2025 Speakers and Presentations
(in order of presentation titles)
Determining Equitable Lease Arrangements
Mark Wood and Glenn Conover
Farm Management Association Economists
KS Farm Management Association, Colby
Using data from northwest Kansas farms, we take a look at profitability and how that factors into negotiating lease terms that are equitable to both the landlord and the tenant.
Dryland Rotation Agronomics and Economics
Lucas Haag
Associate Professor and Extension Agronomist
K-State Northwest Research-Extension Center, Colby
K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center, Tribune
We’ll take a look at research results from the various long-term dryland trials at Tribune that give insight into what are the key drivers in productive dryland rotations. In addition, sensitivity to various input prices and grain prices will be evaluated.
Evolution of Wheat Viruses / End-User Focused Wheat Production
Allan Fritz
Professor and Wheat Breeder
K-State of Agronomy, Manhattan
The wheat virus complex (wheat streak mosaic, Triticum mosaic, and High Plains virus) continues to evolve in the environment. Allan will discuss these changes, current genetic tools, and the future of breeding for virus resistance.
Allan will also discuss how wheat breeding, management, and production can work together in developing varieties and production systems for specific wheat end-uses that bring more value back to the farm gate.
Forage Production Management and Economics
John Holman
Professor and Cropping Systems Agronomist
K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center, Garden City
With current economics of crop production and livestock enterprises, increased forage production may have a role in your operation. John will review economic results from multiple crop rotation trials that integrate a forage crop and highlight key management considerations.
Grain Market Outlook: Policy and Geopolitical Impacts
Dan O'Brien
Professor and Extension Agricultural Economist
K-State Northwest Research-Extension Center, Colby
While there is always volatility in grain and the broader commodity markets, fast moving changes in both domestic policy and global geopolitical tensions bring another dimension. Dr. O'Brien's presentation will take a look at how these externalities can play a role in addition to traditional supply/demand dynamics.
Improving Dryland Cropland with Manure
Dave Poss
Soil Scientist
USDA-ARS Central Great Plains Research Station, Akron, Colorado
Dave will share the results from a long-term study in Eastern Colorado where various rates, methods of incorporation, and other management practices were evaluated for their ability to reclaim the productivity of eroded, high pH, soils.
Machinery Economics - When to Keep, When to Trade?
Brady Brewer
Associate Professor, Agricultural Finance / Agribusiness
K-State Department of Ag Economics, Manhattan
Machinery and equipment comprise a large part of a farmer’s balance sheet. These purchases also impact bottom line profitability more than just the cost of the equipment. Labor, managerial time, decision making, and complementary equipment are examples of items that need to be analyzed to understand the impacts a new piece of equipment will have on profitability. This session will discuss the economics of buying new equipment and how what you should consider before buying your next piece of equipment.
Make Your Plan: Weed Management 2025
Jeanne Falk Jones
Multi-County Agronomist - Sunflower Extension District
K-State Northwest Research-Extension Center, Colby
Weed management consistently ranks as one of the biggest management challenges facing farmers on the High Plains. In this session we will discuss various management practices that can maximize the chances of successful weed control.
Ogallala Aquifer - Facts, Folklore, and what is Q-Stable?
Blake Brownie Wilson
Manager, Geohydrology Support Services
Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence
We'll discuss both some of the facts and the common misunderstandings regarding the Ogallala Aquifer. Will include an overview of the largest and most economically important groundwater resource in Kansas and how far out of proportion is pumping relative to aquifer recharge rates.
The Best Bets to Place with Your Fertilizer Dollar
Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz
Professor of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management
K-State Department of Agronomy, Manhattan
Producers face a multitude of choices in where to make investments in plant nutrients. With tight economic margins it makes sense to place those limited dollars into the fertilizer products and management techniques most likely to offer a positive ROI.