By Scout Nelson
As data centers continue expanding across the country, rural communities are facing new opportunities and challenges. To help producers better understand these developments, Beef Industry University will host a discussion on how data center projects could affect livestock operations and local communities.
The session, sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, will take place during the Kansas Livestock Association Convention & Expo in Manhattan, Kansas, November,18-20, 2026,Experts will discuss key considerations for producers when data center developments are proposed in their regions.
Robin Roberts, a rural Kansas native and experienced business leader, will be one of the featured speakers. His background in infrastructure, power systems and the data center industry provides valuable insight into the growing demand for these facilities.
Joining him will be Autumn Lankford Higgins, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Her work focuses on technology policy, rural development, broadband expansion and agricultural regulations.
Roberts and Higgins will examine the factors driving data center growth and what those projects could mean for rural areas. Their presentation will address topics such as energy and utility demands, zoning requirements, infrastructure needs and potential noise concerns.
As technology companies seek locations with available land and reliable power, many rural communities are becoming attractive destinations for large-scale data centers. While these projects can bring investment and economic benefits, they can also create challenges that require careful planning.
The discussion is designed to help cattle producers and rural residents better evaluate data center proposals and understand their potential impact on agriculture. Through expert guidance and industry perspectives, Beef Industry University aims to provide timely information on an issue that is becoming increasingly important across rural America.
For more information visit here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir
Categories: Kansas, Livestock