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Recent News

KARL Announces New Leadership Class at Class xvii Graduation

06/11/2026
The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program recently celebrated the graduation of Class XVII while welcoming 30 new Associates selected for Class XVIII, marking a transition that will shape the next generation of leaders in Kansas agriculture and rural communities. Class XVIII includes 30 Kansans representing all regions of the state who will start their two-year shared leadership experience later this year.

To read more about Class XVIII, click here.

KARL Class XVII Completes International Study in Brazil

04/11/2026
KARL Class XVII recently completed their International Study Tour of Brazil. The class gained knowledge on issues including international trade, production practices, critical issues, government policy, foreign cultures, customs, and values. 

To read more about Class XVII's experience in Brazil, click here.

KARL Class xvii COMPLETES final regional kansas SEMINAR

03/16/2026
KARL Class XVII recently completed their final regional Kansas seminar focussing on energy, water, natural resources and rural infrastructure while in Hays, KS. Attendees learned about the region's efforts to build communities that thrive while focussing on the infrastructure that is critical for community growth and perseverance. 
 
To read more about this seminar, click here.

KARL COMPLETES GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

01/28/2026
KARL Class XVII recently completed their Global Leadership Seminar in South Central Kansas. The class examined the economic powerhouse of opportunity found within the region from visiting the manufacturing floor of a small rural business to one of the world's largest, privately held agribusiness corporations. The class also explored aviation manufacturing as well as a national defense asset found in Wichita.
 
To read more about this seminar, click here.

KARL Class Visits Southeast Kansas

12/29/2025
KARL Class XVII recently completed their seminar in Southeast Kansas. The class examined the region's history and evolving economic landscape and gained a deeper understanding of how communities confront challenges, adapt to change, and pursue new opportunities for economic development 
 
To read more about the Class XVII Southeast Kansas seminar, click here.

KARL Class Completes Domestic Study Tour

12/01/2025
KARL Class XVII recently returned from their Domestic Study Tour where they focused on innovation and investment. The seminar offered observations on entrepreneurship and innovation in the agricultural space and rural community development through local industry leadership.
 
To read more about the Domestic Study Tour, click here.

2025 Annual Report Arriving in mailboxes

11/21/2025
The 2025 KARL Annual Report: 35 Years of Legendary Leadership has been published and will be arriving in mailboxes soon!

To read the this year's report, click here.

KARL Class XVII Completes Genesis 2.0 to begin year two 

09/01/2025
KARL Class XVII recently kicked off the second year of their KARL experience by completing their Genesis 2.0 seminar. Associates were able to experience Council Grove during this seminar allowing them time to explore topics including philanthropy, rural business, self reflections and purpose.

To read more about Genesis 2.0 click here.

KARL Fellow featured in Storytelling series

07/24/2025
KARL Class IV’s Brian Dunn (St, John, KS) says his two-year KARL experience provided him with opportunities to meet and interact with passionate people throughout rural Kansas who became resources to lean on while also observing a variety of leadership styles in action.

Listen to his full story here.

2025 Leader Links Golf Tournament announced

06/01/2025
The 17th annual Leader Links KARL Benefit Golf Tournament is slated for Friday, August 1, 2025. The event will take place at the Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan, KS.

For sponsorship information or to register a team, click here.

KARL Class X fellow highlighted in storytelling series

05/14/2025
KARL Class X’s Christy Hopkins (Tribune, KS) believes the two-year KARL experience provided her with a clear understanding that possessing the ability to work collectively can move rural Kansas forward.

 Listen to her full story here.

KARL Class XVII Completes Conflict Management seminar

05/05/2025
KARL Class XVII recently completed their Conflict Management Seminar while visiting Kansas City, Lansing and Leavenworth. The class made visits to Lansing Correctional Facility, Zephyr Products, Fort Leavenworth, Dairy Farmers of America and KC Chamber. 

For detailed scribe notes from this seminar, click here.

KARL Class XVII experiences gettysburg Leadership experience

04/02/2025
KARL Class XVII associates travelled to Pennsylvania to participate in the Gettysburg Leadership Experience. This powerful 2.5 day experience combined high-level leadership modules with on-site tours of Gettysburg transforming the way one leads while preparing individuals for their greatest challenges.

For detailed scribe notes from this seminar, click here.

KARL Class XVII Completes National Service Seminar

04/01/2025
KARL Class XVII recently returned to Kansas following their National Service Seminar held in Washington, DC. Class associates were provided with opportunities to grasp a greater understanding of national government, public policy decision-making, and international trade through visits with congressional delegation members and staff, the USDA, agricultural trade agencies and associations.

