Gettysburg, PA, Day One
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Submitted by: Bailey Miller

Our Gettysburg facilitator, Jeff Harding, started off our first day of the Gettysburg Leadership Experience. Jeff gave us an overview of the program and the design elements we will cover in each module.

Teresa Orr, a battlefield guide, gave us an overview of the battle. Following that, she accompanied us to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor’s Center. We viewed the exhibits at the museum and watched a movie detailing the Gettysburg battle. It also included the history that led up to the battle, and the history that followed.

After the movie, we were taken to the Cyclorama Painting of Pickett’s Charge. This 42 feet high and 377 feet in circumference painting was astonishing. Painted by Paul Philippoteaux in 1871, the painting further illustrated the details of the battle.

Back on the bus, Teresa showed the class around the town and the 6,000-acre national park. She pointed out houses and structures that survived the Civil War, including the homes that served as headquarters for each, General Meade and General Lee. We learned that each state, who fought in the battle, has a monument on the national park. We stopped at the Pennsylvania State Monument. Teresa gave us some history and insight on the monument.

We also took a moment here to talk about our goals for the program. Jeff asked us, “what leadership skills do we want to learn from this experience?” The KARL associates stated the following:

• Diversity & surrounding yourself with people with different skills than yours and to gain more perspective
• Unexpected leaders
• Passing the torch to the next leaders
• Convincing others to follow

Following the excursion, we started on Module 1 of the program, Anticipatory Leadership, instructed by Chuck Burkell. We talked about taking our current reality to our aspired state. We applied this concept to examples in farming and agriculture.

Current Reality —–> the gap ——-> Aspired State

Chuck shared his meaning of what it means to lead: “Facilitating others to solve a problem.”

Anticipatory Leadership is seizing your strategic advantage. We examined the actions of General John Buford and General John Reynolds. What was the significance of having the “high ground?”

We talked about how General John Buford positioned his army, and the government, for success in the face of great challenge and uncertainty. He showed his passion for his role or purpose. Keeping this in mind, we looked at anticipatory leadership in four lenses.

1. Mental positioning

• Applying knowledge, such as “measuring twice and cutting once.”

2. Proactive positioning

• Luck versus practicing/working hard for the outcome you want
• General Buford wrote letters to his superiors to align the organization for the battle

3. Tipping Point

• Actions leading to profound consequences…Such as Buford’s actions leading to a Union victory at the battle of Gettysburg.

4. Strategic inflection point

• What happens to an organization when a major change happens?
• Being mindful that changes/challenges could be opportunities.

Chuck talked to us about Force Multipliers and how every organization has a “high ground.”

Jessie Wheedleton, battlefield guide, facilitated our park visit that corresponded with day one of the battle. Jessie showed us the monument for General John Buford. We talked about his foresight and how that influenced his actions. He showed strong leadership with the rapport he had with his men.

We visited the monument for General John Reynolds. We took time to discuss why he was in the front with his men, instead of staying in the back of the battle. KARL associates deliberated the following:

• Was it lack of trust in his men?
• A need for control?
• Did he live to be a part of the action?
• Was it to bolster the morale of his men?
• Was it to make better and faster decisions in the field?

We also discussed the results of transferring leadership after his death.

We concluded the tour at the Peace Monument. Later that evening, we had a reception and dinner at the Mansion House 1757. It is one of four inns still remaining in America since the seventeenth century. The inn sources all the food from local partners. At the end of the day, no one was left behind or hungry.

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Gettysburg, PA, Day Two
Friday, March 28, 2025
Submitted by: Joe Lara

Gettysburg Experience: Module 2–Transactional and Transformational/Adaptive Leadership and Battlefield tour.

Gettysburg Experience: Module 3–Predictable Surprises

Local farm tour of Hollabaugh Bros. Inc: a family owned and operated fruit and vegetable farm which grows and sells multiple varities of produce as well as contributing to their local community.

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Gettysburg, PA, Day Three
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Submitted by: Courtney Schamberger

Gettysburg Experience: Pickett’s Charge Walk

Adjourn training, return to hotel

Depart on bus for DCA

Outgoing flights to return to Kansas

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Washington D.C., Day One
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Submitted by: Adam Jimison

KARL Travels to D.C. 

KARL Class XVII embarked on it’s journey to the Nation’s Capital on Sunday, March 23rd.  Divided into two travel groups leaving out of Kansas City and Wichita the group was excited for its week on the Hill and in Gettysburg. 

The Kansas City group arrived mid-morning to a beautiful spring day in DC.  The group quickly gathered their luggage and boarded the bus to the hotel to drop off items before taking in the City.  The Wichita group would soon join them in the early afternoon after flying through DFW.  

The KC group quickly divided into different groups heading out to see much of what the city offered.  Some took time to walk through the National Museum of African American History and Culture while others took in sights like the National Archives and Smithsonian Natural History Museum.  The Wichita group would soon join after lunch in the city and join the other Classmates exploring the city.  

The Kansas State Women’s Basketball team was competing in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 against Kentucky which captured a large part of the groups attention in the mid-afternoon.  After the game the group would convene at the Wharf for fellowship prior to our evening’s dinner and Monument’s tour. 

The group ate dinner at Kirwan’s on the Wharf and had so much fun catching up.  Our most recent session in February had been cancelled due to a snowstorm so we had not seen our classmates in a few weeks.  After a great dinner at Kirwan’s the class boarded the bus for our Monuments by Moonlight tour. 

We made stops at many of the monuments that DC has to offer including Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Capitol and many more.  Our tour guide Kenny has been doing local tours of DC for 36 years and has his own YouTube channel.  The tour offered our class a great first look at the impact that can be made in DC.  We were very prepared for what the rest of the week would have in store. 

Washington D.C., Day Two
Monday, March 24, 2025
Submitted by: Kaleb Horne

The Capitol’s iconic dome outlined a clear sky after an early morning rain. Following a brief walk, we began our day with a trip through security and a tour of the United States Capitol Building. During our tour we visited the “crypt” underneath the dome, the old House Chambers and a special recognition of each of Kansas’s sculptures- Amelia Earhart and Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower.

These 2 famous Kansans were placed in the Capitol to represent famous and well-liked Kansans. An interesting note- Kansas was the first state to replace a statue in the Capitol with the sculpture of Amelia Earhart being unveiled in July 2022 replacing former Kansas Senator John James Ingalls.

After completing our tour of the Capitol, we moved into the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center Senate meeting rooms to begin our meetings for the day. Our meeting agenda began with Gregg Doud former Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and is presently serving as the National Milk Producer’s Federation’s President and CEO.

Gregg gave us a deep dive on his history with the USTR and specifically Bob Lighthizer’s position on tariffs and trade. Gregg suggested that President Trump’s view of tariffs is an “access fee” to US consumers. This access fee is further viewed as an equalizer to foreign country’s industrial policies which have allegedly prevented trade balances between the United States and others.

Gregg in his recapping of trade policy also described the difficulty by which negotiations are done. He shared that negotiators and negotiations are extraordinarily tough. Our foreign trade partners are there for the same reasons we are- to get the best deal for their county.

After a brief break and lunch, Class XVII spent an hour with Riley Pagett as the Chief of Staff, Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Like Gregg Doud, tariffs were top of mind-but from a different angle. The USDA isn’t making trade deals but are rather clearing the path to open trade up in other countries.

Riley also shared details about his time as a Congressional Staffer for Congressman Tracy Mann (KS-01). Riley shared that his time with the Congressman was positive and he appreciates Tracy’s leadership, but felt a reluctant calling to move to the USDA & is now brand new to the job on the USDA staff for 2 weeks. His first tasks have been and will continue to be filling appointed positions within the USDA.

Following Riley’s time with us we met with American Farm Bureau Federation’s Director of Government Affairs, David Salmonsen. David shared a brief history of tariffs, reciprocal tariffs and other timely topics since inauguration day 2025.

An interesting note- of the 3 people that spoke on trade there was agreement on trade policy with respect to where we should pursue additional trade volume. In fact, Canada, Mexico, China, EU & Great Britain are all on the list to grow ag exports to. However, India was inconsistent between them all. A case could be made for India being a possible trade partner based on the staggering volume of potential consumers, but highly tempered with their own very protective industrial policy and a lack of disposable income as reasons to negotiate elsewhere and look at India as a lower priority.

Tom Donnelly also with the AFBF, joined us to share the best methods of telling our stories with members of Congress before we meet with them. His primary instructions were to tell a brief story that demonstrates why we have a policy request or position. He advocated that stories tend to be more memorable and are shared more widely than facts and figures without the story attached.

