Personal Development – Norton

Day 1, Wednesday, December 6
Submitted by Scribe: Jancey Hall
Chair: Justin Diehm

Major Takeaways of Day:

-Leadership is not limited by title or hierarchy. You can be a leader wherever you are.

-Revisiting a world-changing event, 9/11, & revisiting to see why we do what we do

-We can work on our actions & leadership, but until something happens we don’t know how we’ll act. A character will shine in that situation, good or bad.

-Fess up when you mess up

-You may need a different leadership style for different situations.  Adjust to situations.

-An action is yours until it’s complete, even if you’ve delegated

-Find your Forklift

-Be the Buffalo

Action Items/Homework:

*Read Extreme Ownership

*Have a leadership Philosophy, craft one to suit you and include what is important to you and make it articulable so you can share it

*Watch Hidden Figures – great example of democratic leadership

“24 Hours in the President’s Bunker” – Lt. Col. Robert J. Darling, USMC (Ret)
Lt. Col. Darling flew attack helicopters in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was selected to fly Marine Helicopter Squadron One for President Clinton and worked for the White House Military Office Airlift Operations Department.  In this capacity, he served the nation as the attack on America was in progress on 9/11 and he shared with us his story & a side of our nation that many of us did not see.  

Darling opened with a note about how the world has truly changed since 9/11. Pearl Harbor & JFK changed lives and the nation. 9/11 changed ours.

He loved flying attach helicopters & didn’t necessarily want to leave the job, but you don’t say no to flying the President’s helicopter.  From there, transferring into logistics meant ensuring that no matter where the President traveled, he had the appropriate assets in place.

Darling painted the scene for him as he started his day in the Eisenhower building next to the White House. At 8:46 they turned on CNN and watched as AA Flight 11 struck the first tower. He walked us thru the day from his office in Eisenhower to being sent into the Presidents Bunker underneath DC to do logistics. President Busch was sent to the air to ensure safety. He walked us thru every detail of the day and the logistics & decisions behind what happened.

Darling left us with this. 16 years later, we are still at war and many say we aren’t winning. There are American’s in all corners of the globe, doing God’s work to keep us safe. We haven’t had another major attack not because we are lucky, but because America is strong. The might and resilience exist and all hands must be on deck to keep fighting.  It takes time to change an ideology. 10-15 percent of a billion people are brainwashed into violence. It will take time but we must keep going.

High Performing Teams- Dave Maurer, Lieutenant Colonel, USA (Ret.) & John Worden, Optimize Consulting
Together, Maurer and Worden shared with us key components of high-performance teams & leadership styles. The highlights follow.

The purpose of a leader is to set the purpose and direction of the group. You motivate & influence group towards goals.  Regardless of title or position, you can be a leader and influence change. Your job is to empower those below you & pull them up.

Leadership is a choice & you can do it well or you can do it poorly.  The choice is yours and it’s never mastered. To truly lead people, you must have their trust and to do that you must be authentic.

As a leader, you need to look at your team and maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. Sometimes that means finding others to fill that role to follow each individual’s strengths and passion. In doing this, the team will thrive.

Although you may know exactly how to do it, allowing someone else to have the opportunity to succeed, the trust will grow between you. If you delegate and congratulate when it’s due, it’ll be the most powerful tool.

Six Leadership Styles: Sometimes need to change according to role & situation

1. Coercive: Do what I say, top-down decision making. Appropriate for certain time & place, however long term has negative effects.
2. Authoritative: Come with me. The goal is to mobilize people toward vision with trust going both ways.  Implemented long term, it’s the most successful.
3. Democratic: What do you think? Highly effective for buy-in and consensus. Works best when generating ideas. You can do this and be authoritative.
4. Affiliative: Chief motivation officer. Quick to recognize and reward team. If overused, leads to mediocracy.
5. Pacesetting: Person out in front, ‘do as I do, now.’. High standards and expectations with quick results. There is no time for feedback, there is work to be done. Long haul is unsustainable. Leads to burnout.
6. Coaching: Try this. Great for growing employees and knowledge or skill set. Helps identify hidden talents & includes lots of feedback. Not good for highly skilled or competent team.

You are a leader because you earned it.

-Communicate clearly

-Build trust

-Hold yourself & others accountable

20 Points for Successful Leadership- Dave Maurer
Thru stories, Maurer stressed the 20 points for successful leadership. The highlights of his points follow. Stories are a great way to communicate leadership.  As leaders, you must have some values, some principles.

-Craft your Leadership Philosophy

1) Include a list of what’s important: values, principals, what makes you mad/glad, trust,  

And risk

2) Make it Articulable- you can share it. ‘A man’s got to know his limitations’ Clint Eastwood

-Know your strengths and weakness so you know what will make you a better leader & what will

hold you back

1. Always Act with Integrity and Honesty

-A standard ignored is a new standard set

1. Respond
2. Anticipate

-Always have a plan B

1. Follow-Up

-An action is yours until it’s complete

1. Identify Problems and Solutions
2. Demonstrate Personal Accountability
3. Work Hard

-Embrace the Suck

1. Show a Sense of Urgency
2. Foster Person Discipline
3. Lead by Example and Follow Well and Faithfully
4. Be Loyal in All Directions
5. Be Consistent and Clear
6. Show Gratitude and Respect for Others

-Follow the Platinum Rule- Do unto others as they want to be done unto them

1. Build Teamwork and Collaboration
2. Promote a Common Purpose
3. Infuse Passion
4. Cultivate Your Reputation
5. Display a Seriousness of Purpose and a Sense of Humor
6. Continue to Grow

Oreo cookies were invented in 1912 and they are America’s #1 cookie. They still change, they still advertise. You are never so good you can stop growing.

1. Care for Those in Your Charge

Cows vs Buffalo

Cows run away from the story and are in the storm longer. Buffalo run into the storm and face it head on.

Look for the Forklift

Retired marine with ranking drives a forklift at Lowes. It makes him happy and it’s what he wants right now.

Think about you, your strengths, weakness, & skills. Where do you want to take it? What makes you happy?

Dinner at Christ & Tina Tanners
Program:

Ken Rahjes, Kansas House of Representatives 110th District
Rahjes reflected on his journey and twists and turns to emphasize the importance of being engaged. The highlights follow.

We in KARL are a group that can make a difference.  In agriculture, we continue to allow ourselves to be silenced and we must engage our people & tell our story. We must share our story, specifically to those who don’t understand ag.

They say Rural America is dying. How are we supposed to maintain? To just live and be engaged is important. Rural can compete, we just need to be given the chance.

We’ve got to have Faith. We have to have our Family, those we are born into and those we make for ourselves. We have to have a good Attitude which may change for the situation. You can succeed or fail based on Attitude.

Gary Doane
Doane discussed his recent trip to Cuba and shared some key thoughts:

You can watch things on TV, but you can’t see the whole picture tell you are there for yourself

Make friends, see progress, and get a view of how others see the U.S.

Day 2, Thursday, December 7
Submitted by Scribe: Brian Eilert
Bullseye Event Center, Norton, Kansas
Chair: Kellen Liebsch

Icebreaker: Jill Zimmerman broke the class into four groups and introduced a Jenga Ice Breaker game with a twist of an unknown class member as sabotage to the Jenga game.  The lesson learned was to see how one person can affect culture in a negative way for the whole organization.  The Jenga game was fun and we could see who had the steady hands in the class.

Culture and Onboarding – Julia & Terry Nelson
Company Culture – Define it and live it! -Everyone has a culture –written down or not.

Who we are and what we stand for –Culture

Nelson farms Culture:

1. Safety First – STAR (Stop, Think, Assess, React) – Go over “Near Misses”
2. Teamwork
3. Communication
4. Confidentiality
5. Accountability
6. Solution Oriented
7. Heritage and Growth

Education is important – Needs to be ongoing and continuous for your entire life.

Onboarding – A defined process for new employee orientation.  

Nelson farms gave a checklist of Onboarding guidelines through the first 90 days of a new employee hire.

Drug testing for Nelson Farms is mandatory for every employee.  One strike and your out policy for all employees tested at random.

Who is on your bus? –Terry Nelson
It’s all about the systems.  You can manage 10-10,000 employees if you have the right systems in place.

“Bus Model”   – Maximum of five (5) manager’s report to the business driver.  (Example CLO, COO, CFO, CIO) and then five managers report to each of those managers.  Everyone has five or fewer managers report to them.  Written report (metric) is needed from each manager for feedback.

CEO – Bus Driver

-Inspect all numbers

-Coach

-Grandfather Rule – All bad news is reported immediately and sent up the line to CEO.

-Hit problems head-on – They never solve themselves

-Always Communicate

Different roles on the Bus
Driver/Coaching Role – To be a leader and motivate their team while guiding the entire team towards working together to achieve goals at full potential.

Co-Driver/Assistant Coach Role – To be a co-leader, be the creativity behind motivating the team and encourage individual growth to help them achieve their full potential to meet goals set for them.

Rider/Team Captain Role:  Be a strong teammate by being one of the hardest workers on the team, displaying a high level of commitment, focus, intensity, passion and effort.

Rider/Team Member Role:  Be to work on time, bring a positive attitude and positive team interactions by not participating in negative behaviors.

Cardinal Rules for Leaders

• Be safe at all times
• Take all information up
• Praise in public; coach in private
• Avoid being passive-aggressive. Goal is assertive
• Once a leader, always a student
• Don’t’ ask someone to do a task without providing the proper training tools
• Manage yourself, things, projects and time.  Lead others
• Cannot manage what you don’t measure
• Inspect and coach regularly
• Don’t go up with a problem without bringing a possible solution
• Lead with expectation and consequences.  
• Never ask an employee to lie, cheat or steal
• Be adaptable, flexible and accountable
• Let people make mistakes, give a second chance
• Work smart (look for win/win solutions) don’t burn bridges
• 80% of your time should be devoted to coaching your team.

