A Seat at the Table: the Kansas Soybean Etiquette Dinner
On January 26, the Kansas Soybean Commission and the Kansas State University College of Agriculture partnered to host an Etiquette Dinner designed to prepare students for professional success. Aligned with KSC’s mission to support soybean farmers through promotion, education, and advocacy, the dinner focused on equipping students with practical skills they will need as future leaders in agriculture. By practicing professional dining etiquette and engaging in meaningful conversations with industry professionals, students gained experience that will directly translate to internships, job interviews, and leadership opportunities throughout their careers. At the same time, the event created a platform to share how soybeans impact global markets, food systems, and trade. Nearly ninety students gathered for the event, which combined networking, professional development, and education about the role Kansas soybeans play locally, nationally, and globally.
Throughout the evening, students had the opportunity to connect with a wide range of industry professionals who shared insight into their career paths and offered real-world advice on entering the agricultural workforce. These conversations highlighted the many career opportunities available within the industry, ranging from sales, production and processing to policy and advocacy work. Students also learned about internship opportunities with the Kansas Soybean Association, which provide hands-on experience and a front-row seat to how Kansas soybean farmers engage at the state, national, and global levels to ensure fair trade policies and strong market access.
Commissioner Lance Rezac served as host for the etiquette dinner and shared the international impact of soybeans, drawing on his experiences with the U.S. Soybean Export Council. His perspective emphasized how Kansas soybeans reach far beyond state lines and how global relationships and professionalism play a critical role in maintaining and expanding export markets.
Ryan Locke, representing the National Oilseed Processors Association and serving as Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences National President, offered remarks that closely reflected KSC’s commitment to leadership development and advocacy. Locke shared that throughout life, individuals will find themselves seated at many tables, whether at a dinner table, a conference table, or an interview table. What matters most, he emphasized, is how individuals show up at those tables, with professionalism, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn.
Locke’s message resonated strongly with both Kansas Soybean’s mission and the students in attendance. Kansas Soybean depends on informed advocates who can represent soybean farmers in policy discussions, trade negotiations, and global partnerships, and Locke’s remarks reinforced that success in agriculture extends beyond technical knowledge to include communication and relationship-building. For students preparing to enter internships, interviews, and professional environments, his perspective offered reassurance and practical guidance. He encouraged students to approach each interaction as an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and represent themselves and the agricultural industry with confidence, emphasizing that success comes from showing up prepared, engaged, and open to growth.
The Kansas Soybean Etiquette Dinner highlighted KSC’s commitment to developing future leaders who are prepared to represent the soybean industry with professionalism and confidence. By combining networking, etiquette training, and meaningful conversations with industry leaders, the event gave students practical skills they can carry into internships, careers, and leadership roles.