Last, but certainly not least, we met with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Legislative Assistant- Chance Hunley. Regrettably, Senator Moran’s flight was delayed, but he left us in good hands with a fellow Kansas. He shared with us his background in both the House and the Senate. Chance continued sharing Senator Moran’s and the entire Senates immediate priorities.

Senator Moran would like to get a Farm Bill passed this year but recognizes that it is unlikely since budget reconciliation is Congress’s priority, closely followed by the Senate’s task of confirming appointed positions. Additionally, it was clear that Republicans are ambitious to get things accomplished over the next 2 years as they have the majority in the House and Senate as well as the Presidency (dubbed the “trifecta”).

Washington D.C., Day Three
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Submitted by: Juliana Whisman

Being in our nation’s capital with the KARL Program was quite the honor, especially as we were
able to see and visit places that were provided unique opportunities!

★ USDA Headquarters

• We started the visit with a short history of the building, particularly of the main hall where we gathered. The guide pointed out this clock, where ‘it’s always time for agriculture’.
• Next we gathered to hear from Tucker Stewart (Congressional Affairs), David Matthews (Rural Development), and Kim Graham (FSA).
• The highlight of the visit was hearing the conversation between Class XVII member Bailey Miller, who works for FSA in Phillipsburg, with Kim Graham, who has worked at USDA/FSA for 37 years. This public servant expressed her gratitude for those working in the field, making connections to farmers, helping them implement programs – and Bailey was able to ask meaningful questions
  and thank Graham for the work she does in Washington on behalf of Kansas farmers.

★ National Association of State Departments of Agriculture

• NASDA graciously hosted KARL Class XVII for a lunch-and-learn, where we were able to ask questions and learn about how the group serves all 50 states through active engagement with their State Ag Secretaries.
• Ted McKinney (CEO) and RJ Karney (Sr Director, Public Policy) provided details about their organization, shared their 2025 policy priorities, and allowed for some Q&A from the group.

★ Visits to Kansas Representatives’ Offices

• At this point, the KARL class split into their district groups, sending small groups to meet with Rep. Estes, Rep. Mann, Rep. Davids, and Rep. Schmidt.
• Visiting Rep. Derek Schmidt areKARL Class XVII members (l to r)Paige Harding, Kaleb Horne,Megan Anguiano, Ryan Gilliland, and Trevor Pederson.

★ Meeting with Senator Roger Marshall

• The Senator emphasized what he feels are the biggest issues facing Kansas right now: water & not having the people to work the kinds of jobs we have available. He felt that this is a situation about education meeting the right needs, but also about combating unemployment, mentioning a statistic of 70,000 men in Kansas of working-age who aren’t currently working.
• Chair for the day Edie Doane thanked the Senator for the visit and presented him with a Kansas-themed gift from KARL.

★ Dinner at the Capitol City Brewing Company

• The class was able to reconvene over dinner, sharing their experiences from the
  afternoon.

★ Cultural Experience: ‘Sister Act’ at Ford’s Theatre

• Seeing a live theatre production at Ford’s Theatre was really special! This space holds so much history, playing a part in one of our country’s most terrible moments, and visiting the basement museum and reading about President Lincoln’s appreciation for live theatre was inspiring. The surroundings were beautiful, and the show was delightful! Several class members had never seen a live theatre production, and they really enjoyed the experience!

Washington D.C & Gettysburg, Day Four
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Submitted by: Trevor Pederson

Canadian Embassy–The Canadian Embassy was really interesting to see how they say things and what they wanted to change in their teamwork with the United States. One thing the class was not aware of was how much agriculture was traded between both the United States and Canada.

Notes from this presentation:

– 80% of pigs are imported from Canada to Iowa to be fed out

– There is a lot of trading back and forth with the USA and Canada on any goods. The mass of it is on the Ag side of things.

– Most fruit is started in Canada and then sent down to the USA to be finished, and then the final goods are sent back to Canada

– Their Agriculture is very similar to the USA

– They are ready to sit down at the table to work on the trade deals with the USA but the USA will not come to the table

Eisenhower Memorial–Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy and contributions to our nation as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War II and as the nation’s 34th president are represented in the memorial with heroic-sized bronze sculptures, stone bas reliefs, quotations from his most famous speeches and addresses, and a first-of-its-kind tapestry.

It was very interesting to see how the artist hid information throughout the memoir. For example, the big wall behind the Eisenhower Memorial is a sketch of the D-Day mountain that they had to climb over. Then, stages of his life are depicted throughout the journey. Eisenhower wrote a letter to all the men who were about to go into battle on D-Day. And a fun fact is that he talked about fishing to the men before they left for D day.

Visit with the EPA Office of Agriculture and rural Affairs (OARA) – It was very interesting to me they have the largest building in DC for a governmental office. They are getting ready for the E15 throughout the whole United States shortly. When we were getting presented to us, the lady was very interested in how we managed weeds and what herbicides we needed to use. She was also unaware of the change in herbicide mixes/rates from the northeastern side of Kansas to western Kansas. The main thing she talked about was atrazine.

We visited the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, a Think Tank working on many issues including trying to figure out how to make H2A and H2B workers come to the United States easier. They do not have a solution for it, but that is one of their goals for the next couple of years.

One advantage of using a Think Tank is being able to really think about things without rushing to get them submitted during the political season. Congressman Nigh, President of the think tank, personally thinks that politicians have changed the rules of the elections and the government, so it is restricted to people who have already served, and it is very difficult for new people and new ideas to be elected. What keeps him up at night is the fact that people are not focused on getting stuff done but kicking the can down the road.

Debrief for the DC trip was conducted on the bus from DC to Gettysburg. People were concerned about having more information about the speakers and/or what we were supposed to get out of our meetings to ask more intelligent questions. We were trying to learn how to ask better questions and paint better pictures of what we were learning to create questions.

To view the Class XVII scribe notes from the Gettysburg Leadership Experience, click here.

Topeka, Kansas Day One
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Submitted by: Justine Henderson

Kansas Bureau of Investigations 

The KARL Class XVII started out their Topeka trip with an unforgettable opportunity to step into the real life (and a lot more accurate) CSI. Stepping into the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) was like entering the nerve center of Kansas law enforcement.

Spread across three locations—Kansas City, Pittsburg, and Topeka—the KBI tackles state and federal cases, receiving evidence from every corner of the state. Our tour guides, Stephanie and Jessica, experts from the firearms department, walked us through the facility and gave us a glimpse of the incredible work happening there. They explained that the staff training process at KBI is rigorous – since I am sure she knew we we’re all thinking how this would be the coolest job ever.

New hires start the application process with a thorough background check and interview process before undergoing a two-year program ending with a competency test that includes mock cases and testimony in front of the entire lab and legal teams. They joked that it was a process that was meant to make them feel pressure and test their limits. They touched on their staff environment and mentioned that collaboration is key among departments. The staff will even donate blood and saliva for practice tests, fostering a hands-on approach to learning. We started the tour at the top floor and worked our way from top to bottom, getting a short synopsis of each department. 

Digital Evidence: Typically, this is where specialists examine cell phones, GPS devices, computers, and much more. KBI’s lab is home to the only RF-shielded room in the state—a secure space that prevents any signals from entering or leaving. With a team of 5–6 fully trained experts, the tech’s usually start off with something small like a phone, and then expand to more complex devices like computers as their expertise and comfort level increases. 

Chemistry: Next, we learned about the Chemistry department, where scientists analyze the composition of drugs found in evidence. Using tools like GCMS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), they compare samples to known substances to determine type, amount, and purity. 

Toxicology: The Toxicology team examines substances within the human body, like blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. Their work often focuses on identifying what was in a person’s system during the criminal event, in Kansas most often a DUI case. 

Trace Evidence: The Trace department is divided into several specialized areas. Primer gunshot residue testing involves taking and testing stubs/swabs from a suspect’s hands or face and using a microscope to detect even the tiniest traces of gun residue. They also handle arson evidence and physical fit and fracture matches, which is where they examine pieces of evidence to determine if they were once part of the same object by physically fitting them together. 

Questioned Documents and Impression Evidence: Here is where they examine documents that are suspected to be forged or altered, as well as the examination of physical impressions like footprints, tire tracks, or tool marks to identify potential suspects in a criminal investigation. The class lightened the mood by joking that if they were to ever commit a crime, they’d make sure they wore a different size shoe and walked with a limp. However, after walking through the building I had a feeling they’d be hard pressed to get away with anything. The best of the best was hard at work to solve these mysteries. 