For detailed scribe notes from this seminar, click here.

karl Class IX fellow featured in LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING SERIES 

03/03/2025
KARL Class IX’s Trevor McKeeman (Manhattan, KS), believes his two-year experience provided him with knowledge and opportunities that has influenced the development of his technology startup companies.

The KARL Program is celebrating 35 years of lasting impact on leaders like McKeeman.  Listen to his full story here.

karl Impact Report now available

02/27/2025
The KARL Board of Directors commissioned a comprehensive impact study, bringing in a third party to lead this effort. This independent group conducted a survey of our Fellows and Friends and held in-depth interviews with leaders close to the program. 

The result of their work is this report—a reflection on the reach, influence, and long-term value of the program. To read the full report, click here.

Class Xvii Completes State of the State seminar

01/28/2025
KARL Class XVII recently completed their State of the State seminar in Topeka, Kansas. 

The class explored all three branches of government as well as various agriculture and rural associations and organizations that play a role in affecting public policy, regulations and public services.  

To learn more about their three day comprehensive visit, click here.

PURDY PROVIDES PROGRAM HISTORY IN KARL STORYTELLING SERIES 

12/28/2024
Founding KARL board member Ray Purdy (Blackwell, OK) reflects on the purpose of the initial creation of KARL and the multi-decade evolution of this transformative Kansas leadership program

To learn more about the history of KARL, click here to listen to Purdy's reflections.

KARL Class XVII completes seminar in northwest kansas

12/16/2024
KARL Class XVII recently traveled to Northwest Kansas for their December seminar.

The class was introduced to a variety of topics including educational partnerships, housing, entrepreneurship, and explored the dynamics of leadership and influence in public decision-making   

To read more about their seminar experiences, click here to read the scribe notes.

LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING SERIES features CLASS vIII FELLOW

11/28/2024
KARL Class VIII’s Gary Millershaski (Lakin, KS) discusses how his two-year experience jumpstarted his state and national service within the wheat industry. 

Learn more about the KARL Program's impact on Millershaski by listening to his full story here.

KARL Class XVII completes seminar in southwest kansas

11/18/2024
KARL Class XVII recently visited Garden City and surrounding areas while completing their Southwest Kansas seminar. 

The class covered issues including immigration, labor and water. They also visited a number of agricultural facilities during their intense three days in the SWKS region.   

To read more about their seminar experiences, click here to read the scribe notes.

2024 KARL Annual Report Now Available

11/11/2024
The 2024 KARL Annual Report: The Legacy of Impact has been published and should be arriving in mailboxes soon! 

To read the this year's report, click here.

LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING SERIES features CLASS XIv FELLOW

10/14/2024
KARL Class XIV’s Simone Elder (Leoti, KS) reflects on how her two-year experience provided her with the opportunity to connect her life-long passion for rural communities with further personal and professional development.

Learn more about how the KARL Program continues to impact Elder by listening to her full story here.

KARL names Graves as new Leadership Program Manager & Facilitator 

9/03/2024
The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program has named Frances Graves of Bartlett, Kan. as its new Leadership Program Manager and Facilitator.  

To read more, click here for the full press release.

KARL Class XVII Begins two-year experience at genesis seminar

8/28/2024
KARL Class XVII officially began their two-year journey as they gathered together in Manhattan and Rock Springs during their Genesis Seminar in August. 

To read more, click here to read the scribe notes from Genesis.

LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING SERIES features CLASS II FELLOW 

7/12/2024
KARL Class II’s Ken Wood (Chapman, KS), offers reflections on his participation in this two-year Kansas leadership program. Wood shares how KARL provided him with valuable resources that he was able to apply when serving his community.

Learn more about how the KARL Program has continued to impact Wood and his community by listening to his full story here.

KARL Class xvii participants introduced at the big event

6/10/2024
The newest class of KARL Associates have been announced. Members of the KARL Class XVII were introduced to the KARL network during The Big Event held in Manhattan, KS, on June 1, 2024.

Class XVII consists of 30 Kansans who will start their two-year shared leadership experience later this year.  Click here for more information.

LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING SERIES features CLASS XVI FELLOW 

5/30/2024
According to KARL Class XVI's Danielle Kaminski (Hays, KS), her experience with this two-year Kansas leadership program was an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experiences that she was then able to share with her students. 