Managing Common Workplace Behaviors – Terry Nelson & Janet Sell
Workplace Behaviors

1. Passive – Not a leader (Avoids Conflict)
2. Assertive – Feels comfortable in own skin
3. Aggressive
4. Passive/Aggressive – 80 percent of Workforce

The super-effective leader is Assertive –Wants feedback & always asking questions.

Recommended book to read – Extreme Ownership

Tour – First State Bank of Norton – “Also Ran Gallery”  – a picture gallery of people who ran to become the President of the United States but came in second.  

Authentic Leadership – Defining your leadership style – John Worden
Leadership – Fair/Sincere/Honest  -What do you value and make your own?

John asked each member of the Karl class why we signed up to be a Karl member.

Terry’s Top Ten Values John’s Top Ten Values

10) It is all about you (take care of yourself) Be a positive presence

9)  Life is not a Dress Rehearsal (You only live once) Be real

8)  Morals and Ethics Richer Life, better leader

7)  If you don’t have anything nice to say –Don’t say it Have Goals you are passionate about

6)  Victim roles (Recognize, Understand and Avoid) Define how you want to measure your life

5)  It is Not about You Have a clear purpose on the desired outcomes that you want

4)  Forgiveness Know your values.

3)  Faith, Hope, and Love Have a team

2)  Adversities Present Opportunities It is almost impossible to create a perfect plan or business

1)  Play Offense Over time you get the reputation you deserve

Wildcard:  Appreciation, Grateful, Celebration Humility

Coaching/Delegating/Mentoring – John Worden
Coaching – unlocking a person’s potential to maximize his or her own performance.

Focusing on improving an individual’s performance and the development of new skills is the goal of effective coaching.

-Demonstrate the behavior you want others to exhibit

-Communication is everything

• 2/3 of language is perceived  with what our body says
• 30 percent of language is perceived with how we say it
• 5 percent is the actual words

-Dealing with difficult conversations:  Listen, Listen, Listen

Coaching/Reviews:

-Go into meeting with at least two people – One to talk and the other to watch body language

-Don’t go in unprepared

-Name the problem right from the start

-Debrief after

The Delegating Process:

1. Set and prioritize clear goals
2. Give the employee a context for the task
3. Grant enough authority and provide enough resources to get the work done.
4. Get a commitment of responsibility and accountability and agree with the employee on a completion date.

Mentor:  Provides expert advice and guidance.  It is about growing and developing the person beyond just the job.

Incentives – Terry Nelson
Let Incentive programs drive the bus

Short-term incentives – monthly goals to achieve.  (Make sure everything is written down – metric)

Long-term incentives – Longevity bonus program

It’s not always about the money – Find out what motivates each person.

Board Service Panel Discussion:  Carolyn Harms, Jerry McReynolds, Steve Baccus:  Moderator John Worden

-All speakers talked about getting on a board that you are passionate about and not just being a number.

-Review financials of both non-profit and for-profit boards before accepting a role on the board.

-Make decisions on what is best for members of the organization and not what is best for you as a board member

-Don’t be a rubber stamp board.  Ask questions and due diligence – Make informed decisions and don’t approve unless you think it is the best approach.

-Always make sure board has directors and officer’s liability insurance or carry some yourself.

-Purpose of boards – Set direction for the CEO (Do not let board members run the day-to-day operations of the business)  It is the CEO’s job to hire and fire employees.

-Biggest threats to boards – 1) Non-participation from board members or just don’t even show up.  2)  Single issue candidates

-Board members need to strategic plan and evaluate the mission of the board.  Again find a board you are passionate about and get involved.

Day 3, Friday, December 8
Submitted by Scribe Jancey Hall

Major Takeaways of Day:

-Adversity can bring out the best in you

-The more you grow those under you & the better they become, the better they make you

-Utilizing resources & diversification helps to keep you growing

-You need to be strategic, but at the same time take advantage of opportunities as they arise

Rebuilding After Disaster- Julia Nelson & Terry Nelson

On June 6, 2017, a fire sparked at Husky Hogs in the north farrowing barn where they were replacing cool cells. The fire spread fast and within 15 minutes the farrowing barn was engulfed. Eight local fire departments, 30 trucks, and local farmers all joined forces to help contain and extinguish the fire. Although a devastating loss of 2,000 sows & 7,000 piglets, it could have been much worse.

After the fire ended, the follow up had to come immediately. Notifying and working with insurance to hiring an attorney and forensics accountant to determine long term economic impacts. Working with KDHE, an immediate debris clean-up process, and adjusting for pig flow were all crucial first steps and took a lot of effort and care.

They also had to ensure they were the ones speaking to the media. In order to ensure their story was told and told correctly, they had to control the narrative. They also emphasized the good that came from having an appreciation dinner to thank all those who stepped up to help control & extinguish the fire.

From there the now what comes fast. Do you rebuild? Do you change & expand? Do you change your system? The bigger the adversity the bigger the opportunity. After looking at all the possible risks and hurdles, they have chosen to expand their operation from 7,000 sows to be 11,000 sows with the philosophy, ‘if you’re not growing, you’re dying’.

Nelson Ag Entities
Nelson Ag Entities employees 85 people and is looking to increase that to just over 100 people throughout their various entities.  When asked about their why and their drive both Julia & Terry reflect on the people and the pride they have in them and what they are able to do for their community. A brief summary of their entities and what we had the opportunity to see follows.

Almena Ag & Fertilizer Plant:

-everything is inside to ensure security & containment

-allows for diversity in operation as well as to the way to integrate needs to cover their acres

-in case of fertilizer issues, they must have storage for 133 percent of their needs

-operate by an escort policy. To ensure their story is told properly, if someone visits the farm, they must be escorted

Truck Wash & Maintenance:

-disease spread is a big issue in the pork industry, a break of PED could kill every pig born for 5 weeks

-every time a truck comes back from taking a load of hogs it goes thru the wash and bake process

-truck wash is separated from the rest of the farm to prevent disease spread

Prairie Valley Feeders:

-20,000 head capacity

-can process two different batches of cattle at once

Nelson Farms:

-Crop rotation includes silage, wheat, corn, soybeans

-utilize fertilizer from livestock entities

Husky Hogs:

-New barns will be the most state of the art sow farm in the world

-Gestation pens will be implemented

-Flush pits every 3 days which helps keep smell controlled

State of the State – Topeka

Day 1, Wednesday, January 17
Day 1 – Topeka: State of the State Wednesday, January 17th, 2018
Chair: Gimmie Jo Jansonius Scribe: Daniel  Anderes

The seminar began with Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, Linda Craighead. Linda discussed the how people are excited to leave Kansas but then they make life choices to move back. She also spoke about how we talk to our children about Kansas, asking if we speak about Kansas with pride or complain. Linda encouraged us to experience all of Kansas as many people do not experience life outside of their own county. We are sales people for Kansas and she encouraged us, whether in an airport or another country, to sell Kansas as a whole. Linda recommended that we visit the underground salt museum, the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Konza Prarie, and to go see a movie at the Elkhart Movie Theater.

The second speakers, Dale Dennis and Craig Neuenswander, discussed school finance. They spoke about the weighting system and how enrollment is adjusted. An interesting note was that the poorest district with the highest number of at-risk students is in Kansas City, KS with 85 percent of the students on a free lunch program. They discussed the Kansas lawsuit for funding of schools that is currently in the Supreme Court and legislators have until April 30th, 2018 to file briefs and then the Supreme Court will issue a decision on June 30th.

During the afternoon session, the KARL Class sat in on a discussion with Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer. Some key items from the discussion were:

• Colyer’s positivity on the outlook of the state
• Kansas is logistically in a good spot with its fastest-growing intermodal in the United States
• We need to be looking for value-added products to improve the economy
• One of the biggest challenges for the state is the accessibility to broadband in the state
• A goal for the state of Kansas is to raise the high school graduation rate to 95 percent from 84 percent. 
• Showing pride in rural America, specifically Kansas

The evening ended with a quick tour through the Kansas Museum of History and a reception. State Senator John Doll and Greg Orman gave a few remarks before Dr. Flinchbaugh gave his “Kings and King Makers” speech.  He is well known for this speech and it was very interesting to hear for the first time.  If you get the chance to hear it, I would recommend it.

Day 2, Thursday, January 18
Submitted by Scribe: Stephanie Symns, Atchison
Chair: Zach Townsend

What is your KARL elevator speech? What are you going to tell someone about the KARL Program in 30 seconds?

The class was able to sit in on the joint Senate and House Ag committee meeting where Kansas State University Dean of Agriculture Dr. John Floros gave a presentation.

Dean Floros noted that Kansas State University is now in the top 5 agricultural universities in the United States. He also spoke about the Grand Challenge and the 5 points they have been focusing on.

1. Global Food Systems
2. Water
3. Health
4. Developing Tomorrows Leaders
5. Community Vitality

He noted that the number of students pursuing a degree in agriculture education has been on a decline and they now have more openings than they can provide teachers to fill. The department is also having a problem with faculty turn over. He is seeing faculty leave for higher paid positions, state of the art laboratories and newer facilities. On the financial front Dean Floros stressed that they depend on the state funding as the base source of income because private donations fluctuate year to year. The aid from the state is around $160 million or less and the expenses are around $190 million or more.

A panel of Kansas Agriculture Organizations and their role in the legislative process included Aaron Popelka from the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), Ryan Flickner from Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) and Chelsea Good from the Livestock Marketing Association (KMA).

KLA sets their policy at their annual meeting in Wichita each year. KFB starts with listening posts at the county level, then the district level and then the resolutions are moved to the state level and are voted on to become policy at the annual meeting in December each year. The farm organizations as a whole try to maintain a united front on the public side even if they don’t always agree privately. They also work together to present a unified and compromised ask to take to legislators at the state and national level.