Latent Prints: In the Latent Prints section, science is the core of all. Here, experts compare fingerprints manually, using dusting techniques, UV light, and AVIS, a system that narrows down potential matches. But the final identification is always done visually, ensuring the most accurate results.

Biology: This team works with DNA—from fluids to touch DNA left behind by skin cells. A significant portion of their cases involves sexual assault kits. Using CODIS, a database of DNA profiles, they match samples to known individuals. 

Firearms and Tool Marks: The Firearms and Tool Marks department was a favorite (ours and our tour guides). From testing whether a firearm functions correctly to comparing bullet markings under a dual-view microscope, the work is both intricate and impactful. The team also specializes in restoring serial numbers on firearms and matching tools like pliers or screwdrivers to crimes. You could tell that Stephanie and Jessica were extremely passionate about what they do at KBI, it was truly an honor to get their version of such a vital player in our criminal justice system. 

We ended the tour with lots of questions and departed for lunch at the Kansas Bankers Association. 

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Beam

We gathered at the Kansas Bankers Association headquarters, where the day officially kicked off with lunch and welcoming remarks from Doug Wareham and a presentation from Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Beam, who provided an overview of the state of Kansas agriculture and dug deep into highlighting the Department of Agriculture’s role and programs. The department operates under the legislature’s guidance and encompasses multiple programs like Division of Agribusiness Services, Division of Agricultural Marketing, Division of Animal Health, Division of Conservation, and Division of Water resources. He highlighted Kansas agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s economy and the 7^th highest valued state at $24 billion in outputs. The top five sectors are beef cattle ($11.6B), animal slaughtering ($9B), grain farming ($6.8B), meat processing ($4.8B), and farm machinery ($4.2B). 

Mr. Beam gave us a synopsis of the success of the Department of Agriculture in the Kansas Legislature and named his top 7 significant legislative actions affecting agriculture:

1. Property tax constitutional amendments – (1985-1986)
2. Regulation of Kansas streams – (2001)
3. Pesticide regulations preemption – SB 681 – (1991)
4. Water plan funding adjustments – HB 2008 (1989)
5. Farm machinery sales tax exemptions – (1988-1989)
6. Protection from nuisance lawsuits – SB 485 (1982)
7. Eminent Domain Protections – SB 323 (2006)

Mr. Beam also touched on a few bills that weren’t passed that would have had detrimental effects on Kansas agriculture. These measures reflect Kansas’s commitment to supporting its agricultural sector while addressing environmental and economic concerns, too.

CEO Kansas Bankers Association, Doug Wareham 

We had the privilege of hearing from Mr. Doug Wareham, President and CEO of the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA). He provided an insightful overview of KBA, sharing key facts about the organization. Established in 1887, KBA has been banker-driven for an impressive 138 years and operates under a “one bank, one vote” philosophy. The association is made up of 42 staff members, 167 state-chartered banks, 25 nationally chartered banks, and 7 savings and loan institutions.

Mr. Wareham also addressed the challenges facing the banking industry, particularly the historical decline of rural banks. He highlighted factors such as excessive regulations, insufficient revenue, rising operational costs, a heavy regulatory burden, and the growing expenses of data and fraud protection. Despite these obstacles, his passion and commitment to sustaining and revitalizing rural banks were both inspiring and reassuring.

To end his time with us, Doug went out with a bang of an activity for the KARL class. We got to participate in his well-known activity called “I’m Just a Bill.”, where he and Ryan (also known as “Bill”) showed us the path and process a Bill goes through within the legislature. It was a great learning experience for those who were unfamiliar with the intricacies of the process and was a great way to learn.

Department of Commerce, Matt Godinez

We then heard from Matt Godinez, Assistant Secretary for Quality Places at the Kansas Department of Commerce, who provided an overview of the Quality Places Division. This division focuses on enhancing the environment, civic traditions, cultural amenities, and recreational opportunities across Kansas. It offers numerous grant and program opportunities aimed at supporting rural community development efforts – something we all found valuable. Key initiatives include the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, Kansas Main Street, Community Development Block Grants, the Office of Rural Prosperity, Rural Murals, and Rural Opportunity Zones, which provide financial incentives for individuals returning to rural communities. Additionally, the division includes Quality Place Specialists who lead programs such as Spaces to Places, Community Service Tax Credits, and the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline Grant, which supports the rehabilitation of downtown buildings, whether through new construction or façade improvements. Another innovative effort is the Residential Opportunities on Main Street initiative, which focuses on creating housing options in downtown areas.

As someone who comes from a rural community and has a growing passion for our community and making it a place worth coming to, I found the resources provided by Matt some of the most valuable of the day. We appreciated his dedication to community development. 

Kansas Farm Bureau, Brenden Wirth

We ended our time at KBA with an excellent panel led by Brenden Wirth, Director of Political Affairs for the Kansas Farm Bureau. He began by sharing his passion for the Engaged Kansas program, which encourages and supports individuals considering public service or running for public office. He gave us a brief tour of the Engage Kansas website, where you can learn about various public offices such as school boards, county commissions, city councils, and more. Mr. Wirth also introduced us to the KFB Campaign School and Mini Sessions, which are available to those running for state legislature, school board, county commission, or other public offices. These sessions are designed to teach the nuts and bolts of campaigning and help participants execute successful campaigns. It was a great resource that the entire class could use either for themselves someday or to share with someone in their community who might need guidance.

He transitioned into the panel discussion with a powerful quote: “No better way to screw up your community than to screw up your school,” emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in school districts. He also highlighted that school boards are one of the top seven factors influencing teacher retention, a statement that resonated deeply with all of us – rural or not. The panel featured stories, advice, and encouragement from Jay Hall, Spencer Duncan, and Rollie Martin, who shared their leadership journeys and insights for those considering or currently serving in public office. Rollie Martin, who recently retired after an impressive 30 consecutive years in public office, offered some great and even humorous stories and advice, making it a fitting and inspiring conclusion to our time at KBA.

State of the State Watch Party 

After a quick and eventful hotel check in (parking garages are not Class XVII’s friend), the class met for their State of the State Watch Party at the Celtic Fox Lounge. This opportunity brought KARL Class XVII Fellows and special guests together to witness the governor’s address. Laura Kelly addressed past accomplishments and outlined goals for the upcoming session, concluding a day filled with learning, networking, and meaningful conversations.

Topeka, Kansas Day Two
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Submitted by: Lisa Schemm

As many of you know Thursdays are the “big” days for KARL and today lived up to that in the amount of information that we received and the length of the day. We started the day at the Chamber Office with a fantastic breakfast. Eric Stafford gave us valuable information on the KS Chamber and what they do.

Dr. Watson with the Kansas Dept of Education challenged us in our knowledge of how many state board members as well as naming one member. We also were challenged in our thinking from his quiz that he gave to the class. It made me really reflect on how students can view or perceive things in their learning.

In 2024 Kansas had the highest graduation rate ever!

The panel discussion with Kelly VanZwoll (KS Bankers Assoc.), Jackie Garagiola (KLA), and William Wilk (KS Chamber) gave us the typical day in the life “in session” and “off session” here in the state of Kansas. They all agreed it is best to have an open and honest relationship with delegates and another point that they were passionate about it to keep your points to one page.

After hearing from the lobbyists on the panel we had some time to spend in the Capitol, either going to see our delegates, sitting in a committee meeting, or touring the Capitol.

We had a wonderful lunch sponsored by KS Co-op Council at the Celtic Fox.

Tara Mays, VP State Legislative Relations, and Larry Van Der Wege, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Preparedness, with the Kansas Hospital Association had the task of keeping us awake after the noon meal. They did a fantastic job of informing us of the challenges that hospitals and especially rural hospitals are facing. Hospitals are the 3rd largest aggregate employer in the state of Kansas. Hospitals are facing a lot of the same hurdles as many businesses in the State, limited workforce and under reimbursement are some that came up.

Adam York, Class XVI Fellow, was able to be with us and went over what to expect for the Hill visits in DC. He came with useful tips to manage our time there.

Kansas Commodities was the panel that we had the privilege to have this afternoon. Jancey Hall with Kansas Soybean (KARL Class XIV Fellow), was the moderator. Also present were Kaleb Little, Kansas Soybean Assoc. CEO, Adam York, Kansas Sorghum CEO, and Matt Teagarden, KS Livestock Association CEO, who talked to us about how the checkoffs were figured versus association fees. They also went in depth on how commissions and associations worked and the reasoning behind the rules and regulations in this area.

