Kansas Commodity Classic Set for Feb. 3 in Topeka

Find out what is brewing at the state capitol, how policies like climate change legislation can affect your farm, and gain a better understanding of the roles of state agencies in agriculture at the Kansas Commodity Classic in Topeka on Wednesday, February 3 at the Topeka Ramada Inn. This annual convention will bring together Kansas grain sorghum, corn and wheat growers for a high powered general session and luncheon. It all starts at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at the Topeka Ramada Inn, 420 SE 6th Avenue, Topeka. The program and lunch are free to growers.

“After the 2008 Classic, we decided to take a new approach and hold the Classic in Topeka during the Kansas legislative session,” says Jere White, executive director of the Kansas corn and grain sorghum producers associations. “In addition to the policy focus, we’ve also allowed free time in the afternoon for growers to visit the statehouse and say hello to their legislators”

Kansas Senate President Steve Morris of Hugoton will open the event with welcoming comments at 9:30 a.m. Bill Hudson, founder of ProExporter Network will be the keynote speaker focusing on national policy issues, especially climate issues that will affect agriculture.

“Bill is a respected leader on the national level when it comes to the impact national policy issues like climate change may have on agriculture,” White says.

A state agency panel will feature Constantine Cotsoradis of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Greg Foley of the State Conservation Commission and Earl Lewis of the Kansas Water Office.

“It is important to understand the roles of these state agencies and how the agencies interact with growers,” explains Justin Giplin, CEO of Kansas Wheat.

Acting Secretary of Agriculture Josh Svaty will speak at the Commodity Classic Luncheon.

“Secretary Svaty is a fifth generation farmer in Ellsworth County and is a very strong advocate for Kansas Agriculture,” Gilpin says.

The lunch will wrap up the day’s events. In the afternoon, growers are encouraged to visit their state legislators.

Registration for this free event is not required, but appreciated. Please call toll free 866-759-4328 to pre-register, or log onto www.ksgrains.com