1. Politics are a lot of who you know
2. Find the Possible, Not the Perfect
3. Maintain good relationships

The rest of the morning and into the afternoon the class took the time to meet with their legislators and had the opportunity to sit in on a few hearings. We also had the pleasure of getting our “mug shots” taken by Will Downing at KHP.

At 11 a.m. at the start of the session of the House, several members of the class were introduced on the House floor and “Diane” was given a “House Coin” because his legislator called him the wrong name.

Josh Roe, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), share information with us about KDA.

• KDA affects every Kansan every day

The GDP whether direct or indirect includes 65 sectors of direct agriculture, support or value-added agriculture. The county with the most revenue generated due to agriculture is Johnson County. Finny, Sedgwick, and Lyon are close behind. The KDA implemented the Kansas Agricultural Growth Plan that studied 19 different parts of the agriculture sectors. From this KDA developed plans to help better utilize/develop these sectors. Looking at the poultry industry and the talks with Tyson came from some of this research. There is money and growth in value-added products the state has yet to capitalize on.

KDA does some work on their own bills but they mostly weigh in on other bills affecting ag and serve as an educator on ag with urban legislators.

Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State, visited with the class about his stance on voter fraud, immigration, and sanctuary areas.

Day 2 wrap up:

• Several class members were disappointed with their Senators and their responses, but most were pleased with their representatives and felt those meetings went well.
• Rob said he saw a big split between urban and rural legislators and less of a split between republican and democrat leaders.
• Kurt restated that urban residents need rural residents, and rural residents need urban residents to make our state move forward together.
• Gimmie Jo reminded us to be an advocate for ourselves and tell our stories before someone else has a chance to skew the conversation from the facts.
• Kellen pointed to the fact that legislature is a marathon and not a sprint.
• Brian S. suggested we make a point of meeting with legislators from different backgrounds from ourselves in the future not just meeting with those from our own districts.
• Dinner was at Historic Fire Station No. 2 just north of the Capitol where we heard from Ron Seeber, CEO and President of Kansas Grain and Feed Association (KGFA).  KGFA was stared in 1896 and holds 99% of the commercial storage of grain in the state. In his job, Ron works as a lobbyist for multiple organizations and he had to learn agriculture quickly.
• Ron’s two tips were to make sure everyone has a seat at the table, or skin in the game and that we are Kansas and we need to work together.

Day 3, Friday, January 19

Tell Your Story – Greensburg

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Scribe notes submitted by Ross Weber

Speakers- Fred Kerr, Mayor Bob Dixson, Mary Sweet, Mark Gardiner, Greg Gardiner, and Garth Gardner

Tours- The Big Well & Gardiner Angus Ranch

Panel Members- Mark Gardiner, Garth Gardiner, Greg Gardiner, Jesse Luckie, Kendall Hopp, Jeff Kay, Kendall Kay, Jenny Giles Betschart, Dr. Randall Spare

KARL class XIV began the second year of their two-year program by meeting in Greensburg on Wednesday, November 7, 2018; kicking off the “Sharing Your Story” seminar. The afternoon began with a light lunch provided by Fred and Nancy Kerr of Pratt. Fred gave the class a few words of wisdom during the lunch. The class was then welcomed to Greensburg by Mayor BobDixson who shared Greensburg’s story. Mary Sweet spoke to the class about rural health care and told about the destruction of the Greensburg tornado before the group visited the Big Well Museum. Then, the class made the trip to Ashland fora tour of Gardiner Angus Ranch before having dinner with a panel to discuss agricultural topics.

Fred spoke to class XIV about a number of topics impacting the area. Currently, cotton is being harvested in the area. Traditionally, cotton has not been grown in the area, but some farmers are beginning to grow cotton due to low corn prices. He also spoke about wind farms being constructed in the area, which has also been a change. 

When speaking about the tornado, Fred said that theSoutheast Community Foundation helped significantly because it was already available to act as the community’s mechanism to collect donations. If this organization would not have been in place before the tornado, it would have been more difficult to organize the rebuilding of Greensburg. He and his wife live outside of Pratt, but he said all the communities in the area come together whenever they see a need.

As a member of the founding board for KARL, Fred was able to travel to Belgium, France, and China with the KARL program. He spoke highly of his experiences on the international travel trips. The trip to China was one of the most educational trips that he has ever experienced.

To conclude his speech, Fred spoke about the prior day’s gubernatorial election results. He said that he was optimistic that Laura Kellywould bring change to Kansas as governor.

To start Mayor Bob Dixson, made it clear to Class XIV, thatGreensburg’s’ story is not about the disaster. The story that Mayor Dixson told was about bringing people back to rural areas in the High Plains. He said that rural areas can be successful by operating as regions, not towns.

When speaking about leadership Mayor Dixson offered these thoughts:

1. Leadership is a tone set from the top from management

2. Great thingshappen when there is total disregard for who gets the credit. 

When Mayor Dixson spoke about the 2-mile-wide tornado on May 4, 2007. This tornado leveled 95 percent of the buildings in Greensburg and took 70 percent of the tree canopy. He spoke about how communities helped each other.  He said, “those that rebuild have acommunity.” During the cleaning and rebuilding processes there was a tent setup in town and meetings were held in it two to three times each week. The tentserved as a place for community planning; as well as a site for churches tohold services, and more. FEMA helped the recovery process by bringing a mobilehome park. The school was back in session on August 15, 2007; as it had been scheduled.

In the years after the tornado, Greensburg has strived tofind ways to keep local dollars local by adding value to agriculture. The town is proud that residents can purchase anything needed in their community. They celebrate their successes. They hold grand openings for new businesses. Many ofthe new buildings were built to be more sustainable than the buildings that they replaced.

One of the key points from Mayor Dixson’s talk with ClassXIV was that communities are either owned or rented. What the mayor meant that rural was that owning a community means residents invest in it, by giving time and by being active. Renting a community is when the community relies on the city/state/country to take care of it.  Mayor Dixson strongly encouraged the KARLClass XIV to own their communities. 

KARL Class XIV had the opportunity to hear Mary Sweet speak to her experience during and after the tornado. In addition to this, she explained her duties as Hospital Administrator at Kiowa County MemorialHospital. She spoke about the troubles that people had to deal with after the tornado. Communication was one of the biggest issues. People did not know where other people were, which created confusion and some panic. Eventually, there was a command post set up where people could communicate and exchange information. 

Ms. Sweet’s position at the hospital made her ultimately responsible for patient record keeping. She spoke about the challenge of salvaging all of the records while maintaining organization as well as confidentiality. She suggested logging where things are stored at.

Gardiner Angus Ranch

Greg Gardiner and Mark Gardiner greeted KARL Class XIV as they arrived at the ranch.  The tour that had been planned was cut short due to a very productive question and answer session. The Gardiners shared how their ranch got to where it is today. Their success is due to their father relying on technology many years earlier and the families’ willingness to make necessary adaptations throughout the ranch’s long history. A number of topics were discussed during the question and answer session. Family succession planning, adapting to change, and beef market conditions were just a few of the topics that the Gardiners’ discussed with KARL Class XIV

Panel Discussion

A group of local Ashland business men and women met with KARL Class XIV at the ranch after a BBQ dinner sponsored by Gardiner Angus Ranch and U.S. Premium Beef. The Panel discussed agricultural and rural topics of concern now and in the future. A wide range of topics was discussed. The need for immigration to find quality labor, over-regulation by the government, and family succession planning were a few of the topics discussed. The key takeaway discussed was working together as a community through developing relationships is what is necessary to be successful.

Day 2, Thursday,November 8^t, 2018

Chair: Brian Eilert, Beloit   

Review Submitted by Scribe: Melissa Bergkamp, Kingman

Bucklin Tractor & Implement (BTI), Bucklin, KS

Day two of “Sharing Your Story” seminar began with a quick 20 minute drive to Bucklin tospend the morning with the regional John Deere Dealership, BTI. A generousamount of time was set aside by many employees in the Leadership Team, allowingus the opportunity to visit with HR, Sales Management, Service Management,Integrated Solutions, ownership and more.

Co-Owner and Vice President, Mike Estes led our first presentation at the dealership, sharing the BTI story and explaining how the dealership has remained family owned for four generations. In addition to sharing some of their most recent company videos, topics that were highlighted through discussion included:

• Labor and training certifications

John Deere Power Up Program: Ag Tech two-year program

All costs are covered with a 5 year employment commitment with BTI

• Growth and Technology
• Active in the communities served
• Growth of facilities to accommodate larger equipment
• Variety of commodities are changing equipment demands

Corporate Service Manager, Ryan Unruh, shared his experience and perspective on the evolution of “service” over the 20 years he has been with BTI and what challenges he sees day-in and day-out. Where it was once common for every unit to come to the shop, we now send service trucks out to the field, decreasing customer down time on the job.

One item that makes a big difference for the service department, is reminding customers to perform and/or schedule the routine maintenance that these units need. By doing routine evaluations on equipment at the end of every season, one can avoid some of the larger problems that may have been overlooked the year prior.

When asked how he manages to prioritize customers’ needs in service, Ryan was quick to answer, yet acknowledged that it is never easy. We consider factors such as relationships, loyalty and communication to make the best decision.

Corporate Parts Manager, Mike Davis, walked us through a day in his department. With $8M in parts inventory, his responsibility is no small task. Mike’s team follows four key metrics: first pass filled, stock order, zero sales on a part and inventory turn, with a goal of 80% credit.

Additional facts:

• JohnDeere provides stocking logic code, which provides the machine the ability to identify parts that are required to get back up and running. 
• If a part is sold three times in 12 months, BTI is likely to stock one of those parts at all times in their network.
• Parts counter visits are less frequent due to the dealer portal convenience.
  • 100 current accounts – with a goal of 6,000 accounts
• GoodBetter Best Strategy
  • This helps to identify the quality of parts needed to meet/match the customers’needs and lifecycle of the equipment (including aftermarket components).

