Emerging Leaders in Agriculture Conference
February 10-12, 2026
Old Kinderhook
Camdenton, MO
Emerging Leaders in Agriculture is a valuable program designed to help young professional producers manage and grow their businesses. You have been selected to attend this all-expenses-paid conference based on your involvement in agriculture and your potential as an emerging industry leader.
During the event, you and a guest will hear from first-class speakers and agribusiness experts and participate in discussions about the issues and challenges facing agriculture, cooperatives and rural America. You’ll also have opportunities to share your perspective and build valuable connections with fellow producers and industry leaders.
We hope you’ll accept our invitation and join us!
Please register by December 12, 2026.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, February 10
| 12:00-1:30 PM | Registration & Lunch |
| 1:30-2:00 PM | Opening Remarks & Sponsor Introductions Jon Ihler Bob Huffman |
| 2:00-2:15 PM | Break |
| 2:15-3:30 PM | Managing in a Dynamic Environment In this interactive session, participants will take the role of agricultural business managers and navigate real-world challenges, including market volatility and external risks. Through a fast-paced simulation, you will gain a deeper understanding of how business structure, risk preferences and management flexibility influence success in a changing agricultural environment. Ben Brown |
| 3:30-3:45 PM | Break |
| 3:45-5:00 PM | Making Money with Soil Health, AI and the 45Z Tax Credit Learn how soil-health practices, carbon-intensity scoring, and AI are creating new opportunities for farmers, elevators, and biofuel producers. Mitchell will share the latest policy updates, real examples of how farming practices impact CI scores, and how AI-powered tools can turn farm data into actionable insights and new revenue opportunities. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how Midwestern farmers can work with their supply chains to capture more value from lower-carbon grain. Mitchell Hora |
| 6:00-6:45 PM | Reception & Networking |
| 6:45-7:30 PM | Dinner & Networking |
| 7:30-8:30 PM | Agriculture: What’s Happening Today Tyne Morgan Explore the ongoing challenges farmers face, like volatile markets, unpredictable weather, the growing disconnect between the public and American agriculture, and what it will take to shift perceptions in a positive direction. |
| 8:30-10:00 PM | Pub-Style Trivia Not good at trivia? Not a problem! This is a team effort. There is something for everyone, and individuals will not be put on the spot. Geeks Who Drink |
Thursday, February 11
| 7:30-8:15 AM | Breakfast & Networking |
| 8:15-9:30 AM | BREAKOUT SESSION 1 GROUP 1: The Cooperative Advantage: An Interactive Spraying Game What makes a cooperative work, and how can working together create value for everyone involved? In this interactive simulation, participants will take on the roles of farmers, co-op spray rig operators and co-op managers as you work together to successfully spray the fields. Through four fast-paced rounds, teams will see firsthand how cooperation, strategic decision-making and the use of cooperative profits can benefit both the business and its members. Dr. Brian Briggeman GROUP 2: Intentional Risk Management for Agricultural Business All business decisions introduce risks. This session will guide participants through a strategic risk management process that helps you learn more about your own risk appetites and evaluate risks to prioritize in management development. Ben Brown |
| 9:30-10:00 AM | Break |
| 10:00-11:15 AM | BREAKOUT SESSION 2 GROUP 1: Intentional Risk Management for Agricultural Business Ben Brown GROUP 2: The Cooperative Advantage: An Interactive Spraying Game Dr. Brian Briggeman |
| 11:15 AM-12:15 PM | Lunch & Networking |
| 12:15-1:30 PM | Farm Business Transference Understand farm transitions and key issues in succession planning. Connie Haden |
| 1:30-1:45 PM | Break |
| 1:45-3:00 PM | What You Think is What You Get Discover how to foster ownership, innovation and high performance by aligning your thinking and speaking. Plus, gain insight into your natural thinking patterns and enhance your leadership with the Working Genius assessment. Mitch Majeski |
| 3:00-3:15 PM | Closing Remarks |
MFA Oil and MFA Incorporated will cover your hotel stay, scheduled meals and entertainment for you and a guest, as well as mileage to and from your home.