To conclude the day, we heard from KBI Director Tony Mattivi about his work and the events that went on in Garden City with the attempted bombing and murder of the Somali refugees. It is inspiring that you can have everyday people be heroes but it is equally mind boggling that people could have that much hate towards another human being.

On a personal note, the most eventful day was Friday though! Twelve of us got stuck in the elevator in the Judicial Center. One, it takes longer to get an elevator opened than most think. Two, it is great to be with great people in a difficult situation! It is in situations like this that you learn the true nature and personality of the class. I would not have wanted to have the memorable experience with anyone else.

Topeka, Kansas Day Three
Friday, January 17, 2025
Submitted by: Lucas Simmer

The day began with breakfast where we debriefed sessions from Wednesday and Thursday. The group shared its primary takeaways. Many were inspired by Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson’s passion for education. Dr. Watson’s passion was evident through his actions to support children in schools and encourage them to lean into discovering and achieving their futures.

Additionally, we reflected on Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi’s keynote which provided a stunning review of the heinous conspiracy to commit a mass murder of Somali refugees in Garden City. We were rattled by the depravity that hate and ignorance could bestow on our local communities. I personally had to confront the reality that “it could never happen here” is a fallacy. It can and nearly did. Thankfully through the patriotic and heroic acts of law enforcement which and aided by a regular everyday man’s conscience that led him to risk his life as an informant, the militia’s plans were averted. I wrestled with the fact that the militia was comprised of men who could otherwise be any one of our fathers, uncles, brothers, or neighbors. Prevention is within our power, if we see something and subsequently do something about it.

As the debrief wrapped we moved into more sessions. Representative Ken Rahjes, equipped with personal experience, provided us with an overview of the Kansas Legislature. As Kansans we are fortunate to have a Legislature composed of everyday residents in session that doesn’t last from one year to the next. The part-time nature of the Legislature encourages elected officials to have other jobs not making a career of it.

Next, we heard from Reagan McCloud, Director of Government Relations for Kansas Electric Cooperative (KEC). McCloud presented historical and emerging energy issues. Urban areas were the first to receive access to electricity, higher concentrations of end users resulted in more favorable profit margins. President Roosevelt through the Rural Electric Administration (REA) in 1936 made strides toward electrification of our rural areas.

We learned about emerging challenges facing our energy sector such as grid reliability in an era of evolving energy sources and increased demand (16% annual increase or doubling by 2050) driven by technological advances such as artificial intelligence.

Along similar lines, Wendee Grady of the Kansas Farm Bureau, discussed landowner considerations for solar or wind energy land leases. A plurality of energy generated in Kansas is wind energy. Meanwhile Kansas is ranked 11th for solar generation in the United States. We learned about the critical importance of non-financial lease considerations such as gate procedures and decommission bonds. Agrivoltaics is the practice of simultaneously using land for agriculture and energy production. I anticipate that as time moves forward, so will this practice.

We ended our Topeka seminar at the Kansas Supreme Court with a presentation and Q/A from Justice Dan Biles. Justice Biles provided us with a thorough overview of the Kansas Judicial System including its Constitution, separation of powers, and court structure. We also discussed emerging challenges such as the rural shortage of attorneys and consistent implementation of technology. The absence of technological implementation, which enables virtual hearings disproportionately impacts rural attorneys, litigants, and other court personnel.

Goodland/Atwood Northwest Kansas Day One
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Submitted by: Maddy Meier

As Class XVII departed from our first full seminar in November held in Garden City, I could sense that all thirty of us were energized to dive deeper into what Western Kansas had to offer. A month later, as we regrouped again in Goodland, I instantly felt that this momentum had not faded.

We met at Fort Hays Tech Northwest, a technical institution formerly known as Northwest Kansas Technical College. After lunch, we were eagerly welcomed by President Ben Shears, who shared the story of FHTNW, and how the partnership with the main Fort Hays State University campus had further expanded on the institution’s impact, where he stressed the importance of how much student experience matters.

Through Shears’ talk, we learned that the population within the two-hour radius of Goodland has been on a decline since the 1970s (the largest recruiting area for FHTNW), and that the year 2028 will see the largest decline of students attending college. Despite these stats, it is a mission of FHNTW to provide a quality two-year education in many hands-on programs, such as precision agriculture, welding, and even cosmetology, from the cohort-style structure of the class block schedules to making a critical impact on their communities. For example, many of the welding students are able to learn the mechanics of farm equipment by working on local farmers’ tractors, combines, or other machinery.

Shears then shared an impactful story that further detailed one of the many successes of FHTNW within the area of economic development. Until recently, the school had not provided a plumbing program in many years. Like many instances, an aging plumber in the nearby community of Tribune wanted to retire but felt like he couldn’t as he had no one to follow in his footsteps and keep his services alive. FHTNW jumped on the opportunity, and with funding from senators like Jerry Moran, FHTNW was able to restart a plumbing program. A student was able to shadow the plumber and eventually took over the business. While there is the looming tension of many two-year technical schools being consolidated in the state, it is clear that schools like FHTNW provide more than opportunities for students; they allow for rural Kansas to truly thrive.

Following Shears’ presentation, we then heard from a panel on community leadership and the impact of market development for minor crops. Panel members included Jeff Frazier and Michael Myers, Scoular; Brian Linin, Kansas Wheat Commission; and Alan Townsend, 21st Century Bean.

During the panel, Class XVII learned about how the sugar beet industry in Goodland boomed in the 1960s due to the effects of the Cuban Missile Crisis. When the sugar industry declined by the mid-1970s, the sugar plant was bought by three local elevators for $150,000. Then, the plant was transformed into a sunflower crush plant, and later on, a crush facility for canola and soybeans once it was bought by Scoular. By planting canola, wheat producers can experience a higher return on investment when adding canola to their rotations as it increases the quality of wheat yields and regenerates soil health.

The presence of Scoular Grain in Goodland provides opportunities for local growers – with canola acreage shifting, canola producers used to have to haul their crop to Wichita or Hastings, Nebraska. Scoular employs over 40 individuals in Goodland alone, including former students of FHTNW.

21st Century Bean was founded by 21st Century Alliance in 1998, a “new generation of farmer cooperatives” designed to “turn producers into processors”. Today, 21st Century Bean is the only surviving business endeavor from that era.

Originally, the operation raised solely pinto beans, but now grows multiple varieties. Kansas’ altitude levels and low humidity, in addition to its cool nighttime temperatures, are ideal for dry edible bean growing conditions. Today, 21st Century Bean sells over $20 million of products across the U.S. and is owned by 28 individuals. Later on in the afternoon, Class XVII was able to tour the local facilities.

At dinner that evening, we were joined by KARL supporters, board members, and friends. We were fortunate to hear a presentation on Intelligence, Risk Impacts, and Global Cybersecurity Trends by Doug “Skull” Smith, who serves as Field Cheif Information Security Officer for Recorded Future, the largest threat intelligence company in the world. Headquartered in Boston, the company works with over 1,900 clients in over 70 countries to empower said clients to act with speed and confidence to reduce risk and securely drive their businesses forward.

Smith, a Goodland native and a graduate of the Kansas Honors Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy, shared with us the value of intelligence asnd how military operations align with business operations:

• Protecting the brand
• Protect information systems
• Inform resource allocation decisions

Among others.

He concluded his presentation by providing insight on multiple leadership tactics such as never passing up the opportunity to be a good teammate; the importance of knowing your role and the role of others around you; and to always have an open mind and staying curious.

Northwest Kansas Day Two
Thursday, December 5 2024
Submitted by: Clint Glaser

Overview: We had a busy day mostly in Atwood talking with local businesses and learning more about the town and area. We ended back in Goodland for a great evening and dinner.

SurePoint: Our first visit was with SurePoint in Atwood. Matt Wolters with SurePoint (formerly SureFire) gave us an overview of the company and its history. SurePoint Started in 2007 with three partners (Matt, Blane, and Josh).

The company focuses mostly on applying crop inputs, mostly liquids, but is expanding. The company entered a joint venture with John Deere in 2022 and now has over 130 employees. They are headquarted out of Atwood with small offices in Ellinwood and Manhattan. The company now changed names from SureFire to SurePoint after the partnership with John Deere. The company is currently expanding with a new multi-million-dollar building being built. The company did $43 million in revenue and plans has the goal of being a $100 million dollar company within the next 5-7 years. The company’s mission statement is: Economic Engine in NW Kansas.

