The Flinchbaugh Forum brings together leaders from across agriculture, government, and education to engage in open, informed policy discussion.
Modeled after Dr. Flinchbaugh’s legendary K-State classroom, the Forum transforms complex policy topics into interactive “classes” that explore real-world challenges.
The Flinchbaugh Forum Agenda:
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3
11:00 AM
EVENT REGISTRATION & NETWORKING LUNCHEON
12:30 PM
WELCOME
12:45 PM
THE STATE OF AGRICULTURE
A timely look at the economic, policy, and market forces shaping agriculture today. What do these trends mean for producers, agribusinesses, and rural communities in the year ahead?
SPEAKER:
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BRAD LUBBEN - Extension Associate Professor, Policy Specialist, and Director, North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1:45 PM
THE CHANGING RULES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The rules, relationships, and pressure points of international trade are changing. How can American agriculture continue to compete in an increasingly complex global marketplace?
SPEAKERS:
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TIM PETERS, Moderator - Senior Managing Director, FTI Consulting
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JULIE CALLAHAN, Panelist - Chief Agricultural Negotiator Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
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GREGG DOUD, Panelist - President & CEO National Milk Producers Federation &Former U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator
2:45 PM
NETWORKING BREAK
3:15 PM
AMERICAN FOOD POWER: THE ROAD AHEAD
How can America realign its greatest strategic asset - the capacity to produce food, fuel, and fiber - to meet the nation’s 2040 needs and lead the next era of global agriculture?
SPEAKER:
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BRETT SCIOTTO - CEO, Idealyst Innovation & Center for American Food Power
4:15 PM
THE NEXT GENERATION OF POLICY LEADERSHIP
Flinchbaugh Fellows and students share next-generation perspectives on food and agricultural policy, the issues shaping their future, and how the legacy of Barry Flinchbaugh continues to influence practical leadership.
SPEAKERS:
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DAN MOSER, Moderator - Eldon Gideon Dean of Agriculture, K-State
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DR. JENNIFER IFFT, Panelist - Professor & Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy Chair KSU Department of Agricultural Economics
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SUSAN METZGER, Panelist - Director of Strategic Interdisciplinary Program Development, Kansas Water Institute, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment & ID3A
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CAPPI HOETING, Panelist - Flinchbaugh Fellow K-State Student
4:45 PM
CLOSING REMARKS
5:00 PM
RECEPTION
FRIDAY SEPT. 4
7:00 AM
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
8:00 AM
WELCOME
8:15 AM
AI IN THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAIN
AI is beginning to reshape how decisions are made across the food and agriculture value chain. But where is AI creating real value, and where should caution be warranted?
SPEAKERS:
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AMBER DEWITT, Moderator - Fulcrum Global Capital
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DAN MAYCOCK, Panelist - Co-Founder & CTO Dataplai
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RHISHI PETHE, Panelist - Managing Partner Metal Dog Labs & AgTech Alchemy
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JASON BRANTLEY, Panelist - Vice President, Production Systems, Small Ag & Turf John Deere
9:15 AM
NETWORKING BREAK
9:45 AM
IS AGRICULTURE READY FOR THE NEXT BIOSECURITY EMERGENCY?
The New World Screwworm is a timely reminder that biosecurity is not limited to a single pest, species, or border. As threats move faster through a connected food and agriculture system, is the U.S. and global supply chain ready?
SPEAKERS:
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JACKIE MCCLASKEY, Moderator - President and Chief Innovation Officer, American Royal
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DR. JUSTIN WELSH, Panelist - Executive DIrector U.S. Livestock Technical Services Merck Animal Health
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BRANDON DEPENBUSCH, Panelist - President & CEO Irsik & Doll Feed Services, Inc. Alchemy
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GREG IBACH, Panelist - Former Under Secretary for Marketing & Regulatory Programs USDA
10:45 AM
WHAT DO CONSUMERS WANT FROM FOOD & AMERICAN AGRICULTURE?
Consumer preferences are shifting quickly, shaped by health trends, affordability, convenience, social media, and federal dietary guidance. How can agriculture respond to evolving demands?
SPEAKERS:
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SARA WYANT, Moderator - President, Agri-Pulse
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BETH JOHNSON, Panelist - Founder and Principal Food Directions, LLC
11:45 AM
CLOSING REMARKS
Agenda & sessions subject to change
The 2026 Flinchbaugh Forum Agenda:
THE STATE OF AGRICULTURE
A timely look at the economic, policy, and market forces shaping agriculture today. What do these trends mean for producers, agribusinesses, and rural communities in the year ahead?
FOOD SECURITY IS NATIONAL SECURITY
Food security is no longer only a humanitarian or agricultural issue but a national security priority shaped by conflict, trade, supply chains, and global stability. What does that mean for the future of U.S. food and agriculture?
THE CHANGING RULES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The rules, relationships, and pressure points of international trade are changing. How can American agriculture continue to compete in an increasingly complex global marketplace?
THE NEXT GENERATION OF POLICY LEADERSHIP
Flinchbaugh Fellows and students share next-generation perspectives on food and agricultural policy, the issues shaping their future, and how the legacy of Barry Flinchbaugh continues to influence practical leadership.
AI IN THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAIN
Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape how decisions are made across the food and agriculture value chain. But where is AI creating real value, and where should caution be warranted?
IS AGRICULTURE READY FOR THE NEXT BIOSECURITY EMERGENCY?
The New World screwworm is a timely reminder that biosecurity is not limited to a single pest, species, or border. As threats move faster through a connected food and agriculture system, is the U.S. and global supply chain ready?
WHAT DO CONSUMERS WANT FROM AMERICAN AGRICULTURE?
Consumer preferences are shifting quickly, shaped by health trends, affordability, convenience, social media, and federal dietary guidance. How can agriculture respond to evolving demands?
Agenda and sessions subject to change
Thank you to our sponsors!
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2025 Inaugural Forum
The inaugural Forum, held in 2025, drew more than 200 participants from 16 states and featured 20 national recognized speakers and moderators. It quickly became one of the region’s most respected agricultural policy events, a space where students, producers, and policymakers exchange ideas with candor and respect. The Forum continues to serve as a catalyst for dialogue, bridging generations and sectors to ensure that policy decisions reflect both practical understanding and shared values.