Kansas Farming Associations

Kansas is home to thousands of farms that grow multiple crops including wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum, and more. This count doesn’t include the many Kansas dairies, feedlots, or livestock farms that raise swine, cattle, and sheep. In other words, agriculture is an essential component of the state’s economy, and for good reason. Not only is the climate conducive to crop growing, but the central location of the state makes it easier to ship crops to various locations across the nation.

Many farmers face the same challenges regardless of crop or livestock focus. Concerns about productivity, legislative changes, tax issues, and operations, often make the top of the list. While advisors like Adams Brown, Strategic Allies, and CPAs, can help navigate tax, accounting, and other financial challenges, it is important to be aware of the various industry associations and groups that provide other essential types of support.

Kansas Crop Farming Associations

Below is a summary of the top Kansas crop farming associations to consider being part of, including:

• Kansas Wheat is a cooperative agreement between the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. It is grower funded and focused on securing the state’s wheat crop in international trade, increasing producer productivity and profitability. This is accomplished through research, education, and domestic/international trade development. Through the organization’s efforts, the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center was established to provide producers with access to the latest production improvements. There are also efforts to expand consumer consumption of the crop through the distribution of recipes and other cooking information.
• Kansas Corn is comprised of two groups, the Kansas Corn Growers Association, and the Kansas Corn Commission. Not only does it represent members in regulatory and legislative matters but it’s also involved in the Kansas corn check-off program. It helps determine how the one-cent-per-bushel assessment is invested between development, education, and research. Additionally, the organization is also involved in building the market for Ethanol (E-15) and driving research efforts. The Kansas Corn Stem program provides free lesson plans and other resources for K-12 teachers to educate students on the science of corn production.
• Kansas Soybean Association aims to serve as an advocate for soybean producers in market development, education, legislative issues, and with corporate/industry partners. In addition, it is also responsible for the management of the soybean check-off program. To support the organization’s mission there are several events that happen throughout the year including the Kansas Soybean Expo, Emerging Leaders Academy, and the Young Leader Program. In addition, members receive access to current interests and educational material through monthly, quarterly, and annual publications.
• Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission is focused on crop research, promotion, and information distribution to expand market access. This is accomplished through legislative representation, education and research, and member development. There are a number of resources available including the Sorghum State Podcast and other member initiatives. Finally, the Commission is partners with the Center for Sorghum Improvement housed at Kansas State University.