Event Details
Step into Barry Flinchbaugh’s classroom once again – where bold ideas live on. In the spirit of his legendary K-State teachings, the Flinchbaugh Forum brings together the industry for honest, impactful conversations about the future of ag policy.
On Friday, September 26, the Flinchbaugh Forum will take place from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM at the Bluemont Hotel in Manhattan, Kansas. Then after the Forum, join us for a Toast to Flinchbaugh evening reception from 4 - 6 PM as we raise a glass to the man who inspired the Barry Flinchbaugh Center for Food and Ag Policy.
A room block is available for the Thursday evening prior to the event. Reservations instructions will be provided upon event registration.
2025 FLINCHBAUGH FORUM
Date
September 26, 2025
8:30am-6:00pm
Location
Bluemont Hotel
1212 Bluemont Ave.
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
The Flinchbaugh Forum Agenda:
8:30 AM
WELCOME TO CLASS
Join former students and colleagues as they share personal stories, memories, and possibly a few “hard truths”, all framed by Barry’s legendary Alternatives & Consequences approach.
9:00 AM
THREE TOUGH TOPICS: WHAT KEEPS AG LEADERS UP AT NIGHT?
The Flinchbaugh Center was built on the belief that sound, bipartisan policy is critical to the future of American agriculture. This panel will spotlight three of the Center’s focus areas - water, labor, and biosecurity.
10:30 AM
POLICY THAT FEEDS THE NATION: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP IN U.S. AGRICULTURE
A retrospective and forward-looking conversation among the leaders who authored, negotiated, and implemented the most influential food and agriculture policies of the last 50 years.
12:30 PM
LUNCH PROGRAMMING
Mic’d up with Flinchbaugh: Stories, Soundbites, and Straight Talk1
1:45 PM
AGRICULTURE IN THE AMERICAN POLITICAL IMAGINATION
What Washington Gets Wrong (and Right) Agriculture feeds the nation - but too often, it barely registers in the national political conversation.
2:45 PM
HOW DO WE REMAIN COMPETITIVE?
A dynamic conversation exploring the biggest risks and opportunities facing U.S. agriculture - from trade policy and workforce to innovation, sustainability, and foreign investment. What levers can we realistically pull? And who must lead the change?
4 - 6 PM
A TOAST TO FLINCHBAUGH
Close out the day just as Barry would’ve wanted - good company, spirited conversation, and a drink in hand. As we raise our glasses, we also raise the vision of the Flinchbaugh Center - elevating its role as a driving force for bold ag policy leadership.
Agenda & sessions subject to change