The 2026 Kansas Ag Bankers Conference brought over 300 bankers, sponsors and special guests together in Manhattan, Kansas, to explore the current landscape of agricultural banking, the ag economy and other areas that impact agriculture and rural Kansas.
Dr. David Kohl, Virginia Tech, kicked off the conference by speaking on the global economy and financial tools ag lenders can utilize. During lunch, Doug Wareham, KBA President & CEO, and Ed Elfmann, ABA SVP — Agricultural & Rural Banking Policy, shared updates and progress on the Farm Bill and the ACRE Act implementation.
In the breakout sessions, the Small Feedyard Marketing & Finance Needs panel, featuring Andy Evans and Tyler Woolfolk, addressed navigating cattle market volatility and the unique challenges of operating smaller to mid-size feedyards. Additionally, Brad Zaun with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Dan Fischer with USDA Rural Development shared opportunities for banks to utilize business loans and grants to strengthen rural Kansas.
Following the breakout sessions, KBA Legal Services Director Jamie Cosgrove and First Assistant Attorney General Nathaniel (Jake) Castillo emphasized the risk of financial fraud in the banking industry and spoke on strategies to mitigate it in banks. Keynote speaker Zach Arend challenged attendees to saddle up and enter the arena to face their challenges and make a lasting impact on their life and work.
Kicking off Day 2 of the conference, Randy Blach with CattleFax explained the supply and demand in protein markets and what bankers need to factor in when planning for the future. Justin Trompke with Ag West Commodities followed and went in-depth on the grain markets and highlighted future market opportunities for producers to capitalize on. Closing out the conference, Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions highlighted the weather patterns ag producers saw last year and shared his prediction for what’s ahead.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s conference, March 3-4, 2027!
2026-2027 KBA Kansas Ag Bankers Division Board of Directors
- President — Stephen Hendrickson, Citizens State Bank of Marysville, Hanover
- Vice-President — Julie Voelker, Solutions North Bank, Coffeyville
- Secretary/Treasurer — Greg Saville, First National Bank & Trust, Phillipsburg
- Past President — Brett Wicker, Central National Bank, Gardner
- Tricia Fowler, Dream First Bank, Arlington
- Steve Howland, Equity Bank, Wichita
- Andy Stegman, GNBank, N.A., Offerle
- Kaycie Schilling, Adams Bank & Trust, Colby
- Brandon Grigsby, Stockgrowers State Bank, Ashland
- Aaron Zadina, Centera Bank, Greensburg
- James Hagedorn, United Bank & Trust, Seneca
- Kyle Murrow, Denison State Bank, Holton
- Steve White, Farmers & Drovers Bank, Council Grove
For the first time, the KBA-Kansas Ag Bankers Division organized a raffle fundraiser to support the ongoing efforts of the Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation. The Division sought to enhance KBEF’s mission in implementing a workforce development strategy for the next generation of Kansas bankers, providing scholarships, and promoting financial literacy.
Thank you to all who bought a ticket, donated an item and helped the Division support the Foundation! Be sure to join the Kansas Ag Bankers Raffle at next year’s conference!
$8,980 Raised to Support the Kansas Bankers Educational Foundation!
A Very Special Thank You to our Donors:
- Cutting Board: Chuck and Julie Voelker, Sycamore, KS
- Flint Oaks Hunting Cabin Experience: Emprise Bank
- YETI Cooler: Country Banker Systems
- Processed Half Beef: Rocking E Feeders & Woolfolk Ranch LLC
- Beretta A300: Central National Bank
2026 Kansas AG Bankers Conference Sponsors
Premier
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Thank You!
