By Scout Nelson
During the 2026 Kansas Corn Symposium, Kansas Corn Growers Association and the Kansas Corn Commission recognized students graduating from the eighth class of the Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy.
The Collegiate Academy is a leadership and education program open to college students of all majors. The program helps participants gain a deeper understanding of the corn industry while exploring key issues affecting agriculture today. Students also learn how they can shape the future of the industry through various career paths.
Members of the eighth Collegiate Academy class expanded their knowledge in areas such as ethanol production, livestock systems, agronomy, conservation, trade, agricultural policy, education, and consumer engagement. The program is structured around several learning sessions that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experiences.
The first session introduced students to agricultural advocacy through visits to the Kansas Statehouse, where they learned about state-level policy development and legislative processes. The second session focused on exports, rail transportation, and ethanol production, helping students understand how corn moves from farms to domestic and international markets.
During the third session, students traveled to southwest Kansas to learn about irrigation practices, dairy production, and specialty corn markets. The program concluded with a trip to Washington D C, where participants attended the NCGA Corn Congress and explored how national policy affects agriculture, agribusiness, and global grain trade. Students also visited farms operating under strict environmental regulations and learned about diverse production systems.
To complete the program, each student submitted a capstone project summarizing their experiences. Upon graduation, students received a scholarship from Kansas Corn.
“The Kansas Corn Collegiate Academy is about investing in the next generation of leaders and helping them discover the vast opportunities within the corn industry,” says Nicki Fisher, Kansas Corn Programs Manager and coordinator of the program. “Our goal is for students to walk away with a deeper understanding of policy, trade, and advocacy. Giving them the skills and add to their professional networks, things they need to move the industry forward, whether they are returning to the farm or entering an ag industry career.”
Collegiate Academy Class 8 Graduates:
- Amelia Behrends, Wellsville, KS
- Samantha Bonifas, Roseland, NE
- Preston Dunn, St. John, KS
- Cappi Hoeting, Stockton, KS
- Katherine Ludolph, Westphalia, KS
- Ella Pachta, Belleville, KS
- Henry Simms, Stilwell, KS
Photo Credit: kansas-corn
Categories: Kansas, Business, Crops, Corn, Education, Government & Policy