After our introduction and discussion with Matt, we toured their current facility and buildings. The operations are made up of three primary departments: Production Center, Engineering, and Sales/ Service. The production side shows us their system. The three primary products they showed were their meter tubing, electric system, and their new quick draw product. The engineering department consisted of ±16 people. The engineering department has three divisions being Embedded Software/Cloud, Liquid Systems, and Planting/ Seeding. The engineering department prides themselves on being nimble and being able to adapt and try new things quickly. John Deere gave them some recently acquired IP and passed along to them to allow them to expand and try new things. Their new producing it the RFX row unit suspension. Finally, we toured the sales/ service division. They showed us their sales hall. The sales motto is “Helping a customer is never an interruption”. We ended with lunch and a nice panel discussion from the original three founders.

5Ten Main Youth Center: Next, we toured the 5Ten Main Youth Center and talked with Gracie Simminger (assistant executive director) and Rhonda Higley (board member). The youth center is located downtown Atwood with an address of 510 Main. The goal is to provide a safe space for young people and focus on grades 5-12. The building was a bar before being renovated about 10 years ago and has been a youth center since then. They operate as a non-profit and are funded with fundraising, tax, and grants. They have one full-time employee and two part time employees. They are mostly open Fridays and Saturdays with about 20-30 kids each night. They offer a couple more days during the summer. They have some mentoring with high school students and other area adults. The building is very cool with local sports memorabilia.

Two Homes, LLC: Next, we discussed with Two Homes, LLC and Brian Clark and Matt Wolters. They discussed the housing problems in the area. About 20 years ago, a group called Atwood Property Development started by acquiring dilapidated properties and cleaning them up or dozing the uninhabitable homes. When they started, they noted 74 uninhabitable properties and to date they started have decreased this number by about half. About 10 years ago, Two Homes started building homes on the lots they acquired. They have built about 12 homes in total. They build and resell to end homeowners. The homes sell for around $300,000 and are about 1,500 square feet with full finished basement. The were originally funded by some local partners and their goal is just to “don’t lose your money”. They stated they have a real shortage of sub-contractors. They also have a lack of nicer larger homes. They have plans for a small 9 lot subdivision in the future.

Panel on Homegrown Business: Next, we waked over to Grassroots Garden Hub where JoEllyn Argabright (Grass Roots Garden Hub Owner) and Linda Vap (Vap Construction) talked with us about entrepreneurship and small-town leadership. Both are transplants with JoEllyn being from Colorado and Linda being from California. They discussed their businesses and encouraged everyone to be active in their community and serve on boards.

JoEllyn bought Grassroots Garden Hub. She bought it with the seller having a sign on the register. She has expanded adding a floral shop and is currently adding a certified kitchen and hopes to bring in chefs to cook occasionally for the community or provide area locals and area to cook. She also recently started a pumpkin patch. She said wherever you go be confident and make it your home and you will be successful.

Linda is the owner of VAP construction where they build barns and other outbuildings. She is passionate about empowering women and her companies are all run by women. She is fueled by her community and employees.

Community Childcare Facilities: Next, Travis Rickford with LiveWell Northwest Kansas talked with us about childcare in the area. Their mission statement is: Working to make NW Kansas a healthier place for all to live, work, and play. Livewell has four primary initiatives being 1. Home Visiting and Health Services 2. Assistance for Childcare and Preschools 3. Building Economic and Social Resilience and 4. Health Resources and Support. They also have some smaller initiatives.

We talked mostly about Rawlins County in particular. They recently had a study showing they were 92 slots short of childcare availability. They are currently renovating an old dental building which will fill 24 slots. They received granted funding recently and will be operated as a 501C3 non-profit organization.

Misfit Leadership: Our final speaker was Matt Wolters with SurePoint. He discussed leadership and emphasized that most successful leaders are unconventional or “misfit” leaders. He mentioned that if you are truly leading you probably need to be somewhat misfit, clearly visible, and somewhat different. What opportunities do we have in our lives and community to be different and a “misfit” leader.

He referred to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his decision to move back to Alabama from Boston to further his civil rights passion. This was not the easy decision but the one where it would have the most impact. Also, he referenced former President Kennedy stating, “we purposely chose to do the hard things.”

Finally, he referenced Dave Hanson who is a local icon and leader. He said Dave was a misfit leader of his time. He originally was in the mule trading business and later moved into building road and the oil business. He started the Dave Hanson foundation that serves 26 counties in the NW part of the state.

Finally, Matt said part of why SurePoint is successful is because of their “Open Book Management” style. In this style, all employees are shown and can see the financials of the company. This allows everyone to see where they are and where they are headed.

Dinner/ Evening: We ended the night at Jeff and Jill Deeds shop/shed where we had a brief presentation about the cuts of meat from Schilling Cattle Company. We then all cooked our own steaks. We enjoyed a great meal and conversation for the remainder of the night. The Deeds’ building was very cool!

Southwest Kansas Day Three
Friday, December 6, 2024
Submitted by: Mollea Wainscot

Morning Keynote: “Kings and Kingmakers” by Kendal Frazier: Kendal Frazier, retired CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, shared insights from Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh’s influential presentation, “Kings and Kingmakers.”

The session explored the dynamics of leadership and influence in public decision-making. Attendees discussed the roles of “kings” (public figures) and “kingmakers” (behind-the-scenes influencers), emphasizing how effective leaders shape community outcomes. Examples of local and national kingmakers illustrated their critical, often understated, impact on policy. “Quality of leadership of Kings had diminished” – Kendal Frazier.

Precision Agriculture Classroom Tour

Presenter: Jack Polifka, Precision Agriculture Instructor, Fort Hays State University Participants toured the Precision Agriculture classroom to learn about advancements in technology integration within agriculture. Key highlights included:

· Technological Applications: Utilizing GPS systems, geospatial data, and irrigation telemetry to optimize crop management.

· Soil and Water Management: Demonstrations of tools like soil moisture sensors and nutrient mapping technologies that enhance resource efficiency.

· Student Engagement: Insights into how students apply classroom learning to real-world farming practices, preparing them for careers in both agricultural production and industry roles.

Water Issues in Northwest Kansas: Panel Discussion

Moderator: Shannon Kenyon, District Manager, Groundwater Management District #4 The panel, comprising local producers and water experts, tackled critical issues surrounding the Northwest Kansas aquifer:

· Groundwater Management: Strategies to address declining water levels through Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMAs).

· Community and Economic Impacts: Discussions on balancing water conservation with agricultural productivity and local economic stability.

· Technological Integration: The role of precision agriculture tools in promoting sustainable water use.

Panelists shared their personal experiences, successes, and challenges in advocating for water conservation. The audience explored collaborative approaches to ensure long-term water security for the region. Panelist included Jeff Deeds, Mitchell Bauman, Brett Oelk, and Brent Rogers.

Closing Luncheon and Debrief The seminar concluded with a luncheon and debriefing session led by Bailey Miller. Participants reflected on the themes of technology, community development, and leadership explored throughout the seminar. They emphasized the importance of building partnerships and fostering innovation to address rural challenges.

Southwest Kansas Seminar – Class XVII

Southwest Kansas Day One
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Submitted by: Megan Anguiano

After a couple months apart, KARL class XVII began our second seminar by sharing warm welcomes all around, checking into our hotels and loading the Garden City Community College Broncbusters bus to the enjoy a lunch at the Southwind Country Club. We had a very full day and absorbed some great information. Below is a brief summary of each portion of our program:

· Garden City Manager, Matt Allen, shared with us some history of Garden City ranging all the way back to its founding to where they are today. He also shared his personal experience as a Garden City resident as well as some specific ways that the city has worked to embrace, serve and support a diverse population. He highlighted that at any given time there is anywhere from 25-40 languages spoken in Garden City schools.

· Immigration Panel: Panelists discussed their personal experiences in navigating the complex challenges of becoming a U.S. citizen including the cost of legal services to apply and the length of time it takes for applications to be processed. Panelists discussed the pros/cons and differences in a variety of different avenues they have utilized including green cards, H-2A visas, TN visas, and permanent residency.

· Water Panel: Participants discussed what municipalities and businesses are doing to conserve and recycle water, including some impressive technological advances that have made it possible to keep water use static despite the rise in population. The panel also entertained questions and shared their plans to continue to innovate and recharge the Ogallala aquifer.