Integrated Solutions team, Kent Kirk, CodyHommertzheim & Cody Warden, accompanied us back to Greensburg, where we received a presentation on technology in their new LEED facility. The Integration Solutions Department was started by JohnDeere in 2010. Today, this department offers multiple precision ag platforms, including auto steer, yield mapping, variable rate technology, telematics, soil sampling and more.  These features are the building blocks to the future of efficiency and profitability.

Automation, artificial intelligence, agronomic data, satellite imageryreports and EM mapping were all topics of discussion, explaining how production will continue to evolve. Of the 1400 units, BTI has operated in the field, approximately 250 units are utilizing one or more of these platforms.

Our time at BTIwas wrapped up with a Farm Forward video by John Deere. You can view the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEh5-zZ9jUg

Arts Center, Greensburg, KS

Lunch was hosted at the Arts Center. Although we missed the opportunity to enjoy an exhibit due to the transition of the exhibit that was arriving the following day, we had the opportunity to learn about the LEED building and how the Arts Center is utilized in Kiowa County. 

To learn more about that 5.4.7 Arts Center, or to view the calendar of exhibits and classes, visit: http://547artscenter.org/.

Kiowa County Media Center, Greensburg, KS

Following lunch, we journeyed over to the Kiowa County Commons where we had some time to enjoy the historical soda fountain, located just inside the foyer. Not only could you feel thenostalgia of the old fashioned soda fountain that was restored following the 2007tornado, but the ice cream was an added bonus!

Kiowa Count Commons is home to the Kiowa County Media center and several more resources:

K-State Research and Extension

Kiowa County Library, Greensburg Branch

Kiowa County Historical Museum

CreativeDirector for the Kiowa County Media Center, Grant Neuhold, shared the story of how the Media Center came to be and provided a tour of their LEED Facility. It was explained that the need for the resources which the Kiowa County Media Center now provides, was diagnosed by K-State Research and Extension during the community rebuild. The county had a need for a communication outlet, to help “tell their story.”

Kiowa County Media Center offers a variety of services, including a full recording studio, podcast production, video production and more. They also have a production trailer, used locally to work with youth to produce video at high school extracurricular activities such as sports and theatre events. Grant explained that various buildings where the trailer is utilized were wired to include the necessary capabilities during the rebuild so the trailer can easily connect to the facility.

Following our time at the Kiowa County Commons, Grant joined us back at the Kiowa County MemorialHospital in the conference room to provide some tutorials on trending forms of communication.

How Technology and Media Play a Role in Society Today

“Social media – everyone has a voice”

• Politics: A new study claims that 62% of people get their news from social media, with18% doing so frequently. With these figures, social media’s influence on politics should come as no surprise to anyone.
• Society: Almost a quarter of the world’s population is on Facebook. As a result, people are now exposed to different cultures and practices. This exposure changes perspective by effectively changing the boundaries of society.
• Commerce: Today, it is considered the norm rather than the exception for businesses to communicate with their customers using social media. As a result, their reach has increased often surpassing physical boundaries.
• The workplace: 19% of hiring managers make their hiring decisions based on information found on social media. Professional social networks such as LinkedIn are important social media platforms for people to create their personal brand.
• Training & development: A 2013 Survey by Pearson Learning Solutions reported a significant increase in the use of social media in learning. Over half the educators who were interviewed agreed that social sharing provides an environment that fosters learning.
• Cyberbullying: Social media platforms can be misused to destroy reputations and blackmail others. Cyberbullying, stalking and identity theft are all some of the threats faced by the uses of social media. Users must be careful about the information they share online.
• Personal relationships: One of the effects of social media is encouraging people to form and cherish artificial bonds over actual friendships. The term “friend” as used on social media lacks intimacy with conventional friendships.

The Power to Produce Quality Video

“Smartphone video production overview”

Grant walked us through the steps on how to produce a video on a smartphone, start to finish.

• Verify you have enough space for the file size and frame size.
• For shooting the video, consider using a 3^rd party app for more camera control

Recommendation: Filmic Pro for IOS, $10.00

• Amateur vs. pro: Always shoot in the wide format/horizontal vs. vertical.
• Stability is key: Use a tripod whenever possible with smooth pan and tilt functions, and never zoom. Also consider a handheld gimbal stabilizer to add great production value on iPhone videos.
• Shooting for the edit: Be sure to gather enough footage visually show the viewers a clear picture of your subject. Shoot what you need, and shoot more!
• Shooting in slow motion: Create a dramatic effect. Good slow motion is faster frame rate per second.

Average slow motion video: 30 fps. (frame per second)

Great slow motion video: 240 fps.

Good slow motion video: 120 fps.

• Taking more control: Set focus and exposure to manual. On an iPhone, slides your finger up and down to adjust exposure.
• ConsiderLighting: Morning and evening exposure light outdoors is ideal (golden hour).Avoid mid-day harsh sunlight if possible.
• Audio: Capturing audio (quality) is the best way to add a professional touch. Creating a voiceover can be achieved by recording into your iPhone or using an external microphone.
• Editing:iPhone, iMovie – Android, KineMaster
• Keep it simple: Cut, trim, paste, transition, speed, color, music, publish

The Power of Podcasting

“Why and how are podcasts so powerful” & “Basics on how to produce a podcast”

What is a podcast?

A digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. It is the fastest growing mediabecause they are easy to produce and easy to consume due to the ability of multitaskingwhile enjoying.

Key Details to Creating a Successful Podcast:

• You are passionate about engaging in the topic
• Leverage your strengths
• Bring things to the table no one else can
• There is no fixed formula for a popular and successful podcast

What is success in podcasting?

• Achieving your goal in viewers
• An informational outlet
• Entertainment
• Educational
• Inspirational
• Persuasive
• Applied as a sales tools

Pre-production: Getting a game plan

• Delivery format: Single voice narrative, interview style or co-host
• Segmented Parts: Intro music, greeting, the intro of a topic, main subject, wrap up/closing, outro music
• Online or scripting: Good organization will help in recording

   Bullet point outline to stay on topic

   Avoid sounding like you are reading if you are scripting

Production: Get it recorded

• Equipment:
  • Smart device with internal microphone
  • External microphone
  • Audio interface: Audio recording software, independent recorder
  • Cables

Editing: Any good podcast will have some editing equipment

• Equipment:
  • Smart device – app based editors
  • Computer audio editing software
    • Audacity (free and easy to use)
    • Adobe Audition
    • Garage band (free on mac)

Publishing: What good is a podcast that nobody hears? Follow through the entire process

• Media hosting:
  • Libsync.com
  • Speaker.com
• An RSS Feed (Really Simple Syndication) gives you the access to iTunes and Google store for downloads.
• Use social media to connect and direct the audience to your content.

Twilight Theatre

Wrapping up our seminar, we spent the evening at the wonder Twilight Theatre. The theatre is a wonderful venue, offering the community a great opportunity for entertainment. Dinner was served on the stage of the auditorium, where we had the opportunity to take in the beauty of the theatre with great conversation with alumni and friends.

The evening was complete with a presentation from Mr. Trent Loos. Much of his presentation circles around the resiliency it takes to be a US farmer. We in agriculture have to change and evolve. Rather than starting off each planting season with the mentality of “I am going to lose a lot of money this year,” we need to go back to the basics. We have to strive to add value to every single commodity we produce, and work to produce more with less.

The takeaway from Trent’s presentation was, “don’t just tell your story, share your life experiences. Keep it simple so it resonates. And most importantly, doing this well requires being an exceptional listener.”

Day 3, Friday, November 9

Submitted by Scribe: Justin Diehm

Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg, Kansas

Chair: Jennifer Goering

“Rural Entrepreneurship-Changing Rural Narratives”

Panel Members:

Andi Dale, Dale Family Farms, Protection, KS

Lea Ann Seiler (Class IX), Hodgeman County Economic Development, Jetmore

Carolyn Dunn, Stafford County Economic Development, St. John

Christy Hopkins (Class X), Greeley County Community Development, Tribune

Objectives of the panel

1. Understanding the role of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset of rural Kansans.
2. Carolyn spoke to the class about the Stafford County Marketplace which just opened recently in her community. She stated that without common needs such as a grocery store being met that rural towns will depopulate at an expedited rate. Community leadership identified the need for a grocery store and incorporated a drug store and gas pumps into the same facility. The Stafford County Marketplace employees 35 full and part time positions and has brought new opportunities to St. John.
3. Lea Ann – “You need to learn to accept failure and grow from those experiences. Embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and seek out challenges rather than waiting for someone else to fix your communities shortcomings.”

• How to consider opportunities to innovate in agriculture to avoid the commodity trap in your rural community.
• Andi – “Farmers are getting bigger which is slowly killing population in rural Kansas. The size and scale of machinery today causes a heavier debt load. An unintended consequence of this is the fact it squashes creativity and innovation.”
• Carolyn – “One of the most beneficial steps that Stafford County took was to order a feasibility study. Make sure that before you tackle any large financial obligation a feasibility study is conducted. The cost outweighs the risk ten-fold.”

• How embracing an entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurship-led economic development approach can change the trajectory of rural communities.
• Christy – “If we’re not proud to call our community home, who will move there? Young people started coming back into the community when they could identify that Tribune was taking steps to improve their environment.” (50 more students in their public schools today vs 2010)
• Christy also noted that between 2000 and 2010 no homes were built in Tribune. From 2010-present over 30 new homes have been built.
• Carolyn – “Don’t be afraid to do what’s unpopular today. A larger aspect of leadership that goes unnoticed is not pleasing every single person and challenging the status quo for the bettermentof all.”

