Western Kansas Agriculture Summit

2026 Western Kansas Agriculture Summit

Due to space limitations, this is an invitation-only event and not open to the general public.

Welcome to the Western Kansas Ag Summit! Agriculture has always shaped Western Kansas, and while we acknowledge the present challenges in the industry, the future of Ag will be written by the people willing to tackle what comes next. The 2026 Western Kansas Ag Summit brings together producers, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, students, and innovators for meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture across our region. Join us at Fort Hays State University to exchange ideas, build connections, and help shape what comes next for Western Kansas and the future of agriculture at FHSU!

Event Sponsor

Schedule of Events

10:00am	Welcome from Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU President
10:15am	Welcome from Rep. Ken Rahjes, Kansas House District 110
10:30am	Panel Presentation: State of Agriculture in Western Kansas What is the state of agriculture in Western Kansas today? Our panelists will set the stage by exploring the challenges facing the industry, along with the opportunities emerging across the region. From changing markets and rising costs to new technologies and evolving opportunities, we'll take an honest look at where we are and where Western Kansas agriculture may be headed.
11:25am	Short Break
11:30am	Lunch and Plenary Presentation: UAS, Autonomy, and Ag Tech Agriculture continues to be one of the fastest-moving industries for technology adoption and innovation. This session will explore the growing role of uncrewed systems, artificial intelligence, autonomous technologies, and other emerging tools in agriculture. We'll also look beyond the technology itself to explore how Western Kansas can turn Ag Tech into new businesses, new careers, and new economic opportunities across the region.
12:30pm	Legislative Panel Always a hot session at the Summit, our legislative panel brings Kansas lawmakers together to discuss the issues impacting agriculture and rural communities across the state. Hear their perspectives on what's happening in Topeka, what may be on the horizon, and what it could mean for Western Kansas. We'll save plenty of time for Q&A, so bring those burning questions with you.
1:30pm	Speaker Presentation: Water in Western Kansas Hays is the geographic gateway to growing water concerns that stretch clear to the Pacific Ocean. We'll talk about the pressures facing our water resources, what they mean for agriculture and rural communities, and the difficult choices ahead. Most importantly, we'll explore what producers, communities, researchers, and policymakers are doing to ensure water remains part of Western Kansas' future.
2:00pm	Short Break
2:05pm	Speaker Presentation: A New Future for FHSU Agriculture and the University Farm Mark Arant, Dean of the FHSU Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics
2:25pm	FHSU Agriculture Student Panel Meet some of the best and brightest students preparing to enter the agriculture workforce. Bring your questions, share your perspective, and hear directly from students about what they're looking for in careers, employers, and communities. It's your chance to hear from the next generation of Western Kansas agriculture
3:00pm	OPTIONAL - Farm Tour The future of the FHSU University Farm is bright. The present needs some work. Join us for a tour of the farm and a candid conversation about what comes next. Hear about potential changes, share your ideas, and help us reimagine the University Farm as a relevant, practical resource for Western Kansas producers, students, and the agricultural industry.

Western Kansas Agriculture Summit

Ben Schears
VP for Economic and Workforce Development
Fort Hays State University
bdschears@fhsu.edu
620.660.5035 (cell)
785.628.4675 (office)