Barry Flinchbaugh, known for expertise in agricultural economics and famous for straight talking, will be the luncheon speaker for the Kansas Commodity Classic in Manhattan on Jan. 16.
A Kansas State University Professor Emeritus, Flinchbaugh is known for his role in helping craft the 1996 "Freedom to Farm" bill, which was authored by Sen. Pat Roberts, who was chairman of the House Agricultural Committee at the time. Roberts is now ranking member of the Senate Agricultural Committee.
In his remarks to the Commodity Classic, Flinchbaugh will focus on Congressional activities, particularly the fate of the Farm Bill, after the passage of a one-year extension on Jan. 1.
A Kansas State University Professor Emeritus, Flinchbaugh is known for his role in helping craft the 1996 "Freedom to Farm" bill.
The Kansas Commodity Classic, the annual convention of the Kansas Corn, Wheat and Grain Sorghum Associations, will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 410 S. Third St. in Manhattan.
Greg Akagi with WIBW/Kansas Agriculture Network and 2011 Farm Broadcaster of the Year, will be Emcee for the event.
The morning session will feature an overview of trends in grain markets from Bill Holbrook. Holbrook provides economic research and analysis to the ProExporter Network.
Dave Relihan, Chief Meteorologist, WIBW will discuss the weather outlook for the coming year and a panel made up of K-State and industry leaders will talk about research and technology advances in corn, wheat and grain sorghum.
After lunch, attendees will have a chance to learn about the K-State's Grain Science and Industry Complex on the north campus that includes the Hal Ross Flour Mill, the International Grains Program, Bioprocessing and Industrial Value Added Program, the Wheat Innovation Center and the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center (under construction).
Tours of the complex will be offered in the afternoon for those interested.
Sponsored by the Kansas Agriculture Network, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, the event is free to attend and includes a luncheon. Walk-in attendees are welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged by calling 866-759-4328.