• Highlighting the importance of personal investment (time, talent, & financial) in rural communities
• Andi – “One of the bigger challenges to growing business is ignorance of new technology, information, and finding the resources to educate yourself. Never assume the person you’re speaking with has similar experiences to your own. Make sure to share your story and educate the general public.”
• Andi – “Rural communities can be exclusive and cliquish due to generational relationships and shared history. Rural communities and economics are built around relationships.”
• Christy – “It’s paramount to keep communications local. Out-sourced materials lose a positive outlook and personal feel”

“What?…Who, Me?”

Speaker – Ken Rahjes

Ken lead the class through a great activity centered around preparing yourself for a broadcast and “sharing your story” even in the least opportune times. He stated that many times we’re ill-prepared to share our story and that if you don’t share your story someone else will. The class was challenged through individualand panel broadcasts where Ken staged questions to every individual and wegained perspective as to how we should interact in different scenarios.

General Prep Notes:

• Prepare the same for a print interview as youwould for a broadcast
• News outlets won’t allow you time to collectyour thoughts (Story will be published in 24-48 hrs)
• Ensure you have facts to back your story
• Make sure you’re in tune with current events
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help
• A reporter’s job is to get the story, they don’t typically have a bias as to who they’re getting it from

Broadcasting Notes:

• Stay steady and on your message
• Practice in front of a mirror
• Time and delivery are very important
• Relay a positive message
• Keep your hands in your lap
• Don’t take sides, the Agriculture community is united
• Make your story relatable
• Realize that your audience is bigger than your next door neighbor
• If you’re on a panel and know your peers don’t be afraid to defer

Adapting to Change – Pittsburg

Wednesday, December 5, 2019.

Notes submitted by scribe Amanda Ahrens.  

Chair: Daniel Andres.  

Our class enjoyed reuniting with one another for lunch at a Pittsburg staple, The Mall Deli.

The class then gathered for our first session at Pittsburg State University- Kansas Technology Center.  Dr. John Iiley, former Dean of the Technology & Workforce Learning Department introduced our class to the many programs offered by the College of Technology.  Their motto at the college is “By Doing, Learn”. After a brief introduction of the programs, we toured the department labs with students actively working on school projects.

Read more from day one.

Thursday, December 6, 2019.

Chair: Stephanie Symns

Scribe notes submitted by: Zach Townsend

Tour Stops: Great Plains Industrial Parl, Mined Lands Wildlife Area, Claythorne Lodge, Big Brutus, and Treece, Ks

Guest Speaker: Scott Williams, USDA Supervisory District Conservationist

Dinner Hosts: John (VI) and Carolyn Burns (V)

KARL XIV began their second day of the Pittsburg seminar byembarking across a large footprint of southeast KS to experience its wide rangeof industry, geography, and economics impacting this corner of the state. ScottWilliams, the supervisory disctrict conservationist for the USDA accompanied usand facilitated the days’ plans. Being a native of southeast Kansas and havingspent the majority of his working career in the region. Being involved withconservation and the vast amount of environmental changes southeast Kansas hasexperienced due to climate and industry, Mr. Williams shared his knowledge ofevents with our class, making the tour that much more animated. 

Read more from day two

Friday, December 7

Chair: Kurt Schwarz

Scribe: Sarah Molzahn

Speaker: Bill Johnston, Education Outreach Coordinator for Kansas Corn

On our final day in Pittsburg, the class had the opportunity to learn about teaching students from a 33 year veteran of the classroom.  Bill Johnston provided the class with seven rules to help us prepare for an educational workshop that we will present at the Holy Savoir Catholic School in Wichita during the next seminar. 

Read more from day three

Economic Opportunity – Wichita

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Scribe notes submitted by Gimmie Jo Jansonius

A visit and tour of Cargill, one of the top 3 privately held family-owned companies in the world, kicked off Day 2 of KARL Class XIV’s Global Leadership Seminar in Wichita, Kansas, with a tour of the Grand Hall and main floor by Meghan Mueseler.  This was one of Cargill’s first tours since their grand opening last month with the Governor after moving to their recently completed building on the old site of the Wichita Eagle. The building took just two years to construct, features themes in animals, plants, and sustainability and can house up to 950 employees.  

Read More from day two in Wichita

Day three scribe notes and photos submitted by Tyson Anderson.

Holy Savior Catholic School in Wichita was the site of the third and final day of our Wichita seminar.

The class divided up into five groups to teach grades 4 through 8 the importance of agriculture. We discussed a various number of topics including:

• Ethanol and how it is produced and what the by-products are
• Crops, the various crops grown in Kansas
• Vegetables, we discussed vegetable farming on a larger scale and where to source fresh local produce
• Beef, the feed components and how beef is raised in Kansas
• Soybeans, how they are raised and what they are used for.

Photo gallery from day three in Wichita.

Blue Chip

Blue Chip, Day One

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 – Manhattan

The KARL class XIV gathered together at the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) in Manhattan to begin our Blue Chip Seminar. We started the first day of our Blue Chip Seminar with a presentation with Josh Roe the vice-president of Market Development and Policy with Kansas Corn to review Animal Agriculture and Kansas economy. The presentation covered not only Agriculture and Kansas economy but also Kansas specific rankings, Animal Agriculture impact, and last but not least export. Some fun facts that we observed while Josh Roe was presenting to the KARL class XIV were Kansas is ranked second (2^nd) in the nation for cattle and calves plus top ten (10) for milk production and hog production. Also observed was that the animal agriculture industry is nearly as big as the aeronautic industry. Another observation was in Twenty-Seventeen (2017) exports of agriculture commodities accounted for 34.2%. The top three (3) items were mainly raw meat then cereal grain and oilseed. The top three (3) countries that we export to was Mexico, Japan, and Canada.

Josh Roe brought up some things to consider that brought up discussions on corporation agriculture laws and on the presence of the National Bio-Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) coming in next door to Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA). Also had a discussion on the growth of agriculture and processing of meat.

Read more from day one

Blue Chip, Day Two

Day 2, Thursday, February 7, 2019

Chair: Jordan Hilderbrand, Manhattan    

Review Submitted by Scribe: Melissa Bergkamp, Kingman
The Bowersock Mills & Power Company
Sarah Hill-Nelson, President

Bowersock Mills & Power Company of Lawrence is the only hydroelectric plant in Kansas,. “To date, this is the most economical form of energy being produced that we know of, with zero pollution,” shared Sarah Hill-Nelson.

Read more from day two

Blue Chip, Day Three

Friday, February 8, 2019 – Ceva and Merck

Our first stop for the final day of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor session was a visit with Ceva Animal Health at their global headquarters location in Lenexa, KS.  We met with two key leaders – Craig Wallace, CEO and Jodi Donahue, Director of Marketing.

After introductions, Mr. Wallace provided an overview of Ceva Animal Health from its inception in 1999 to their current portfolio of vaccines and pharmaceutical products for pets, poultry, ruminants and swine species. Ceva currently has 5500 employees and is ranked #6 of the top 10 largest animal health companies.

Read more from day three

Leavenworth and Washington, D.C.

Day 1 – 2/11/18

Day 2 – 2/12/17

Submitted by Scribe, Kurt Schwarz, LaCyngne

We started our second day of the Conflict Management course at Zephyr Products. Randy Reinhardt President of Zephyr Products gave us a tour of the plant and told us about their unique labor force. Zephyr Products is utilizing 79 Inmate employees and training them and giving them the skills to succeed after there time is served. They have found that giving inmates a skill set and structure to succeed lowers their chance of reoffending as Zephyr employees have a 5 percent reoffending rate compared to the States rate of 33 percent and Federal rate of 66 percent. Randy expressed that their systems must be solidly in place as they are constantly onboarding and training new employees.

We then traveled to Lansing Correctional Facility. Brett Peterson Executive Assistant to the Warden greeted us and went over the new construction that is going to take place and the history of the facility.  Lansing Correctional is the oldest and largest prison in the state. We then were taken into the prison and toured the Mental Health ward, Maximum security cells, and the Resource center where prisoners can participate in Mentor programs, obtain their GED, and participate in conflict management classes. Finally, we were taken to the Auditorium. Two prisoners presented to us what life was like in the prison and went over their dog program. This program pares inmates with rescue dogs. The prisoners then train and prepare the dogs for their new homes.

Next on our agenda was Steve Jack of the Leavenworth County Development Corporation. Steve went over the Tyson Chicken Plant proposal that was unsuccessful in Tonganoxie. The Tyson plant was going to bring in 320 million dollars of capital investment into a county that averages 22.4 million of new capital development. Steve then went into what he believed derailed the project. The project moved so quickly that they never had a chance to talk to the public. They never had a chance to get out in front of the public and talk about the facts and calm the public down. The effects of this are just starting to show up as other companies are hesitant to look at Leavenworth county due to this project failing.

Chris Parr of FreeState Electric Cooperative then spoke with us during lunch. Chris went over FreeStates business and went into depth about their contract with Fort Leavenworth.

We then moved to Fort Leavenworth and met Douglas Tystad who is a retired Colonel in the US Army and is now the CEO of the CGSC Foundation Inc. Fort Leavenworth has been in service since 1881 and is currently home to 2600 military personnel. We toured the Fort and then went and had a meeting where we went thru the officer career progressions with Colonel Jeff LaMoe. Fort Leavenworth isn’t only for US military as the Fort has had 8000 international graduates and of them, 27 have gone on to be head-of-state in their countries. We were also allowed to go into a classroom and see a war game that was being played.

After Dinner, we were all moved by Dr. Steve Davies a retired Superintendent of USD #430, Warden of Lansing State Prison, and Executive Director of the Koch Crime Commission. Dr. Davies spoke about how Everyone is born the same and then income separates us. He spoke about how kids need a chance and how we need to think outside the box to give underprivileged kids a hand up instead of turning our head.

