Farmers, Industry Celebrate Success in Salina

The Kansas Soybean Association and Kansas Soybean Commission hosted the second annual Kansas Soybean Celebration on January 30 in Salina. This event brought together farmers, industry partners and ag leaders for a night recognizing the people who keep Kansas soybean farming thriving.

“This has become my favorite event of the year as I’m able to connect with farmers I only see at commodity events, have one-on-one conversations with industry partners and hear from farmers what they would like us to advocate for,” Jared Nash, Parsons farmer, says.

Coming right after Kansas Commodity Classic, Celebration kicked off with a social hour where attendees could check out booths from corporate partners and researchers.

The program opened with updates from KSA President Brett Neibling on 2026 policy priorities at the state and national level and KSC Chairman Keith Miller on how the checkoff is returning value to farmers through research, education and market development investments.

Much of the evening centered around recognizing members who have dedicated years to serving the soybean industry. Lance Rezac and Kurt Maurath were thanked for their time on the United Soybean Board, and Dennis Gruenbacher was recognized for his 14 years of service as a commissioner. Levi and Teresa Manche and Katey and Deven Foster were recognized for their participation in the American Soybean Association’s Corteva Young Leader Program. The Conservation Legacy Award was presented to Lewis and Carrie Unruh for their work in sustainable farming and winning the Midwest Region Conservation Legacy Award from ASA.

The awards portion continued as major contributors to the industry were highlighted. Scoular and Bartlett; a Savage Company were given Friend of Soy awards for supporting Kansas soybean farmers by increasing market opportunities with expanded crush capacity. Dr. Ernie Minton was awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his role in the K-State Ag Innovation Initiative and Dr. Bill Schapaugh received the Pinnacle Award for his dedication to research and development that helped Kansas Soybean farms succeed.

Sarah Ganske, assistant professor at K-State, then took the stage to recognize the Yield and Value Contest winners. This year there were historic results: the record-breaking yield entry came from McClain Family Farms in Phillips County recording 144.5 bushels-per-acre, and the largest number of 100-bushel-club entries to date were recognized and celebrated.

The main event of the night was a keynote address from Tyne Morgan, host of the U.S. Farm Report. Morgan brought a national perspective to the event, covering agricultural markets and policy and addressing challenges farmers face today. She emphasized the importance of adapting to change and staying informed in this ever-changing industry. After the event, attendees were able to talk with Morgan and ask questions.

“We’re grateful to everyone who was able to join us,” Nash says. “Even in hard times, you still need to celebrate the wins. Kansas soybean farmers overcome many obstacles and that deserves to be recognized.”