More than 250 soybean enthusiasts gathered Jan. 7 in Topeka for Kansas Soybean Expo 2015. The Kansas Soybean Association (KSA) organized the annual event, with checkoff funding from the Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC), to coincide with the Topeka Farm Show at the Kansas Expocentre.

"We were really excited to have so many farmers join us in Topeka," said KSA Director-at-Large Teresa Brandenburg, Osborne, who chaired the Expo planning committee. "It was a great day to connect and to learn."

KSA President Terry Reschke, Hiawatha, and KSC Chairman Jerry Jeschke, Robinson, welcomed the attendees. The opening session then featured updates from checkoff-partner organizations. The presenters were Mark Fowler, associate director of the IGP Institute at Kansas State University (K-State); Ed Beaman, chief program officer at the U.S. Soybean Export Council; and Jennifer Geck Ott, allied industry relations manager at the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council.

Michele Payn-Knoper, a farm-food advocate and change agent from Lebanon, Indiana, presented the keynote address, "Passion for Agriculture." She encouraged farmers to protect their freedom to operate by leading the dialogue with consumers. Farmers must open with an emotional connection and avoid scientific jargon in those conversations, she stated.

"People might forget what you say," she explained, "but they'll remember how you made them feel."

Part of her presentation involved teaching three kickboxing moves to some volunteers from the audience. A jab represented a quick contact; a hook, a more in-depth interaction; and a front kick, doing something unusual.

New this year, participants could attend two of three K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) breakout sessions. Dallas Peterson, Ph.D., weed-science specialist, offered "Future Weed-Control Technologies in Soybeans." Ignacio Ciampitti, Ph.D., crop specialist, led "High-Yielding Soybean Production." Doug Jardine, Ph.D., plant pathologist, presented "Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) 101: Identification & Management."

Lory Williams, farm director for KBUF-AM 1030 in Garden City, was the master of ceremonies at the luncheon. The featured speaker was Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey, Ph.D., who presented a long-term vision for the future of Kansas' water supply.

To open the awards and recognitions, Reschke congratulated and thanked Marvin Wahl, Oswego; Jeff Mauler, Great Bend; and Jim Zwonitzer, Horton, for being KSA's top recruiters.

Kregg Rennie, Columbus, who represented Kansas in the 2014 DuPont Young Leaders program, introduced Andy and LaVell Winsor, Grantville, as the 2015 young leaders.

KSRE Southeast Area Agronomist Doug Shoup, Ph.D., who chairs the Kansas Soybean Yield and Value Contests committee, then announced the district and overall winners. Bob Wietharn, Clay Center, topped the irrigated division with a no-till entry that made 99.81 bushels per acre. Meredith Jeschke, Highland, led the dryland division with a no-till entry of 84.30 bushels per acre. Harold Koster, Hoxie, won the value contest with $1.56 per bushel of increased value (15.3 percent over the cash price). Complete results and award photos are available via http://KansasSoybeans.org/contests on the Web.

Next, Reschke presided over the KSA Annual Meeting, which included the approval of 2015 policy resolutions and director elections. The voting members present elected Rennie (Columbus) as the District 4 director; Gary Robbins, Emmett, as the District 5 director; and Brandenburg (Osborne) as a director-at-large.

The afternoon session featured a "Biodiesel in Pipelines" update from Scott Fenwick, technical director at the National Biodiesel Board. Roger McEowen, J.D., director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University, then presented "Estate Planning for Farm Families." He described the changing landscape in estate planning and listed some of the many nontax reasons to see an estate planner, including asset protection, long-term health care planning and business succession.

Following the Expo's closing reception, the KSA directors met to elect officers for 2015. The new team includes Raylon Phelon, Melvern, president; Lucas Heinen, Everest, first vice president; Dwight Meyer, Hiawatha, second vice president; Brandenburg (Osborne), secretary; Robbins (Emmett), treasurer; and Reschke (Hiawatha), chairman.

Expo photos and presentations are available via http://KansasSoybeans.org/expo on the Web.