The Classes Key Takeaways are:

• Organize and be innovative
• Take proactive steps and train
• We must trust folks we can’t see to manage
• We must make a conscious change to be better than what you were
• The element of time: you’ve got to put in the time
• Your actions today will matter tomorrow
• How can we change our system?
• Communication doesn’t just happen- Everyone can grow.

Day 3 – 2/13/17

Submitted by Scribe, Laura Miller, Manhattan

“That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself apart.” -Thomas Jefferson

There’s nothing quite like getting up at 4:30 am on a Tuesday morning to catch a flight out to D.C., but there we were, sleepy-eyed, excited, and maybe even a little bit anxious to get started on our Washington D.C. leg of our week-long journey.  For some of us, this would be our first time in Washington D.C.  After parking our cars, riding a shuttle and shuffling through TSA, we secured ourselves a corner in the airport, settled in, and waited for our flight.  To better prepare us, JJ Jones, Class X alum and orchestrator of our seminar, handed out to the group a BINGO card that listed questions for us to answer about the various people, places, and things that we would encounter while in Washington.  Many of us eagerly got to work filling out our cards, with the promise of a prize for those who could answer the questions during our morning briefings.

“Airplane travel is nature’s way of making you look like your passport photo.” – Al Gore

Soon, we boarded the plane and took the skies.  It was amazing to see the land change and the clouds form as we soared high.  Before we knew it we had landed, loaded, and were off to the Phoenix Park Hotel where would call home for the week.

“Museums are like the quiet car of the world. It’s a place you can come to escape, where there’s authenticity, there’s uniqueness, there’s calm, there’s physicality.” -Thomas P. Campbell

Once we had settled in, it was time to find lunch.  Making our way onto the busy streets of D.C. made me realize how much I appreciate the quieter, more courteous attitudes of my Kansas drivers.  There were so many people and so much noise with cars and sirens everywhere!  Nevertheless, lunch was secured and then it was off to explore a museum or two.  Several members took in the newly opened National Museum of African American History and found evidence of Kansas’ contribution to Black History.

That evening, we headed out to the American Farm Bureau Federation where we met up with the North Carolina delegation and joined them an evening of good food, good conversation, and good friends.  We even got a warm welcome from American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.  We each went around and introduced our new friend, highlighting their interests and connections to agriculture.  The best part was realizing how similar our roles in agriculture were; it was as if we found our NC Counterpart.

“I hope to stand firm enough to not go backward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck the country’s cause.”-Abraham Lincoln

After saying farewell to new found friends, we made our way onto a tour bus for a night tour of the Washington D.C. monuments.  Our tour guide, Bobby, kept us moving as we visited The Capitol, Jefferson Memorial, World War II memorial, White House, MLK Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.  Even at night, there was much more of a connection and closeness to the leaders in which these monuments were made for.  It was such a humbling and awesome experience.

By the end of the day, we had put in a solid 16 hours and it was time to hit the hay, knowing full well that this was only the beginning.  And as such, my time as scribe came to an end.  Thank for you reading and letting me share our experience!

Day 4 – 2/14/18

Submitted by Scribe, Jared Petersillie, LaCrosse

Our day started with a Capital Tour, with staff from Senator Robert’s office.  After making our usual security interlude, we were able to see the sights of the capital complete with shuttle rides from Senate offices to the capital.

The first meeting was with Senator Roberts.  We were able to ask questions and discuss issues with Darren Hurries from Salina and Anthony Seiler.  The most pressing issue at hand was the farm bill as Sen. Roberts is the Ag Committee Chair.  With eleven titles including SNAP, Ag Business, Rural Development and Rural Broadband, the Farm Bill is very far-reaching.  We were able to discuss Immigration, ARC/PLC as well as RMA vs. NASS data, Electronic Logs on trucks, and possible amendments to the recently passed tax bill that gave coops a marked advantage over other business forms.

His goal is to hold crop insurance harmless, avoid extensions, but expand trade, stability, and predictability.  Sen. Roberts has had a hand in 7 Ag bills in his tenure.

Following lunch at the capital, we met with Senator Moran.  Our questions and topic discussions were much the same.  We met with Judd Gardiner and Jordan Ebert (Kinsley native).  Sen. Moran maintains 5-6 offices across the state with 15-18 staffers and another 18-21 staff members in D.C.  His main interests in D.C. are Veteran’s affairs (health care), community banking, WOTUS, and NAFTA.  We also discussed the mental health of KS farmers, the Hunger Caucasus, the need for truck drivers, and reaching other states’ non-Ag legislators.  We also discovered the history of his staff.  Our newly named lieutenant governor is Tracy Mann who originally was on Sen. Moran’s staff.  We also learned that Sen. Moran has first-hand knowledge of the KARL program as his wife has served on the Exec. Board.

From here our group broke up to meet with their respective Representative.  Due to the size of the big 1^st, many of us met with Rep. Marshall and was greeted by Dalton Henry from his staff.  A number of us have known Dalton and Rep. Marshall for many years.  While the discussion was much the same, we focused on the number of skilled labor jobs that exist across the U.S.  He also sees a need for Jr. Colleges and Vo-Techs to keep producing program graduates in teaching, computer science, and manufacturing.  He highlighted the sheer number of Americans that quit looking for employment.   He also focused on the GDP growth as well as the 5% small business gains.  His view of NAFTA from the House side is more positive than we had heard from the Senate meetings.  He is striving to keep Crop Insurance, Title 1, CRP spending, and Nutrition programs similar in this bill to the last.  Rep. Marshall also gave us his views of Elect. Truck logs, SNAP benefits, and Rural Health Care.  He has first-hand knowledge of the healthcare industry and talked about the need for transparency, innovation, and consumerization.

Being this was Ash Wednesday, most of our class took in a service at either the Basilica or the National Cathedral. Some class members evidently needed more ‘ash’ to cover shortcomings that others!  In addition to evening activities, we also were invited to the North Carolina’s ‘Pig Pickin.’  A few class members took the challenge to meet with other states’ elected officials to heart and were very close to sitting up a meeting with Nancy Pelosi after an encounter with staff from her office, but were disappointed with her yet again.

Day 5 – 2/15/17

Submitted by Scribe Patrice Herrmann, Cherokee, Oklahoma

Started out the day executing our decision-making skills. Food selection for dinner later in the day at the Kennedy Center.

We then took time for a brief recap of the day before where Senator Moran Jerry Moran all challenged us “what are you going to do when you go home”. Instead of coming to DC with problems, create solutions at home first. Being in DC has changed the view of politicians because we realize that they are also real people with real issues.

From the Hotel we headed out to the metro to travel to the USDA. For some class members, this was a new experience. We faced a few challenges along the way (losing JJ), but we all made it to USDA in one piece.

While at the USDA we enjoyed the opportunity of interacting with several USDA personnel.

1. Alan Mackey, Office of Congressional Relations – gave the class an history of the farm bill. Farm Bill cuts are not up to the USDA. Cuts are decided by Congress then USDA implements Congress’s decisions. “Don’t underestimate your roll in Rural American”
2. Dr. Sam Clovis, Senior White House Advisor – Office of the USDA Secretary. Fellow Kansan that grew up in Hutchinson. Spoke on the movement of getting rid of the duplications happening within NRCS, FSA, and RMA. The goal is to make these entities more efficient.
3. Robert Johansson, USDA Chief Economist, U/S FPAC Acting- Spoke about WSADE reports data collections and purpose.
4. Ted McKinney, U/S for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs- Gave the class a down to earth open conversation. Three points: Engage – Be Strategic – Be More Curious

From USDA the class split up for lunch and met back up at the Mexican Embassy.

This meeting was hosted by the Mexican Cultural Institute. This was one of my favorite buildings. Our presenters Luis and Brenda went into detail the importance of Agriculture trade between Mexico and the US. They presented us with solid numbers to highlight this important and bring into reality.

Some quick highlights:

• Mexico is the #1 importer of apples
• 97% of US wheat exports go to Mexico
• 60% of Kansas Ag Products are exported to Mexico
• 30% of Kansa Total products are exported to Mexico

Next, the class headed back to the Phoenix Hotel to prepare for a fun evening at the Kennedy Center. Our evening at the Kennedy Center was kicked off with a tour of the Center. From there we enjoyed a delicious relaxing dinner. We ended the evening the “Shear Madness” show. This was a hilarious show enjoyed by all. Great way to end the evening.

Day 6 – 2/16/17

The day was vast with many opportunities. To read more about specific visits click here!

• Food Marketing
• National Assoc. of Ag
• NCBA
• NFU
• Farm Bureau
• Pet Food
• Pew Charitable Trusts
• US Grains
• National Chicken
• Human Association
• Wheat Growers

Day 7 – 2/17/17

Submitted by Scribe, Simone Elder, Leoti

Robert E. Lee and Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee Reenactors

Robert E. Lee believed he was fighting for the rights of the states. The Confederate Army had fought 123 battles in Virginia/the south before July 1, 2863. There had been no Civil War battles fought in the north until Gettysburg.

Mrs. Lee was the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington. Her father was raised by George Washington.

Leadership Lessons:
~Never allow the fear of failure keeps you from doing something.
~Treat all people in a simple courteous manner.
~Never use dishonestly.
~Treat all people the same to their face as you do behind their back.
~Do your duty in all things. Respect. No regrets.

