The Kansas Grain and Feed Association (KGFA), Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA), and the Kansas Cooperative Council (KCC) have officially opened registration for their highly anticipated annual Legislative Action Day, scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, 2024. This year's event promises to be crucial, given the upcoming election year where the entire House of Representatives and Senate will be vying for their seats.
The event, a longstanding tradition for the agricultural community in Kansas, provides a platform for industry leaders to engage with lawmakers and discuss key issues facing the state's agribusiness sector. KGFA and KARA President and CEO, Ron Seeber, stressed the significance of active participation, saying, "Historically, our industry has had a strong presence with lawmakers, and we hope that continues. We strongly encourage you to not only join us for our Legislative Action Day but also reach out and make personal connections with your legislators on behalf of agribusiness."
Highlighting the importance of the event, the organizers have secured appearances from influential figures in Kansas agriculture. Kansas Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Virgil Peck (R-Havana) and Kansas House Agriculture Committee Chairman Ken Rahjes (R-Agra) will address legislative initiatives on the horizon for 2024.
Keynote speakers:
Senator Virgil Peck:
The address by Senator Virgil Peck, scheduled for 12:00 p.m., promises insights from a seasoned legislator with a rich history in public service. Peck, a former member of the CQ Co. Community School Board, was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2004, breaking a 40-year streak of Democratic representation. During his tenure, he held various leadership roles and played a pivotal role in passing legislation, including laws increasing penalties for battery against law enforcement officers.
Representative Ken Rahjes:
Scheduled for 12:30 p.m., Representative Ken Rahjes brings a unique perspective as someone raised on a family farm and ranch. A graduate of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program, Rahjes serves as President of Authentic Ag Inc., an agriculture communication company. He is the current Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and also serves on the House Appropriations Committee.
Event schedule:
11:00 a.m.: Registration at Topeka Country Club
11:30 a.m.: Introductory Remarks by Ron Seeber & Brandi Miller
12:00 p.m.: 2024 Legislative Preview - Kansas Senate by Senator Virgil Peck
12:30 p.m.: 2024 Legislative Preview - Kansas House of Representatives by Representative Ken Rahjes
1:00 p.m.: Issues Update by Randy Stookey and Shahira Stafford
2:00 p.m.: Personal Legislator Visits at Kansas Statehouse
3:30 p.m.: Committee Hearings at Kansas Statehouse
5:00 p.m.: Reception with Legislators at Topeka Country Club
Registrations can be made through the provided button to the right. The organizers encourage all stakeholders in the Kansas agricultural community to actively participate and contribute to the success of this Legislative Action Day.