Dr. David Kohl, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech Ag Economics and Banking Circa 2025 and Financial Tool Kit for Ag Lending Dr. David Kohl delivered two insightful sessions, providing a deep dive into the evolving landscape of ag economics and lending. In Ag Economics & Banking Circa 2025, he explored the key forces shaping agriculture and ag banking, from global trade policy to geopolitical shifts, highlighting both risks and opportunities in the industry. In Financial Tool Kit for Ag Lending, Dr. Kohl emphasized the importance of financial and risk management in today’s ag economy. He shared practical tools for assessing risk, strengthening lender-borrower relationships and building high-performing lending teams. Attendees walked away with valuable strategies to navigate the challenges ahead. Ed Elfmann, SVP of Agriculture and Rural Policy, American Bankers Association and Doug Wareham, President & CEO, Kansas Bankers Association Federal Ag Policy Update KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham (L) and American Bankers Association SVP of Agricultural and Rural Banking Policy Ed Elfmann (R) spoke on the reintroduction of the Access to Credit for our Rural Economies (ACRE) Act and urged attendees to contact their Senator and Representatives to thank them for their support of ACRE. Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office; Doug Ray, Solutions North Bank; Earl Lewis, KDA-Division of Water Resources; Jay Meyer, Centera Bank; Ron Flowers, Community National Bank & Trust; and J.W. Wells, Kansas Bankers Association Kansas Water Issues and Regulatory Landscape Panel The Kansas Water Issues & Regulatory Landscape Panel featured an insightful discussion on water policy, regulation, and its impact on the banking industry. Panelists (L-R): Moderator J.W. Wells (KBA), Ron Flowers (Community National Bank & Trust), Connie Owen (Kansas Water Office), Earl Lewis (KDA-Division of Water Resources), Doug Ray (Solutions North Bank), and Jay Meyer (Centera Bank). Kendall Gammon, Chiefs Radio Network The Power of Emotional Strength Rose Hill, Kansas, native and Chiefs Radio Network member Kendall Gammon closed out the day with insights on building stronger teams, enhancing communication and making meaningful connections. Randy Blach, CattleFax Cattle and Protein Market Situation and Update Day two started strong with Randy Blach from CattleFax! He shared insights on the U.S. beef industry, highlighting tight cattle supplies and strong consumer demand driving another year of market success. 27
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