Battle of Gettysburg and The Civil War Key Facts/Trivia
~The Civil War is also known as the War of the Rebellion.
~The Union Army named battles after rivers, The Confederate Army named them after the nearest town. The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the few that both sides shared a name.
~Between 1861-1865, 620,000 soldiers died. There was 0% population growth for 6-7 years after the Civil War. Only 7% of the soldiers in the Civil War were farmers. Lincoln wanted the farmers to feed the troops, not fight.
~The Battle of Gettysburg took place July 1-3, 1863 between Seminary and Cemetery Ridge.
~Day 1: Union Army gets pushed back to Cemetery Ridge (tactical victory: Confederate, strategic victory: Union)
~Day 2: Battle of Little Round Top (tactical victory: Confederate, strategic victory: Union)
~Day 3: Pickett’s Charge
~51,000 soldiers died in the Battle of Gettysburg.
~70,000 Confederate troops and 97,000 Union troops fought in the battle.
~General Robert E. Lee’s troops were advancing to Harrisburg along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gettysburg was an “accidental battle.” Prior to Gettysburg, Lee’s battle record was 8-0-1. After the loss at Gettysburg, Lee didn’t win another major battle during the Civil War.
~Key players for the Union Army: General John Buford (came up with the plan to protect the high ground), General John Fulton Reynolds, General Abner Doubleday (took over when Reynolds died on July 2), Lt. Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (fought against Hood with bayonet’s at Little Round Top), Major General George Meade, General Governour Warren (“Savior of Little Round Top”)
~Key players for the Confederate Army: General Robert E. Lee, General Richard Ewell (led first day’s battle), General John Bell Hood (led the attack against Union at Little Round Top), General ~James Longstreet, Major General George Pickett
~569 tons of lead were exchanged in the Battle of Gettysburg
~The Civil War ended April 9, 1865.

Leadership Lessons
~Stick to purpose: Lee ordered the Confederate troops to not destroy buildings or harm civilians.
~Communication is key: John Buford (Union) sent word immediately to John Reynolds about his plan and that the Confederate Army was near.
~On the flip side, Lee’s order to Ewell to take the high ground on the opposite side of Gettysburg “if practicable” was not clear to Ewell and is a factor in the Confederate Army losing this battle. ~Compliment subordinates: When Reynolds arrived in Gettysburg, he complimented Buford “Lovely battlegrounds. Lovely plan.”
~Be strategic and plan ahead: Buford set up the Union line west of Seminary Ridge in order to fall back to the highest point of Cemetery Ridge.
~Be humble: The Confederate Army thought very highly of themselves and believed they couldn’t be beaten.

Eisenhower Farm
~Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower lived in 40 places during their 35+ years of marriage. The farm was their only home.
~They purchased 189 acres plus dairy cattle and chickens in 1950 just outside of Gettysburg. The purchase price then was $44,000. Today it would be nearly $450,000.
~They sold the dairy cattle and chickens and purchased black Angus. He operated a successful cattle business for 15 years.
~Shortly after purchasing this property to retire to, Eisenhower was asked to be the Supreme Commander of NATO in Europe.
~In 1952, Eisenhower won the election as 34th president of the U.S. and was president through the end of 1960.
~During his presidency, the Eisenhowers used the farm as a weekend retreat. Additionally, in November 1955, the farmhouse became a temporary White House while President Eisenhower recuperated from a heart attack.
~He also invited dignitaries and visitors from Camp David to tour the farm. *Eisenhower renamed Camp David after his grandson changing it from the former name “Shangri-la”.
~The Eisenhowers gifted the farm to the U.S. Government in 1967.
~President Eisenhower passed away March 28, 1969. Mamie Eisenhower passed away November 1, 1979.

Organization Visits – Washington, D.C.

US Grains Council
Attended by Zach Townsend, Lynn Moore, Ross Weber-Chair, and Amanda Ahrens-Scribe

Kimberly Atkins the Vice President and COO of the U.S. Grains Council presented and explained the role of the U.S. Grains Council to our group.  The council works in more than 50 countries and the European Union to develop markets to help enable trade for Barley, Corn, Grain Sorghum, and co-products of those crops such as Ethanol and Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS).  Their theme for 2018 is “Friends and Frontier”, which they would like to reconnect friendships with Mexico, Korea, and others and find new ways to move demand to other countries.

Looking at bi-lateral and tri-lateral trades, the U.S. is behind and we need to speed up to the rest of the World.  Withdrawing from TPP has really hurt the trade with Asian Markets. Mexico doesn’t want a bilateral trade agreement.  They want NAFTA or they will pull out and find other markets to import from.

Ag Facts:

– When Trade Works, the World wins.  95.7% of the world’s population live outside the U.S.  Ag is the U.S. Foreign trade Champion, Falling to move forward on trade means falling behind.  The flow of goods, ideas, capital, and people is essential for prosperity. More than 9% of the anticipated population growth over the next 35 years will be outside the U.S.  

– No matter how you measure the effects, USDA’s Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program consistently contribute to the economic development across America.

– 1 in every 1o acres of American farmland harvested goes to Mexico or Canada.  

– US Corn exports to Canada and Mexico have increased more than 7x since 1994

– Mexico is a vitally important Ag Customer; #1 Buyer of U.S. Corn- (524 million bushels), #2 Buyer of DDGS (1.9 MMT), #2 buyer of U.S. sorghum (23.8 million bushels), #1 Buyer of US Barley (5.3 million bushels

-Global Trade boosts U.S. farm income

– 32% of U.S. gross farm income comes directly from exports

– Every $1 Billion of U.S. Ag exports requires 8,000 American Jobs

– U.S. Ag Exports= $135 billion in 2016, equivalent to building 34 skyscrapers

-Corn: 48 million metric tons of corn, 1 out of 3 planted corn acres is exported, worth $9 billion, Top buyers Mexico, Japan, Columbia

-Ethanol: 1.02 billion gallons of ethanol, 1 out of 15 gallons produced in the U.S. is exported, worth $1.8

   Billion, Top Buyers Canada, China, Brazil

– DDGS: 11.6 million metric tons of DDGS, worth $2.3 Billion, Top Buyers China, Mexico, Vietnam

Our group enjoyed learning more about the U.S. Grains Council and the continued importance of foreign trade.   

National Farmers Union
Rob Larew – Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications
NFU Overview

• Structured like Farm Bureau
• Perception is, FB=R, NFU=D (However, Oklahoma has NFU largest membership)
• 1902 – Cooperative Model Focus
• Provide farmers a fair shake in the marketplace
• General Farm Organization
• Recent Vice-President – Kansas Native
• Current Board Member – Donn Teske – Kansas
• Little influence in the SE region of the country
• Each state is an independent association of the state organization Other things to know about NFU:
• Grassroots organization – farmers on the ground making a living, maintain and pass on agriculture.
• It’s all about the farm economy, how is it going to improve the lives of farmers and ranchers (credit, risk management, )
• Ag Working Together on Issues (immigration, crop insurance, )
• org

Farm Bill – movement next month (March)

• Crop Insurance
• ARC/PLC – improve the current process
• Dairy Farms – focus on safety and not failing
• Mergers and Consolidation of farms is a challenge
• Consumer Price Index How does NFU affect farmers?

1. Fewer Options
2. Staying Innovative
3. Impact Prices Immigration:

• Ag Workforce Coalition – member
• Need a worker VISA program
• Need certainty in the workforce Mental Health:
• USDA has a program on books in the Farm Bill, but it has not been fueled or
• We need to add resources
• Opioids – family farms are more likely to be impacted
• NFU – trying to raise awareness with a focus on rural health care centers
• Ag Stress Programs
• Engaging rural communities

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
NCBA Overview

• Around since 1890’s
• Past President – Kansas
• Largest and Oldest
• Focus on Cattle and Beef Industry
• Address access to markets
• Transportation Issues
• Headquarters (Denver)
• Beef check-off largest contractor
• Policy Team (DC Office)
• Set-Policy on Cow-Calf Production
• Affiliates in 46 states
• Over 700,000 producers in the beef industry
• 150,000 members (beef production)
• Beef Exports (Japan, Korea, Mexico, Hong Kong, Canada) Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP):
• Tariff 38%
• Looking at Japan for a bilateral agreement
• Trump is trying to renegotiate an agreement with Korea North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA):
• Created billion $ markets in Mexico and Canada
• Restructuring NAFTA with Mexico and Canada, if not?
• Australia and New Zealand looking open markets to
• The US needs to open markets and access to products
• Asia is becoming a new market for beef
• Korea – Costco only sells American beef; they restock their shelves four times per
• Japan – all the remaining items not sold in the US is a big market in Japan (beef tongue $20) or about $1.00 per

Farm Bill:

• Foot & Mouth Disease
• Plum Island houses 75%; Mexico & Canada 25%
• 23 strains of FMD around the world
• FMD documents found in a cave when looking for Osama Bin Laden
• An outbreak would impact all sectors of the economy
• Ag Research, asking for $150 million/year for 5 years Transportation:
• ELD’s – mandate was passed four years ago
• DOT didn’t reach out to agriculture/livestock sector very well
• 90-day wavier until March 18th
• Issues “hour of service” with live hauls
• Asking for a 1-year delay for livestock and insect haulers
• DOT has been petitioned for a waiver, up to 5-years
• Concerns: off-load every 11-hours, increases cost, driver shortage, weather

Food Marketing Institute – the voice of food retail
David Fikes – Vice President of Communication & Consumer Affairs Originally from Arkansas

• 20 Years of career was spent as an Episcopal Priest Moved to DC to find a wife
• The goal of the Food Marketing Institute: Feeding Families. Enriching Lives.
• How much time and energy is spent reaching out to educate?
• More to retailers vs. end users
• Our members (retailers) want to be the ones educating their consumers
• More time is spent gathering information from the consumers to understand consumer needs
• Consumer buying habits are changing
• Consumers used to go grocery shopping for an entire week, that is no longer the average
• Most consumers buy groceries for 1 or 2 meals
• The average consumers visit a store 1.6 times per week Consumers use an average of 5 different venues/retailers
• The average supermarket carries 38,000 items
• The average supermarket profits 1-2% per grocery item

Consumer used to ask these three questions when grocery shopping:

1. How much does it cost?
2. Is it convenient?
3. How does it taste?

GMO-FREE diets:
FMI research and interviews indicate that only 1 out of every 60 GMO-Free consumers can explain why we should not consume GMOs, or what GMO is

This clarifies we have a PR issue – a disconnect with consumers.

