Join the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City for the 2026 Summer Showcase — an afternoon of timely agricultural insights, expert discussions and industry networking, followed by a summer social hour celebrating the people and partnerships driving agriculture forward.
The event is free for NAFB members.
Held at the iconic American Royal, the Summer Showcase will feature conversations on innovation, markets, health and the future of agriculture with leading regional experts from the ag industry.
The Summer Social will include special recognitions including the introduction of the Council's newest class of Young Leaders and the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award.
Whether you are involved in broadcasting, agribusiness, communications or agricultural leadership, the Summer Showcase offers valuable insights, meaningful connections and a unique opportunity to engage with agriculture’s trusted voices.
Program Highlights
Summer Showcase: 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Panel discussions and newsmakers covering: Innovation in Agriculture; Ag Market Insights; Rural Health and Wellbeing
Summer Social: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Continue the conversations during the Summer Social featuring networking, awards and industry recognition with broadcasters, agribusiness leaders and ag marketers from across the region.
Interested in a sponsorship?
Contact Cindy Cunningham, NAFB Industry Engagement Director, at ccunningham@nafb.com
Afternoon Newsmakers.
Industry Connections.
Summer Networking.
Event Details
Thursday, July 16, 2026
1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
American Royal
1701 American Royal Ct.
Kansas City, Missouri
Schedule
1:00 – 1:10 p.m. | Welcome & Introductions
- DeLoss Jahnke, President of NAFB and Anchor/Editor, RFD Radio Network
- Erica Venancio, President and Executive Director, Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City
1:10 – 2:00 p.m. | Innovate to Elevate: Unblocking Breakthroughs in Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability
- Moderator: Ashley Craft, Owner, Crafted Communications
- Steve Witte, Director, Biologics Development Module, National Bio & Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF)
- Brad Tolbert, Regional Manager of Business Development and B2B, John Deere
- Shannon Kellner, Chair of KC Animal Health Corridor and Vice President of Livestock for Merck Animal Health
2:00 – 2:10 p.m. | American Royal Update
- Jackie McClaskey, President and Chief Innovation Officer, American Royal Association
2:10 – 3:00 p.m. | Markets in Motion: What's Shaping Ag Prices in the Year Ahead
- Moderator: Nathan Stuedle, Farm Director, KFEQ Radio
- Arlan Suderman, CHief Commodities Economist, StoneX Group
- Domenic Varrichio, Co-Founder and President, Pluto Commodities
- Mark Hobrock, Sr. Vice President, The Andersons
- Mike Zuzolo, President and Owner, Global Commodity Analytics
3:00 – 3:20 p.m. | Break & Media Interviews
3:20 – 3:30 p.m. | NAFB Foundation Update
- Meghan Grebner, NAFB Foundation President and Broadcast Supervisor at Brownfield Ag News
3:30 – 4:20 p.m. | The Human Side of Ag: Strengthening Health, Safety and Resilience
- Moderator: Kyle Bauer, President, Taylor Communications
- Garrett Hawkins, President and Farmer, Missouri Farm Bureau
- Ken Woods, President, Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center
- Sarah Gideon, Executive Director, Health Innovations Network of Kansas
4:20 – 4:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. | Summer Social Hour
