’s 118th anniversary state convention to be held at Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel in Wichita, KS November 18-19.

“Our state convention is where we do the grunt work in Kansas Farmers Union. This is where our delegates create the policy we work from, where our officers are elected, and where our national delegates are selected to represent Kansas at national policy drafting," KFU President Donn Teske said. "But even more, it is an opportunity for old friends and new friends to gather, socialize, and learn. Our team has put together a wonderful agenda of speakers that will focus on current issues and long-term issues with agriculture and rural communities. We hope you'll join us."

The 118th anniversary KFU convention kicks off the morning of Tuesday, November 18 with registration beginning at 7:30 AM. KFU President Donn Teske will call the convention to order at 9:00 AM along with a land acknowledgment.

K-State's Stress and Resiliency team will provide educational information about stress, stress management, and resiliency. The goal is to increase awareness and people’s willingness to talk about mental health and encourage more Kansans to get the help they need. Another goal is to equip Kansans with tools and techniques that help them recognize and manage stress within their lives, families and communities.

Tuesday's lunch will feature comments from National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew and an update from Farmers Union Midwest Agency. The organization's annual awards will be given to those who have dedicated their lives and work to agriculture, rural communities, and the Farmers Union Midwest Agency. A silent auction will be held to benefit the Kansas Farmers Union Foundation.

Other Tuesday topics and speakers include Tom Giessel and Kate Giessel presenting on Farmers Union history; Visioning the Heartland Food Hub & Strengthening the Kansas Food System with Stephanie Pearl & Sheila Kjellberg; Farmer Mentorship with Jack Geiger & Jake Koehn; Kansas Rural Justice Initiative with Laurel Klein Searles; and Kansas Climate with K-State’s Chip Redmond

A social will follow at 5:30 PM, and convention attendees will get the opportunity to observe the evening lighting of the Keeper of the Plains statue. This five-ton, 44-foot-tall steel sculpture by Native American artist Blackbear Bosin stands in downtown Wichita, where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers join.

On the morning of Wednesday, November 19, NFU government relations representative Layla Soberanis will provide an update on NFU’s 2025 policy priorities. KFU contract lobbyist Sean Gatewood will provide an outlook on the upcoming Kansas legislative session which begins in early January.

Haley Kottler of Kansas Appleseed and Karen Siebert of Harvesters—The Community Food Network will discuss the state and federal landscape of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Together, they will examine current developments in D.C., and Topeka related to SNAP and explore what these changes could mean for Kansans.

Following lunch, Kansas-based writer Sarah Green will share the story of the Ladies' Columbian Corn Fountain, a relic of the 1893 Columbian Exposition that now lives on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. It's a story of civic engagement, public art, community pride - and Kansas agriculture.

Grassroots policy updates and development takes center stage Wednesday 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 vice president, and delegates to National Farmers Union’s annual convention.

KFU convention registration and a full schedule is available at: https://www.kansasfarmersunion.org/general-8 and beginning farmer scholarship opportunities are available by contacting KFU Executive Director Nick Levendofsky (nick@kansasfarmersunion.org)