Learn more about how the KARL Program has impacted Kaminski by listening to her full story here.

Leader Links Benefit Golf Tournament Announced 

5/29/2024
The 16th annual Leader Links KARL Benefit Golf Tournament is slated for Friday, August 2, 2024. The event will take place at the Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan, KS.

For sponsorship information or to register a team, click here.

LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING SERIES features CLASS XIII FELLOW 

4/26/2024
According to KARL Class XIII's Frances Graves (Bartlett, KS), “The KARL experience is very much pro-adaptive leadership, empowering people at all different levels and facing challenges head-on and figuring out what needs to be done.”

Learn more about how the KARL Program continues to impact Graves by viewing her full story here.

bestselling author to keynote at The Big Event's leadership gala

4/25/2024
Doug Griffiths, community strategist and best-selling author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community will serve as this year's keynote speaker at The Big Event scheduled for June 1, 2024 in Manhattan, Kansas. 

The Big Event will recognize the completion of KARL Class XVI's two-year experience and announce Class XVII while celebrating the KARL network. Click here for information.

LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING SERIES features CLASS XII FELLOW 

3/27/2024
According to KARL Class XII's Sara Dawson (Florence, KS), her experience with this two-year Kansas leadership program was transformative. “My biggest thing with KARL was that it taught me to get outside my box,” states Dawson.

Learn more about how the KARL Program has continued to impact Dawson and her community by listening to her full story here.

KARL Program Highlighted in Agriculture Today EPISODE

3/23/2024
Agriculture Today's Shelby Varner recently visited with Class XVI Associates Andrea Krauss, Russell; Mark Palen, Beloit; Eli Svaty, Liberal; Kari West Girard; and Adam York, Manhattan to discuss their two-year KARL experience.

Listen to the full Agriculture Today interview here.

KARL LAUNCHES LEGENDARY RURAL LEADERS STORYTELLING PROJECT

2/27/2024
According to KARL Class XI's Luke Thornton (Harper, KS), his experience with this two-year Kansas leadership program was phenomenal. "We were able to get an inside peek at some places that I would have never been otherwise," says Thornton.

Learn more about how the KARL Program has made a lasting impression on Thornton by watching his full story here.

CLASS XVI completes SEMINAR experience in Russell and Hays, KS

2/21/2024
KARL Class XVI's recently completed their seminar on Energy, Water & Natural Resources and Understanding Infrastructure while visiting Russell and Hays, KS.

To read more, click here to view the scribe notes from this seminar.

KARL FRIENDS & FELLOWS COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL IN-DEPTH TOUR OF BRAZIL 

2/19/2024
The KARL Program's Friends & Fellows Agricultural Tour to Brazil recently spent 12 days in-country exploring four Brazilian states and visiting multiple natural biomes to discover the diversity of Brazilian agriculture.

To view highlights from the 2024 KARL Friends & Fellows Ag Tour of Brazil, click here.

Class xvi experiences economies of Kansas & Global leadership seminar  

1/22/2024
KARL Class XVI visited Wichita and surrounding areas to experience their Economies of Kansas and Global Leadership seminar.

To read more about this experience, click here to view the scribe notes.

Class xvi experiences seminar in Southeast Kansas 

12/12/2023
KARL Class XVI visited Southeast Kansas to experience their Navigating Change seminar.

To read more about this experience, click here to view the scribe notes for Navigating Change.

Class xvi Completes Domestic Study Tour 

11/18/2023
KARL Class XVI recently experienced their Domestic Study Tour. The tour included visits to Marysville, KS and Lincoln, NE before wrapping up the tour at the Kansas City Federal Reserve.

For more about Class XVI's Domestic Study Tour, click here to view the scribe notes.

2023 KARL ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

11/11/2023
The 2023 KARL Annual Report: Forging Ahead has been published.

Click here to view the full report.

KARL Class XVI Begns Year Two Experience at Genesis 2.0 

09/27/2023
KARL Class XVI kicked off the beginning of their second year experience in Council Grove in August.

Read more about the Genesis 2.0 experience by clicking here.

KARL Program Highlighted on "Wheat's  on your mind" Podcast

09/26/2023
President of the KARL Program, Jill Zimmerman, recently sat down with Aaron Harries of Kansas Wheat to talk about the history of the program and its evolution over the years.

Listen to that conversation on the "Wheat's On Your Mind" podcast by clicking here.

Annual karl benefit raffle launches: Donate For a chance to win!

