Overview | Current Class |Alumni
Purpose of TAL
The Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders Program is an intensive leadership development program designed to teach members of Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association and Kansas Grain and Feed Association about the state and federal legislative and regulatory process and how to be a better leader within the industry.
The Goals of TAL
The TAL program is designed to improve the leadership skills of Kansas agribusiness men and women and accomplishes that goal through five primary objectives:
- To increase member understanding of the programs, services and representation provided by KARA
- To increase member understanding of the state and federal legislative process
- To increase member understanding of the state and federal agencies that oversee the agribusiness industry in Kansas
- To improve member leadership and communication skills through professional development sessions
- To prepare members for possible public service through involvement in political campaigns and holding of public office
Key Benefits of the Program
Lawmakers listen to advocacy organizations like KARA, but they really enjoy hearing from constituents who hold the power to keep them in office. Our TAL program provides Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association members the opportunity to learn exactly how to contact their legislator, the steps necessary to pass a law through federal and state government and how to have a meaningful conversation with elected officials on bills impacting our industry.
Before the TAL program, I had a preconceived idea that my voice didn't have very much weight with my representative. I realize the importance of being actively engaged - our voices are heard and are listened to.
John Ricker Jr. | ProValue Insurance
Class of 2019
Jason Sutterby | Syngenta
Class of 2018
TAL was a tremendous eye-opener for me! It provided an intimate, up-close and personal experience into the interaction of our industry with the political arena at both the state and national levels.
2026 Program Schedule
January 2026
Session I
An introduction to the legislative and regulatory arena in Kansas with legislative leaders and Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Topeka, KS
July 2026
Session II
Personal visits with Kansas Congressional Delegation on Capitol Hill; visit National Agribusiness Associations/Organizations headquarters; visit historical sites.
Washington, D.C.
August 2026
Session III
Developing an informed and confident agribusiness leader; business leadership development and political activities.
Wichita, KS
November 2026
Graduation
Recognition ceremony during the keynote breakfast at the Kansas Agri Business Expo – the largest indoor agribusiness tradeshow in the midwest.
Wichita, KS
MAKING THE PROGRAM POSSIBLE
SPONSORS
Founder
Bunge
Patron
AgMark LLC
Agrilead, Inc.
Beachner Grain Inc.
Cargill Inc.
FMC
Kansas Grain Inspection Services, Inc.
MacroSource, LLC
McPherson Concrete
Syngenta
WinField United
Builder
ADM Grain Co.
CHS
Irsik & Doll Feed Service
Kanza Coop
The Scoular Company
Giver
BASF
Bondurant Crop Service
Cornerstone Ag LLC
D. E. Bondurant Grain Co.
Fairbank Equipment
Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
MKC
Morrill Elevator Inc.
Pride Ag Resources
Producer Ag, LLC
ProValue Insurance
ServiTech Inc.
The Farmers Coop Equity Co.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders program was created in 1998 to provide Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association members an intensive leadership development course centered around the state and federal legislative and regulatory process and how to be a better leader within the industry. Each year, TAL sponsors graciously save class members and companies $1,500 per person in out of pocket expenses.
CHANGING PERSPECTIVES
“The TAL class has brought about a whole new interest in me to be a voice: a voice for Ag, a voice for my peers, a voice for my kids, and a voice for me. It has made me realize that one person may be able to make a difference if they are willing to start a conversation and put themselves out there.”
— Lucas Hamm | Class of 2018
Apply for this Year’s Class
Applications for the 2026 class of Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders closed on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.