2026 Speakers and Presentations
(in order of presentation titles)
Considerations for Intensifying Crop Rotations
Lucas Haag
Associate Professor and Agronomist-In-Charge
K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center, Tribune
As we look at intensifying crop rotations, what factors should be considered? We’ll take a look at research results from the various long-term dryland trials at Tribune that give insight into this topic.
How Are Crop Prices Affecting 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 it factors into negotiating lease terms that are equitable to both the landlord and the tenant.
Grain Market Outlook
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.
Incorporating Forages Into Dryland Rotations
Augustine Obour
Professor and Cropping Systems Agronomist
K-State Southwest Research-Extension Center, Garden City
Growing annual forages in place of summer-fallow and integrating livestock has potential to intensify and diversify crop production, and offers great potential to improve soil health, suppress weeds, increase precipitation use efficiency, and enhance profitability of dryland farming operations. This presentation will discuss annual forage options for dryland, productivity, fertility management, impacts on subsequent crops and economics of annual forages in dryland cropping systems. We will also discuss the impacts of annual forage and livestock integration on soil health using over ten-years of data from K-State research in western Kansas.
Meeting Crop Nutrient Needs In Lean Economic Times
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.
Navigating the 2026 Crop Insurance Decision, with SCO and ECO options
Jennifer (Jenny) Ifft
Professor and Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy Chair
K-State Department of Agriculture Economics, Manhattan
.
Obstacles and Opportunities of Site-Specific Weed Management
Sarah Lancaster
Assistant Professor & Extension Weed Science Specialist
K-State Department of Agronomy, Manhattan
.
Top 5 Legal Issues Farmers Don't Think About, but Should
Roger McEowen
Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation
Washburn University School of Law, Topeka, KS
.
Weed Control Questions in Crop Rotations
Jeanne Falk Jones
Northwest Area Agronomist
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.