09/09/2023
The KARL Program has launched its annual Benefit Raffle. The winner of this year's benefit raffle will choose between one reserved seat on our sold out guided tour of Brazil OR $5,000 cash. This year's raffle is limited to 1,000 tickets. Drawing to be held November 28, 2023.

For more information or to make a donation, click here.

Kansas Agricultural Leadership Program Names New Program Manager

09/08/2023
The KARL Program has named Gretchin Staples of Beloit, Kansas, as the new Leadership Program Manager & Facilitator. Staples is responsible for developing and facilitating the organization’s educational sessions, managing class communication and resources. 

To continue reading, click here.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2024 KARL FRIENDS & FELLOWS AG TOUR to brazil

07/10/2023
KARL is delighted to offer a special tour to Brazil in Jan./Feb. of 2024. The tour encompasses excellent agriculture mixed with tourism and culture. A limited number of spots are available.

To view more information about this opportunity, click here.

KARL program SEEKING LEADERSHIP PROGRAM MANAGER & FACILITATOR 

05/15/2023
The KARL Program is currently seeking qualified applicants for the newly posted Leadership Program Manager & Facilitator position. This full time position is eligible for hybrid and/or remote worksite. For best consideration, apply by June 11, 2023.

To view more information about this opportunity, click here.

KARL class xvi Completes Gettysburg Leadership Experience 

03/20/2023
KARL Class XVI completed their FCC Services Gettysburg Leadership Experience where the class focussed on topics including anticipatory leadership, transactional and transformational leadership, and predictable surprises while walking the battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park.

To view Class XVI's notes from the Gettysburg Leadership Experience, click here.

KARL class xvi Completes National Service Seminar 

03/20/2023
KARL Class XVI recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for their March 2023 National Service Seminar. Associates visited and toured various institutions and organizations and garnered a greater appreciation for the federal government as well as various agriculture and rural associations and organizations that play a role in affecting policy, regulations, and services.

To view Class XVI's notes from their National Service Seminar, click here.

KARL class xvi Completes Leavenworth/Kansas City Seminar 

02/20/2023
KARL Class XVI recently experienced their February 2023 Leavenworth/Kansas City Seminar. Class Associates engaged with community leaders and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to identifying and combining strengths, navigating issues with reform, and conflict management. 

To view Class XVI's notes from the Leavenworth/Kansas City Seminar, click here.

KARL class xvi Completes State of the State Seminar 

01/20/2023
KARL Class XVI traveled to Topeka for the January 2023 State of the State Seminar. Associates gained a better understanding of state government as well as various agriculture and rural associations and organizations that play a role in affecting public policy, regulations, and public services.

To view Class XVI's notes on the State of the State Seminar, click here.

KARL class xvi visits northwest kansas 

12/10/2022
KARL Class XVI's December 2022 seminar took them to Northwest Kansas to gain a better understanding of the many partnerships needed to successfully build strong, viable communities.

To view Class XVI's notes on Northwest Kansas, click here.

2022 KARL ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

11/21/2022
The 2022 KARL Annual Report: Aligned for Impact has been published.

Click here to view the full report.

KARL class xvi COMPLETES SOUTHWEST KANSAS seminar

11/07/2022
KARL Class XVII recently traveled to Southwest Kansas to continue their seminar experience. The seminar allowed the class an opportunity to learn about the region's history, challenges and economic drivers. 

To view Class XVI's notes on Southwest Kansas, click here.

KARL class xvi begins two-year journey at genesis seminar

08/29/2022
KARL Class XVI kicked off their Genesis Seminar which is just the beginning of their two-year journey. The seminar started at the Kansas Department of Agriculture with a Dale Carnegie of the Heartland seminar working with the Class to dive in and connect with others.

To view Class XVI's notes on Genesis, click here.

KARL's the big event program 2022

06/09/2022
The inaugural KARL Big Event 2022 took place June 4 in Manhattan to celebrate the completion of Class XV and the announcement of Class XVI. 

The event's keynote speaker was Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. 

To view the Big Event's program, click here.

KARL celebrates graduates, welcomes newest class

06/09/2022
Twenty-seven individuals of Class XV celebrated the completion of their advanced leadership development experience during the inaugural KARL Big Event June 4 in Manhattan.

Class XVI, announced the same day, includes 30 Kansans who will start the two-year experience later this year.

KARL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR NEWEST CLASS

01/13/2022
Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership is now accepting applications for its newest class, which will be announced this summer. The deadline to submit applications to be considered for the KARL Class XVI is set for April 1, 2022.

