31 Jul Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association celebrates annual meeting, elects Scott Morris as chairman
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association’s 20-plus member board of directors selected Scott Morris of Ag Partners Cooperative, Inc., to serve a two-year term as chairman through August of 2027 during the association’s annual meeting held on July 30, 2025 at Crazy Horse Golf Course in Hutchinson.
“It’s a great honor to step into the role of chairman for the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association,” Morris said. “KARA’s legacy spans generations and its impact continues to grow. Our members play a vital role in feeding the world and fueling the economy. I’m deeply humbled by the trust this board, the leadership and membership have placed in me and I look forward to the opportunity to serve as chairman for the next two years.”
Morris is the 57th industry leader since 1960 to be picked into KARA’s pinnacle role after serving as a devoted volunteer-leader within the association for more than 15 years.
“Scott Morris has been, and continues to be, a valuable asset to advancing our association,” KARA president and CEO Ron Seeber said. “We are excited to embrace Scott’s guidance and thoughtful insight as we continue to evolve our association to enhance our value to our membership.”
KARA members also picked an officer succession consisting of vice chairwoman, Jami Loecker of Syngenta and second vice chairman Jeff Holling of Central Valley Ag.
Other members elected to new, or renewed, terms on the board of directors were: James Coday (MKC), Yance Farney (Koch Fertilizer), Cooper Lancaster (Morrill Elevator), Jami Loecker (Syngenta) and Ron Telecky (WinField United).
Following the annual business meeting, members raised almost $1,500 for the association’s scholarship fund before enjoying networking and golf amid the 90-plus degree temperatures.
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association Annual Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Hutchinson, Kansas
Chairman Kevin Dieckmann called the 2025 annual meeting of the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) to order at 8:30 a.m., (CST).
Dieckmann declared a quorum of the members participating in the meeting as required by the KARA bylaws.
Dieckmann requested a nominating report from past chairman Dustin Kuntz. Kuntz presented the nominating report and slate of candidates. The following were nominated for election to the KARA Board of Directors for 2025.
Re-election
- Ron Telecky (WinField United)
- Yance Farney (Koch Fertilizer)
- Jami Loecker (Syngenta)
New Nominees
- James Coday (MKC)
- Cooper Lancaster (Morrill Elevator)
Dieckmann asked KARA President and CEO Ron Seeber if there were any additional nominations, pursuant to the bylaws. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the candidates as presented. Motion passed.
Dieckmann asked if there was any new or old business to be discussed. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to conclude the business portion of the annual meeting. Motion passed.
Dieckmann gave a report on the association’s activities in 2024, including member services, the association expo and other programs.
Seeber thanked KARA sponsors, reviewed the membership status of the association, gave a financial report and provided an overview of all KARA activities.
The KARA board of directors officer rotation occurred, resulting in Dieckmann moving to immediate past chairman, Scott Morris becoming chairman, Jami Loecker becoming vice chairwoman and Jeff Holling becoming second vice chairman.
The annual meeting was adjourned at 8:52 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronald Seeber
President and CEO
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association