Brian Price hosted us for a tour of Brookover Feedyard:

o Highlighted their cattle that were a part of the “Prime Pursuit” branded program. These cattle arrive at the feedyard with electronic ID tags and are age, source and breed verified. They are processed by Creekstone in Ark City and are used to supply Walmart stores.

o Touched on a wide variety of challenges cattle feeders face when trying to remain profitable and sustainable including packer concentration, high input costs (including wages), maintaining accurate records, environmental issues, low supply of calves, and the rising average age of cattle feeders.

We returned to the hotel for our last event of the evening. We enjoyed meeting and socializing with KARL fellows, enjoyed a steak dinner and heard from Dr. Dan Thompson.

Dr. Thompson spoke about his career in the beef industry and how we can work together as an industry to better meet consumer demand while remaining profitable and sustainable. He highlighted that retailers want to understand what is going on in the beef industry and that consumers believe safe food comes from healthy animals and that a healthy animal is a happy animal.

He also touched on the fact that beef is a very socioeconomic diverse product. It can cater to everyone from a white linen restaurant patrons that are willing to pay a premium for a quality cut of steak and to the single mom purchasing ground beef as a cheap protein source to feed her family.

Southwest Kansas Day Two
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Submitted by: Marsha Boswell

Garden City & Liberal

Thursday was a long day, with tours scheduled at a beef packing facility, ethanol plant and dairy in Garden City and Liberal.

The day began with Ryan and Justine giving their brown bag bios, followed by finalizing class standards over breakfast. The committee had come up with 12 standards in a clock format, but it was then decided to condense them into four main ideas.

After the standards were agreed upon, the class boarded the bus for our first stop of the day – Tyson. We visited their teaching center, which is a collaboration with Garden City Community College. The company provides opportunities for employees to get continuing education and GEDs.

There is very much a family culture at Tyson. Employee retention is their goal; and this year 28 of the approximately 3,500 employees are celebrating 40 years of service. Overall the average years of service is about 20 years.

At Tyson, they utilize the entire animal; “everything but the moo” and the spinal cord. Employees hand cut every piece, as automation is difficult with varying carcass sizes.

The class toured the cold and hot sides of the plant, everything from packaging of specific beef cuts to the initial removal of the hide.

After the Tyson tour, the class boarded the bus again to head toward Liberal. Class XVI member Eli Svaty provided a history of agriculture in Kansas during the bus trip. He pointed out that Kansas started with socialist roots, reemphasized that we must have employees who are willing to do hard jobs and ended with, “Southwest Kansas is pretty cool.”

Upon arrival at Arkalon/Conestoga, the class ate lunch and heard from Danny Granodos. The ethanol plant utilizes corn and grain sorghum to produce ethanol. They “squeeze every bit of alcohol from the grain.” The plant has been running for 17 years and shuts down only two days a year for preventative maintenance.

DDGs are sent to local feeders, and C02 is pushed underground to Texas, allowing them to utilize their byproducts and generate additional revenue. They have a plan to become a zero carbon facility.

The final tour of the day was at High Plains Dairy, which is run by Carl Clawson, a member of Class XVI and his father David.

Their cows are milked twice a day in the milking parlor, a large moving circle that milks while the cows are on and finishes by the time they have reached where they started.

They currently milk 16,000 cows twice a day, with the milk going to DFA. They are in the midst of an expansion with two more barns and milking parlors being built to provide milk for Hilmar Cheese, beginning in January. There will be 24,000 more cows to be milked twice a day. The main reason for the immense size of the operation is for efficiencies of scale. They are able to control costs and be the low cost producer.

Cows are bred each year, to continue providing fresh milk. The calves are fed colostrum immediately, and then sent within the first 12 to 24 hours to be raised in the Texas panhandle. The heifers will return at maturity to join the milking team.

“Every day is a good day in the barns,” Clawson said, as the cows have automatic temperature control, fans, open stalls, mattresses for bedding, and they don’t have to suffer extreme cold or heat from outdoor temperatures.

The highlight of the trip to the dairy was being able to witness the birth of a baby calf, something that two members of the class had never seen before in person.

After the dairy, the class loaded the bus for the trip back to Garden City, where we were hosted by Larry and Becky Jones for dinner. Dr. Tera Barnhardt was the dinner speaker, and she talked about her work as a veterinarian working with beef and dairy cattle in Southwest Kansas as well as her concerns about H1N1 in dairy cattle.

After a very long day with several great tours and speakers, the class returned to the hotel full of knowledge and exhaustion.

Southwest Kansas Day Three
Friday, November 8, 2024
Submitted by: Colleen Eberle

Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program – Southwest Seminar: Day 3 Recap

Day 3 of our Southwest Seminar showcased the spirit of innovation, leadership, and growth driving the agricultural industry forward.

From grain processing to family farming to the development of sustainable food products, each stop highlighted how Kansas leaders are embracing challenges and opportunities in agriculture.

Our day began at WindRiver Grain in Garden City, where we enjoyed a festive fall breakfast before exploring the facility’s operations. WindRiver LLC, owned by Cargill and various co-ops, is a rail import and export hub that processes up to 62,000 bushels of grain daily.

This summer, the facility hit a peak of 1.4 million bushels in a single week, servicing ethanol plants, feed mills, and feedlots across the region. Innovation is at the heart of their work, with a strong focus on expanding capabilities to meet new market demands.

Leadership is equally vital, as the company invests heavily in the professional and personal development of its team, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and forward-thinking. WindRiver exemplifies how strategic partnerships and an entrepreneurial mindset can unlock growth within the agricultural supply chain.

From there, we traveled to Vulgamore Farms in Scott City, where brothers Brian and Myles Vulgamore shared their journey of growth and adaptation. Over the years, their family farm has embraced significant advancements in technology and efficiencies, enabling them to produce more with fewer resources.

Brian introduced the “bus model” of leadership, emphasizing the importance of getting the right people into the right roles to build a resilient and high-performing organization. He also discussed the critical role of marketing in setting the vision for their operation during times of rapid growth. One notable example was their rebranding from Vulgamore Family Farms to VFF, a change designed to reflect their multi-family farm model and highlight their scalable approach.

The Vulgamores also emphasized the importance of a diverse workforce to the southwest Kansas economy, especially the role of immigration in supporting agricultural operations. Additionally, Brian spoke about the evolution of farming practices to conserve water usage, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and resource management.

Their forward-thinking management style, coupled with these strategic priorities, has allowed them to expand their operations while staying true to their values. The Vulgamores’ story illustrates how embracing change, prioritizing sustainability, and investing in leadership can secure success in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

Our next stop was the Spencer Flight Center, where we learned about the future of food from Earl Roemer of Nu Life Foods. Earl’s presentation highlighted the growing demand for gluten-free and sustainable food products and the role of sorghum in meeting those needs.

As the first U.S. company to produce sorghum flour with a negative net carbon footprint, Nu Life Foods is leading the charge in sustainability and innovation. Sorghum’s numerous health benefits—anti-inflammatory properties, high antioxidants, and rich levels of iron and B6—position it as a versatile superfood. Earl discussed how consumer trends are moving toward GMO-free, allergen-free, and environmentally friendly options, and how sorghum-based products like cereals, pastas, and baked goods offer a practical and nutritious solution. Nu Life Foods exemplifies how agricultural innovation can transform consumer perceptions and expand market opportunities for traditional crops.

The day ended with a debrief session and an optional tour of the Nu Life plant, leaving us inspired by the ingenuity, leadership, and growth we witnessed. Each stop reinforced a common thread: Kansas agriculture thrives on bold leadership, forward-thinking strategies, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Together, these qualities ensure a bright future for the industry.

The next stop for KARL Class XVII will be in early December as the group will meet in Goodland, Kansas, to experience their NWKS seminar.

Genesis Seminar

Genesis Day One
Thursday, August 22, 2024

Submitted by: Juliana Whisman

What an honor to be starting the Genesis Seminar of the KARL Program with Class XVII! 

The pace and the tone of the Seminar started right from the beginning on Thursday, with warm welcomes, high energy and excitement, and deep-dives into meaningful topics.