Packaging is Challenging:

The implantation of QR Codes and Smart Labels will provide more insights on package contents in comparison to our current nutrients labeling on packaging.

FMI is spending a great amount of time on digital “click list” shopping applications and newest emerging issues for FMI members

NASDANational Association of State Departments of Agriculture

NASDA grows and enhances agriculture by forging partnerships and creating a consensus to achieve sound policy outcomes between state departments of agriculture, the federal government, and stakeholders.

Top 4 priorities NASDA is working through now:

• Cooperative Federalism to advance agriculture
  • ENASDA calls for a renewed commitment to Cooperative Federalism – a robust partnership and role for states in federal policymaking – to ensure agriculture’s economic stability while guaranteeing safe and accessible food. Effective federal-state partnerships are needed now more than ever.
• Food Safety Modernization
  • FSM was passed in 2011 as an overhauled system by the FDA This is problematic as FDA has never regulated food
• Trade
  • Currently pursuing a bi-lateral trade
  • NASDA works at the state level to make movement on work that is done getting accomplished
• Farm Bill
  • Identify areas they want to focus on.
  • Animal Disease Prevention Trade & Export Promotion Specialty Crop Block Grants Invasive Species Conservation
  • Research, Education and Economics Food Safety

Key details for NASDA:

• Digging into American Farmers & Families Make connections and educate
• NASDA was very interested in knowing what our issues are in Kansas and what we were looking to learn about.
• Topics discussed, were NAFTA, immigration and its effects on the western part of our state, mental health and more.

Pet Food Institute
Peter Tabor, Daniel Nat-Davies, and Mary Emma Young Mary Emma Young spoke highly of Dr. Aldrich at K-State

Mary Emma Young – Communications Director with PFI. Used to work at CropLife America Daniel Nat-Davies – Business Manager; also does Market Access Programs

Pete Tabor – VP of International and Regulatory Affairs. Works with USDA and FDA. Joined PFI after 15 years with FAS

• Business Roundtable and US Chamber NAFTA day – PFI was involved with those discussions Personal introductions by Kellen, Patrice, Brian, Gimmie Jo, and Jared
• Mary Emma had the opportunity to work with JJ when he worked with the Center for Food Integrity PFI is a staff of 6. Getting a new CEO at the end of the month – Dana Brooks.
• Established in 1958 with 25 producer members; 60+ producer members (food safety, lab testing, etc.). Account for 98% of U.S. food manufacturing.
• Supply chain safety is a very important topic for members; vertical integration is a key point of that
• Their mission – “committed to helping dogs and cats live long and healthy lives.”
• FSMA and Trade; Support pet food innovation
• American Pet Products Association handles other small animal/companion animal products. PFI only handles dog and cat food.
• Pet food industry is a very competitive industry – commercials on tv show one company that states their product contains an ingredient that another does not have, as an example. They respond to consumer demand. PFI’s role is to provide fact-based information. To talk about corn, by-products, regulations, etc. PFI is at the end of a very complex ingredient stream.
• US sales of dog and cat food exceeded $28 billion in 2016. 180 million dogs and cats; almost 2/3 of households have a cat or dog. Lots of growth in the premium market – expectation that food mirrors human food.
• Pet food was largely recession-proof.
• PFI members directly employ 30,000 people in facilities across 30 states
• Pet food manufacturing industry contributes 398,416 jobs within and related to the industry (AFIA). Kansas is #3 state, with 33,381 direct and related jobs.
• Partners – NGFA, AAHA, AVMA, NRA, Pets in the Classroom, HABRI, AFIA, Petfoodology (Tufts University), Pet Partners
• Diversity in Pet Food Products
• Dry, Wet, Semi-Moist, Treats, Chews

Novel foods

• Raw

Communicating about Pet Food

• GMO labeling, SmartLabel, Traceability, Welfare, Antibiotics, Labor
• Re-launched website in Became active in social media (Twitter)
• PFI is neutral on raw pet food as a trade association. They do advise the information for Salmonella and Listeria from regulatory agencies.

FSMA –

• Animal Food Rule – CGMPs, hazard analysis and risk-based preventive protocols, recall plan
• Foreign Supplier Verification Program
• FSMA inspections under way now; conducted now by FDA and later by state officials

Held to a different standard; not a higher standard, just a different standard 3,000 hours reviewing the proposed FSMA rule

FDA response on FSMA – larger companies have the ability to do more damage. AAFCO – state regulation in pet food (American Association of Feed Control Officials)

Trade – exports roughly $1.4 billion. Canada and Mexico are roughly ½ of export markets Looking to grow in China, Korea, etc.

Market Access Programs (MAP)

• Increase the export of S. pet food and treats
• Address trade barriers
• Educate pet owners, increase awareness of pet food value
• Work with other related organizations (veterinary organizations, schools, government offices, humane groups)
• Have in-country representatives in approximately 14 countries
• They attend pet shows, events, etc. to speak about the advantages and demand for U.S. pet food
• China $421,000 MAP program in 2018 Mexico $211,000 MAP program Taiwan $201,000 MAP program Colombia $181,094 MAP program

Middle East (UAE and Israel) MAP program
Additionally, Central America, Caribbean, Philippines, etc. Total grant of $1.4 million and PFI does a 35% match

Education Programs

• Trade shows
• Community Events
• Schools
• Veterinary workshops/seminars
• Social media

Currently, have events scheduled in China in April and probably Taiwan in May Solicit input from PFI members

PFI market and analysis and reviews

Conduct market studies and reviews by 3^rd party firms

Start with limited funds and either grow to curtail activities depending on program impact, effectiveness Conclude MAP activities once our activities have established US pet food’s position in the market in Japan

American Farm Bureau Federation 

Introductions were provided by the KARL participants – Rob, Amanda, Lucy, Brian, and Kellen Executive Director of Public Policy, Dale Moore

Executive Director of Communications, Mace Thornton

• Media relations – proactive approach and to land AFBF in as many top-tier media outlets as possible
• Dale shared some information about WOTUS First strategy was to be proactive with the “Ditch the Rule” campaign. If you are an executive agency, don’t get on anyone’s stage. At one point there were 6 different committees on the Hill holding meetings on WOTUS. It is not about headlines or news, but it is about providing information ahead of the needle. One of the time when the lobbyists take a step back and allow the communicators to do their job.

• 7 years ago, or so the agency was very Now they all sit down together and plot their strategy forward. Makes them a more grassroots organization and allows them to be more collaborative. In his words, “they are there.”
• On the lobbying team, there are 16 federal registered lobbyists. The economist is a federal registered Among the 51 affiliates there are probably another 70 or so registered lobbyists. Ryan [Flickner] does not report to him, but he can be incredibly effective.
• Mace has been with AFBF for almost 28 Was with KFB for almost 5 years. Started as a general reporter for the McPherson Sentinel.

Annual Convention

• Mace received 230 media credential requests during annual Pulled the tables because they were concerned they were going to run out of space.
• Huge victory for the organization to have the president share the podium

• Mace was able to spend time with his speech writer a couple of weeks before about ideas and thoughts that might resound with agricultural folks
• It is not AFBF endorsing Donald Trump, it is Donald J. Trump endorsing agriculture
• Ray Starling and three other individuals that work in the secretary’s office started out at AFBF
• Connections work down the road as something else pops up. As someone is a governor, county commissioner, senator. Being a good communicator is helpful
• Had 16 ag attaches at Also invited additional ag organizations as a new idea.

Having a grassroots organization calling the White House is NOT going to work. Must have senators and congressman go to the President and extol the benefits. Talk about pulling out has mediated to renegotiating

Spoke about Gregg Doud’s confirmation.

16 state policy specialists on policy, economy, and legal were involved in Farm Bill topics Agricultural labor as it relates to immigration reform is a LARGE topic. Still working to put together a policy that works. AFBF Board voted unanimously yesterday to support the House version that is currently on the table.

AFBF has a fairly active litigation team. General counsel weighs in on different topics.

Electronic Logging Devices – (Dale) We are working on it. Secretary Purdue is working with Zippy Duvall and a broad coalition to hold off. President Duvall’s topic this week is on that topic, to explain how important that topic is to AFBF.

Objectives for AFBF for 2018:

• Trade
• Immigration Reform
• Farm Bill: on time that meets farmers and ranchers needs
• Regulatory Reform: 70 years since Administrative Procedures were enacted. Gives agencies deference.
• Process: WOTUS, Federal Grazing, Broadband, Endangered Species Some of the fighting and pushing back on regs. Some are monitoring. Interesting conversations
• Tax reform was on the list last year. It is now in the process of being enacted, so it is being monitored.
• Broadband – really great conversation on future of broadband
• Brian provided information that it takes him over an hour to upload a minute of video
• Mace- WOTUS lawsuit that was filed in Texas
• Nationwide stay is in place, but EPA has sued and AFBF has counter-sued to keep it from going into effect
• Phase 1) Rescinding the rule Phase 2) Reworking the rule

If you can’t FLOAT us, it’s not WOTUS

The President of AFBF, Zippy Duvall, is fully supportive of alignment between ag organizations. He charged Mace and his shop with reaching out to American Farmers Union and the opioid crisis would be unifying. Farm Town Strong information program (74% of farmers and ranchers either know someone or have a friend or family member that have an opioid problem) #1 issue – need to break down the stigma that it is an addiction and not that they have a weak moral compass. (Farmtownstrong.com due to the fact that the strength of our rural communities will help overcome this challenge). Ann Hazlett (USDA-RD) has been very supportive on this topic and have been outstanding. Monday, March 12 8:00 pm there will be a program on RFD-TV with Zippy Duvall, Roger Johnson and Ann Hazlett on the opioid crisis.