20 Clear skies and eager minds made the 2022 Kansas Ag Bankers Conference a great turnout, which was held March 2-3 at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center in Manhattan, KS. This conference is held by the Kansas Ag Bankers Division and is meant to support, enhance and promote the agricultural banking industry. Ag bankers heard from a variety of knowledgeable and impactful speakers on topics such as ag economics, lending, the Federal Ag Policy Update and much more. KAB Past President Jay Meyer, Centera Bank in Sublette, kicked off the conference with the welcome and introductions to attendees. The first speaker of the conference was Dr. David Kohl, AgriVisions LLC, with “Agricultural Economic Update and the Road Ahead” and “Lending in the Agricultural Marketplace: 2022 and Beyond.” Kohl presented common financial and business practices that will proactively position the banker’s business or customer regardless of the economic cycle. He also drew upon his decades of engagement and interaction with the agricultural industry to provide wisdom and actionable items that can be used with your agricultural customers. Topics include the high tech, high touch approach to building relationships, aligning with producer mindsets, assessing business IQ as it relates to financials, economics, and the growth of ag businesses of the future. ABA’s Senior Vice President of Agricultural & Rural Banking Policy Ed Elfman and KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham provided a campfire chat on federal ag and rural banking policy. Taking center stage was Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America (ECORA) tax equity legislation — this looks to gain traction this year after it was signed into law in Kansas last year, and additional states are pushing the same legislation. Andrew McCrea, farmer and rancher, shared “Your Bank’s Role in Creating Total Town Makeovers” after the second break-out session of the day. Attendees were able to learn how financial institutions can be a key catalyst that keeps small towns surviving and thriving. Kansas banks play an important role in what happens next to small towns supporting agriculture that are struggling to keep small businesses open, maintain quality schools and provide a place where younger people want to work and establish homes and families. Finishing up the first day, the last speaker Elizabeth McCormick, US Army Black Helicopter Pilot, presented “Soar 2 Success.” She shared the professional development secrets for success with her stories of overcoming obstacles as a helicopter pilot while inspiring attendees to Soar 2 Success! Following the Kansas Ag Bankers Trade Show and Hospitality Reception, the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center hosted the Salute the Kansas Wheat Farmer Event that unveiled the debuted Tribute Wall. KBA President & CEO Doug Wareham and KAB Division President Jay Meyer, Centera Bank in Sublette, at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center celebrating the unveiling of the Kansas Ag Bankers Farmer Salute display wall 2022 Kansas Ag Bankers Conference Harvests Great Turn Out Leaders in Their Field
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