• Welcomes (over a brown bag lunch), at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, in Manhattan, KS:

• Dr. William Brown, KARL Board Chair
  • Dr. Brown encouraged us to first and foremost ‘Be curious’!  He shared a bit about the KARL State of the Union (a bit about board committees, seminars, the fundraising campaign, and the story-telling of KARL impact). 
  • He wrapped up with the C.S. Lewis quote – ‘We are what we believe we are”, sharing that in KARL, if we believe we can do it, we can!
• Jill Zimmerman, KARL President
  • Jill gave a warm welcome, thanking Class XVII for investing in yourself!  She shared a nugget of wisdom from her mentor Dr. Barry Flenchbaugh that plays heavily into KARL  – the value of connections! 
  • Next, she introduced Frances Graves & Janice Lierz, KARL staff who work incredibly hard to serve the KARL program & participants. 
• Frances Graves, KARL Leadership Program Manager & Facilitator
  • Frances shared a bit from her experience at KARL and at K-State Research & Extension, highlighting the value of doing everything you can to make a positive difference for those around you!

• State of the Stage of Ag in Kansas: Kelsey Olson, KS Department of Agriculture
  • Kelsey Olson shared a handout of the KDA overview and economic impact of Ag in Kansas, highlighting some interesting bits:
    • Food Safety:  This is the KDA’s largest program.  You can look up any restaurant or food establishment…but she noted that you should be ready for what you might learn!
    • Grain Warehouse:  This is the KDA’s tiniest program.  This is where you will find their best mathematicians!  Also, this is where grain warehouse inspections take place.  We are an equal-to state…this means KS is inspected at a standard equal to the federal government.
    • Weights & Measures:  This is their oldest program.  This includes scales (like at groceries or co-op, etc.), fuel pumps, and price verifications (where their goal is 98% accuracy in a store).
    • Ag Marketing:  This is an incredibly board program, which includes the promotion of ‘from the land of Kansas’!
    • Brands Program:  Dates back to the 1800s, covering just under 2,000 brands in the state.
    • Conservation:  So much money goes into this program!
    • Her final note is that the KDA intertwines and works with all state agencies and K-State and this only works through collaboration – we will only be successful by working together!

• ‘Connecting with Others’: Amanda Eilders with Dale Carnegie
  • Amanda emphasized the importance of names – said to be the sweetest sound to each individual!  She guided us through a series of activities for introducing and reinforcing names and connections with others.  These included shaking as many hands as possible and sharing what you’re most excited about in KARL, introductions and questions, name remembering formulas and tactics.  This drawing from my notes was a reminder of all the possible ways to make connections with others.

• ‘Getting over Ourselves’–Colene Lind, Director of the Institute of Civic Discourse & Democracy
  • Dr. Lind focused on the idea of ‘How do we communicate through our differences?’, utilizing ideas from the book ‘Mindwise’, by Nicholas Epley.
  • She shared about egocentrism bias through some activities and anecdotal stories – each of us is the center of our own world, and we are biased to our own perspective.
  • This creates a challenge because we overinflate our own importance and responsibility, meaning we aren’t seeing the world and others as they really are.  
  • The good news is that we are the only species that can figure out what others are thinking through communication.  We have to use this tool to ask for perspectives, instead of merely imagining the other side’s perspectives.  This requires asking & asking again & really listening!

• Break and head to the Midwest Dream Car Collection
• Dinner and drinks and perusing the car collection

• Dr. Richard Linton, K-State President
  • Dr. Linton shared about his own journey, starting with a bachelor’s degree in food science, moving through many steps along his 40-year journey to a land-grant university presidency.

• He also gave an update about what’s happening now at K-State:
  • Strategic Investments in:
    • ‘Next-Gen K-State’
    • Students recruitment & enrollment programming
    • Research Innovation – Economic Development
    • Engagement & Outreach
    • Improved Facilities & Infrastructure
  • New Signature Programs:
    • K-State 105 (connecting with extension and all 105 counties)
    • Biomanufacturing Training & Education
    • KS Water Institute
  • His final advice for leadership:  Innovate & Collaborate

• Judge Tommy B. Webb
  • Judge Webb shared his amazing story, from living as a forgotten child in Korea to being adopted by the Webbs of Oklahoma. 
    • He also graciously gave Class XVII each a copy of his book ‘Running Away and Finding Home: An Abandoned Child’s Journey to Hope & Healing’.
  • His amazing positivity was infectious, focusing on thanking those who made him who he is.  He emphasized forgiveness, the beginning of healing.

• He ended by encouraging us that you don’t know the difference you will make on others when you act in compassion.  ‘When you value others, you will make a difference!’

• Break and head to the Rock Springs Ranch, outside of Junction City, KS
• Get settled in rooms at the Ranch, socializing with Class XVII

---

Genesis Day Two
Friday, August 23, 2024
Submitted by: Paige Harding

KARL Seminar: Friday, August 23

Breakfast and Brown Bag Biographies

The day began with a warm breakfast, setting the stage for the first round of “Brown Bag Biographies.”

This activity was designed to be a fun icebreaker. Each participant shared personal stories through meaningful objects that represent aspects of their lives.

Each participant brought three items, which served as prompts for discussing their backgrounds, interests, and values. This exercise not only fostered a sense of community but also provided insight into the diverse experiences and perspectives within the group. People brought wedding rings and hair ties to represent their families; business pens and toy tractors or cattle to represent producers; and there was a lot of KSU gear! This was a fun way to get to know each other better.

Team Building and Communication Skills

Following the Brown Bag Biographies, the group engaged in a team-building session by way of physical activity. The activities were held at the Ropes Course, led by Joseph Dixon of Rock Springs Ranch.

The activities challenged participants to work together, trust one another, and communicate effectively to overcome physical and mental obstacles. These activities were a great way to quickly create relationships among the participants. These relationships will only continue to grow throughout the next 2 years of the program.

Kansas Agriculture: Key Issues Conversation

Kelsey Olson, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, and Josh McGinn, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, led a discussion on key issues facing Kansas agriculture. The conversation was heavily about trade and trade policy, a critical aspect of Kansas’s agricultural economy.

Trade is a significant focus for the KDA, with efforts to expand global markets for Kansas products. Agriculture is the #1 economic driver in Kansas. Kelsey and Josh noted Kansas is the #1 exporter of pet food, due to its central location and access to necessary inputs. Meat packing, a vital industry, was also discussed, with more than 50% of the export value of a carcass going overseas. Strong trade relationships, particularly with Japan, were emphasized as crucial for the state’s economic health. Looking forward, Africa is seen as a promising area for new trade relationships, especially Kenya as it is projected to be home to over half the world’s population by 2050. Much of the conversation was centered around transportation costs and issues and how we can overcome these to continue being a large exporter.

The conversation continued to dive deeper into the critical issues affecting Kansas agriculture, especially in the context of international trade. Josh, drawing from his background growing up on a family farm, illustrated the direct impact of global trade policies on local Kansas farmers and producers. He emphasized that Kansas’ central geographic location, combined with its robust agricultural output, makes it a key player in the global market. However, this also means that fluctuations in trade policies can have a profound effect on the state’s agricultural economy. Kelsey Olson and Josh McGinn emphasized the importance of state and federal policies that support the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector. They discussed the need for policies that balance the interests of producers with environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices.

We wrapped up the conversation by discussing the water crisis that plagues Kansas, but especially the western half of the state. Water rights and usage were also discussed, given their critical importance to Kansas agriculture. The state faces ongoing challenges related to water availability and management, particularly in the context of the Ogallala Aquifer, which provides water for much of the state’s agricultural production. The conversation touched on the need for policies that ensure the sustainable use of water resources, balancing the needs of agriculture with those of other stakeholders, including municipalities and industrial businesses.

“I have enough friends… why do I have to be social?”

Rep. Ken Rahjes shared valuable insights during his session on the importance of socialization and communication within leadership groups. He emphasized that every individual brings something unique to a leadership group, and everyone has value to contribute to their community. Drawing from his experiences with farmer friends, Rahjes highlighted that while socializing comes naturally to many, effective communication often proves challenging. He pointed out that socializing isn’t just about casual conversation but involves the more profound art of connecting and sharing ideas meaningfully.

Rahjes then delved into the role of social media as a communication tool in today’s world. He presented findings from a 2023 survey, which revealed that 49% of internet users primarily use social media to stay connected with the people they care about. Additionally, 39% of users turn to social media to fill their spare time, while 34% use it to find news. These statistics underscore the importance of social media in modern communication, especially in maintaining relationships and staying informed.

He continued by sharing data from an April 2024 survey, which ranked the most popular social media platforms. Facebook led the pack, followed by YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Interestingly, social media use is highest in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, suggesting regional differences in social media usage habits.