KARL reschedules seminars and travel during COVID-19 pandemic

12/04/2020
KARL chair Steve Baccus said the board unanimously agreed to delay in-person contact, travel, and its international study tour to the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for 2021. The pause begins as KARL Class XV enters its second year. Recruitment for the next class will also be delayed.

KARL PROGRAM LAMENTS LOSS OF LEGENDARY LEADER DR. BARRY FLINCHBAUGH

11/16/2020
Longtime Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership champion and board member Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh passed away on November 2 at 78. Flinchbaugh, Professor Emeritus at Kansas State University's Agriculture Economics Department, was a fervent supporter of the KARL Program and a driving force in the leadership program's conception.

New look pushes KARL program forward

08/25/20
Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program unveiled its new look. A refreshed logo and website will anchor the evolution of the program for legendary rural leadership.

Vanier family supports KARL program

04/18/20
The children of Jack and Donna Vanier have announced a three-year gift to the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program, honoring their parents’ commitment to agriculture and community service.

Farm Credit teams with KARL to make Gettysburg Experience possible

02/03/20
“In this fast-paced world, we need to equip leaders with tools to make solid decisions and work together to help rural communities and agriculture prosper and grow. I’m excited that we are teaming up to increase our support for KARL and provide this incredible experience at Gettysburg.”

— Mark Winger, chief credit officer at Farm Credit of Western Kansas, KARL Class III member and past KARL board chairman
News Archives

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Events Calendar

Recent events

KARL CAFÉS

KARL CAFÉ - us farm sector outlook for 2021

04/13/21
The April KARL Café took place on Tuesday, April 13th. Tanner Ehmke, Class XI Fellow and lead economist for CoBank Knowledge Exchange Division lead a discussion about the U.S. Farm Sector Outlook in 2021.

KARL CAFÉ - Chelsea Good on ag policy and politics

03/24/21
Chelsea Good, John Donley, and Terry Holdren discuss current issues facing Ag Policy and Politics in Kansas today.

KARL CAFÉ - CHRISTINA BOYD ON THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS

02/16/21
Christina Boyd, LSCSW, LCAC, presents "It's OK to say we are not OK: Starting the conversation in rural Kansas."

Rural Kansas Mental Health Resources
Kansas Ag Stress Resources - https://www.kansasagstress.org/
Crisis Text Line - https://www.crisistextline.org/
Farm Stronger Together - https://www.fb.org/land/fsom
KFB Mental Health - https://www.kfb.org/article/mental-health-resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Farms.com Mental Health Resources - https://www.farms.com/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-resources/kansas.aspx
Mental Health First Aid Training - https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

KARL CAFÉ - Dr. Timothy shaffer

10/06/20
Dr. Timothy Shaffer presents "Civic Discourse: What it is, Why it Matters, & Where to Go From Here"

KARL CAFÉ - Dr. Glynn Tonsor

09/08/20
Dr. Glynn Tonsor, Professor of Agriculture Economics at Kansas State University, presents "Imagining the Post-COVID Livestock Economy," in our second KARL Cafe. Facilitated by Dr. Vincent Amanor-Boadu.

KARL CAFÉ - Dealing with Change, Dr. Vincent Amanor-Boadu

06/02/20
Dr. Vincent Amanor-Boadu, Professor of Agribusiness Economics & Management at Kansas State University, presents on how to deal with change following the COVID crisis and beyond.

Publications

2020 KARL ANNUAL report

The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program is moving forward. This premiere leadership program is getting a refreshed look, the curriculum is evolving so that it can best meet the needs of the next generation of leaders across Kansas. The focus is still agriculture and rural communities, but there is so much more.

2019 KARL ANNUAL report

It takes a village to make a difference.
"What an amazing village of support we have for the KARL program. Without support, it would be impossible to provide an opportunity for Class XV and the many alumni across the state."

-Jill Zimmerman, KARL President

2018 KARL ANNUAL report

"As leaders within the KARL family, our challenge is to know what steps must be taken to positively impact the needed change for our families, our daily work, and our communities. In doing so, we will impart a positive influence that might soon be adopted and be the difference maker in accomplishing a particular goal"

-Jill Zimmerman, KARL President

2017 KARL ANNUAL REVIEW

"The more we invest in terms of genuine listening, sharing and engagement, the more likely KARL and all of our relationships will thrive."

-Jill Zimmerman, KARL President
Publications
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