Rep. Rahjes also mentioned that Facebook remains the most popular platform for brands and organizations. The platform’s largest user group comprises men aged 25-34. Moreover, nine in ten Americans aged 18 to 49 use YouTube, highlighting its broad appeal. LinkedIn also plays a crucial role, especially among professionals, with over 700 million users globally. However, only 30% of those who live in rural areas use LinkedIn, compared to 50% of U.S. adults with a college education. These statistics illustrate the varying reach and influence of social media platforms across different demographics.

Overall, Rahjes’ session underscored the importance of recognizing the unique contributions of each individual in a leadership group, as well as the crucial role of effective communication, both in person and through social media, in building strong, connected communities.

Leveraging Your Strengths as a Leader

The focus of Dr. Emily Lehning’s presentation was on helping participants understand and harness their unique talents to become more effective leaders. The session was centered around the Clifton Strengths. Dr. Lehning introduced the concept of talents as innate personality traits—those naturally recurring patterns of thought, feeling, or behavior that can be productively applied in various situations.

She explained that talents might manifest in simple, yet powerful ways, such as the ease with which some individuals start conversations or their ability to think in an organized and timely manner. These talents, when recognized and cultivated, form the foundation for developing strengths.

Dr. Lehning then distinguished between talents and strengths, noting that a strength is characterized by near-perfect performance on a particular task. When someone consistently produces a positive outcome through such performance, it becomes evident that they are operating within their area of strength.

She identified four key components that define a strength: ease, excellence, enjoyment, and engagement.

When individuals work within their strengths, they often experience a natural flow, where tasks feel effortless, outcomes are consistently high-quality, and the process is both enjoyable and deeply engaging.

Moreover, Dr. Lehning emphasized that true strength arises when talent is combined with investment. This investment could be in the form of time, practice, or deliberate effort aimed at refining a talent into a reliable and robust strength. It’s this combination of natural ability and dedicated development that empowers leaders to excel.

Dr. Lehning left us with a deeper question: “How do we accept ourselves and, at the same time, expect more from ourselves?”

Tell Your Story

Jill Zimmerman lead the next session assigning the associates some homework including the famous 6 word memoirs.

Dinner at Kniebel Cattle Company

After a long day of leadership development and in-depth discussions on critical issues facing Kansas agriculture, the associates enjoyed a delicious dinner hosted by Kevin and May Ann (VIII) Kniebel and Joe Carpenter (IX) and Barb Downey.

Some highlights of the dinner were the beautiful weather, Mary Ann’s stunning flowers, the almond cake dessert, and great conversations.

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Genesis Day Three
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Submitted by: Jenny Niblock

A final look at Genesis:

Day three of KARL Class XII started on a beautiful humid morning at Rock Springs Ranch. The morning began with the reminder of the brown bag biographies with the group sharing three items and explaining their personal context to their lives.

Brown Bag Biographies:

Kaleb Horn: K-State, 1st generation college graduate, built horse, family

Adam Jimison: K-state family, golf, gamble

Mike Parsons: DJ Company, Shriner, ran a bar

Trevor Pederson: Business card, new puppy, keys to travel and fire department

Jenny Niblock: Bible, Family, Stethoscope

Jerrod Prebyl: ear of corn, American flag, binoculars

John Starns: Purina corn, surfer, Family

Lauren Terry: Showboot cattle, cross necklace, ag media business

Mollea Wainscott: best friend necklace, Dodge City Days Pin, Eyesight

Juliana Whisman: Cattle Brand keychain, Legos/Friends, Creative Art

Megan Anguiano: dog, car, craft/reading

Frances and Jill discussed the importance of thanking those who contribute to our journey. The names and addresses of those contributing to the program and day was shared.

Frances spent time encouraging Class XVII to not waste the time and put in the time to participate in KARL. She talked about being open to new ideas and uncomfortable at times. She challenged the class to remain civil. Disagreement is ok through listening to understand, explore conflict, seek common ground, appreciate difference, and respect confidentiality. KARL is a nonpartisan organization. KARL-POOLing continued to be encouraged.

Edie Doane introduced Frances Graves (KARL leadership Program Manager, Class XIII), Justin Kastner (Class XV), and Andrea Krug Krauss (Class XVI) to discuss in panel format “The Power of KARL.”

Justin discussed the programmatic side of KARL including be patient with the process and quality time versus quantity of time. He focused on enjoying the presence of one another by being present through prioritizing seminars. He suggested setting out of office email messages and taking lots of notes. Honor the investment each of us is putting into our time in KARL program. Be intentional in the learning process by using scribe notes, and taking advantage of unscheduled opportunities in the area. Preparing ahead of time is essential to being prepared to fully participate by reading material ahead of time and bringing all item needed to seminars.

Andrea encouraged us to reflect on your class standards at each seminar. She encouraged fully understanding the personality assessment and exercise to better approach conversations with classmates. Andrea discussed filling the class notebook and thank you note follow ups. She encouraged strong engagement in the process, discussions, and debriefings including pre-seminar correspondence, and follow up surveys. Connection with the large KARL network including fellows, classmates, and mentors. Class XVII was reminded us about the investment others put into the KARL program and charged us to steward that wisely.

Recap of Journey to KARL Success:

· Be open

· Be civil

· Be karlpooler

· Be patient

· Be present

· Be intentional

· Be prepared

· Be reflective

· Be engaged

· Be connectors

· Be a good stewards

Frances wrapped up the panel discussion with “KARL Motto”. The KARL class had time to ask questions.

Questions included:

What was the best part of your KARL experience?

Gettysburg leadership, international trip, Garden city

What was surprising take-aways from the KARL program?

Quality of seminars, compassionate situations for fellow classmates, depth of personal commitment

How to best interaction with classmates?

Use laughter, help through hard situations, and be vulnerable and brave

How do you keep the fire and passion for strong leadership going when not surrounding by your KARL classmates and after KARL?

Keep up on the WhatsApp and get together on off time.

How to share your experience with seminars with employers and other?

Use social media, take pictures

Frances Graves transitioned us “Define Your KARL Experience”. Jill shared a video about Mike Krzyzewski and leadership. He encouraged putting people around us in the right position to lead. He discussed empowering others to lead. The most important leadership trait is communication in a face to face manner and always telling the truth. Coach K discussed his experience with the Olympic team and the role of each individual inside the team. Rules don’t lead, but standards are the way we do things all the time. He encouraged good communication to develop trust and to promote success. Example of standards included

· No excuses

· Be on Time

· Practice well

· Have each other’s back

Group Discussions were held to discuss Coach K’s video and brainstorm some ideas to develop standards for our class. Some thoughts shared by the groups:

• No excuses
• Being early
• No complaining
• Owning the experience
• Being strong in others weakness
• Face of KARL
• Being willing to help if offering constructive criticism
• No personal attack – focusing the on the action, issues and solutions
• What is our gold medal?
• Participate and promote
• Give grace
• Let others use their strengths
• Be honest
• Be curious
• Be frank but open minded
• Have integrity
• Questioning mind
• Stay neutral in tough topics
• Be prepared
• Be kind
• Be challenging of perspectives
• Be accountable
• Keep simple
• Us against problem, not us against each other
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions- Say it to Say it
• Evolve ourselves and program
• Straight up KARL- around the clock
• KARL spotting

Two KARL Class XVII and going to work on developing a set of class standards before the next seminar.

Edie Doane provided a time for wrap up with the class the questions and top answers included:

• What is one thing you learned about agriculture?
  • Kansas Department of Ag involvement in international trade
  • Volume of Kansas agriculture products in international trade
  • The vast scope of ag products in the state
• What was your biggest take-away from the seminar?
  • Amazing people in the group and organization
  • Be prepared
  • We are all growing together
• What is something that challenged you during this session?
  • Being present and turning off other work
  • Reacting immediately and just digesting the info
  • Lack of caffeine
• What are the questions you are leaving here with?
  • How do we capitalize on everyone strengths?
  • How to best prepare for future seminars?
  • What will our standards be?
• How will you apply something you learned?
  • Egocentric bias
  • Embrace awkwardness of meeting new people
  • Bring standards to our lives and teams we work with
• What was your favorite leadership insight from the session?
  • Leaders can go all jobs top to bottom
  • The world is run by people who show up
  • Egocentrism talk – Ask for perspectives

• Class XVII wrapped up the incredible Genesis Seminar with one word explanations of the last three days: wow, amazing, connected, inspiring, empowered, excited, challenged, influenced, encouraged, educated, and astounded.

The next seminar will take Class XVII to Southwest Kansas in November.