Becknology Days Live: Let's Have A Cornversation

From policy to profitability, Kansas farmers face unique challenges that shape the future of their operations and communities. In this CORNversation, leaders from across the state’s commodity groups sit down with Beck’s Kala Jenkins to discuss the pressing issues impacting Kansas agriculture today—and the opportunities that lie ahead.Panelists:Josh Roe | CEO, Kansas Corn Grower's AssociationShawn Geffert | Farm LeaderKaleb Little | CEO, Kansas Soybean AssociationChris Tanner | President, Kansas Wheat Association

What really happens to corn during flowering, and why does the Anthesis-Silking Interval (ASI) matter so much for yield? In this CORNversation, Jim Schwartz, Adam Noellsch, and Scott Dickey from Beck’s break down how stress impacts silking, how to identify risks in the field, and what farmers can do to help protect yield potential during this critical stage.

Often dubbed a "gimmick" by competitors, this panel discusses the program's origins, benefits, and impact on farm operations. Sharing insight into how the program evolved from offering ATVs to providing significant farm equipment like tractors and trailers through multi-year agreements. The discussion highlights the program's financial advantages, including buying power, interest-free options, and substantial returns on seed investments.Panelists: Hannah Rayl | Media and Industry Relations Coordinator, Beck'sBrandon Smith | Commitment Reward Central Region Lead, Beck'sJerry & Anita Deweese | Beck's CustomersStuart Koehn | Beck's Dealer

Discover how understanding your own communication style—and recognizing others’—can make conversations more effective on and off the farm. In this session, Beck’s Education Team will walk through the DiSC model, helping you build stronger connections, reduce conflict, and work better together.Panelists:Ashley Schultz | Education Manager, Beck'sAndrea Brown | Education Specialist, Beck's

This discussion will highlight the company’s commitment to staying family-owned, its plans for growth, and how it will continue to serve independent farmers for generations to come. Panelists:Bethany Gremel | Director of Culture & Brand ExperienceScott Beck | PresidentCorey Beck | Business & Supplier StrategistChris Beck | Facilities Project LeadJason Beck | Seed Representative

Often dubbed a "gimmick" by competitors, this panel discusses the program's origins, benefits, and impact on farm operations. Sharing insight into how the program evolved from offering ATVs to providing significant farm equipment like tractors and trailers through multi-year agreements. The discussion highlights the program's financial advantages, including buying power, interest-free options, and substantial returns on seed investments.Panelists:Hannah Rayl | Media and Industry Relations Coordinator, Beck'sTodd Roberts | Commitment Program Sales Manager, Beck'sTom Hooper | Director of Business, Beck'sTom & Suzie Zenz | 

A discussion on the most effective precision ag technologies and how they integrate into daily farm management.Panelists: Craig Rogers | Precision Farming Lead, Beck’sSheila Downey | Regional Precision Technology Specialist, Beck’sSarah Chaffins | M&R AgShelby Sanders | M&R AgDavid Wilson | FieldTech Supply

This session is all about sharing perspective as a Beck’s dealer - what’s working, what’s been challenging, and the lessons learned along the way. From building relationships in the community to navigating today’s ag climate and connecting with customers.Panelists:Tim Newcomb | Dealer Business Manager, Beck’sDavid Friedrich | Dealer Development Lead, Beck’sDavid Wilson | Fieldtech Farm SupplyDug Radcliff | Radcliff Seed Solutions

In this dynamic session, a panel of influential leaders shaping Indiana’s ag landscape will share their insights on the challenges, innovations, and opportunities that will define the future of farming. These leaders are united by a common goal: to support and serve the evolving needs of farmers. Attendees will gain forward-looking perspectives, hear about key initiatives already underway, and leave with a clearer picture of how Indiana agriculture is adapting to ensure success for the next generation of growers.Panelists:Brad Fruth | Director of Innovation, Beck’sDon Lamb | Director, Indiana State Department of AgricultureCourtney Kingery | CEO, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, and Indiana Corn Growers AssociationMegan Ritter | Chief Administrative Officer, Indiana Farm Bureau

An honest, supportive discussion focused on the mental health challenges farmers face. Hear real stories, learn practical strategies, and discover resources to help you or someone you care about navigate the pressures of farm life.Trigger Warning: This discussion may contain mentions of suicide, violence, homelessness, and addiction, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or homelessness, please seek professional help. Listener discretion is advised.Panelists:Stu Manchester | Beck’s Dealer  Angela Sorg | Health and Human Science Educator, Purdue ExtensionDavid Ringger | Training Innovation Manager, Beck’sKara Biro | State Director of Behavioral Health Crisis Care, FSSA & Indiana 988

From biofuels to plant-based products, corn and soybeans are at the forefront of agriculture innovation. This conversation will showcase how these commodities are being used to develop healthier, more environmentally friendly products, while also reinforcing domestic consumption and reducing reliance on foreign goods. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, policy support, and opportunities for value-added agriculture.Panelists:John Bode | President & CEO, Corn Refiners AssociationHelena Jette | Director, Market Development – Biofuels, Indiana Soybean Alliance & Indiana Corn Marketing CouncilJim Douglas | Farmer Leader, United Soybean BoardKala Jenkins | Government Affairs Advocate, Beck’s

Seed treatments are under increasing scrutiny, but they remain a vital tool for growers. In this session, hear how Beck’s and others in the ag industry are standing up for farmers by defending the use of seed treatments through research, advocacy, and education. We’ll break down the science, clarify the misconceptions, and share what you can do to help protect access to this important technology.Panelists:Jordan Gregory | Director, State Government Affairs, ASTAJacquie Holland | Economist, American Soybean AssociationJonell Myers | Seed Enhancements Lead, Beck’sJim Herr | Processing/Inventory/Wholesale Manager, Beck’sKala Jenkins | Government Affairs Advocate, Beck’s

This farmer-focused discussion will pull back the curtain at the latest advancements in autonomous machinery and explore how robotics are shaping the future of farmingPanelists:Brad Fruth | Director of Innovation, Beck’sWill Hirschfeld | Project Manager, Beck’sAndrew & Jocie Bate | SwarmFarmVerdant Robotics

Mycotoxins—fungal contaminants that can grow on corn—pose serious risks to both human and animal health. This panel will focus on current research, mitigation strategies, and innovations underway to detect and manage mycotoxin threats. Beck’s has played a leadership role in this area, and the discussion will highlight collaborative industry efforts to address this persistent and complex issue.Panelists: Kala Jenkins, Government Affairs Advocate, Beck’sMark Apelt, Regional Product Specialist, Beck’sAdrienne Woodward, Senior Manager – Discovery & Novel Products, United Animal HealthEric DeBlieck, Director of Crop Sciences, Grain Millers Inc.Martha Vaughan, Molecular Biologist, USDA

Whether it’s at the coffee shop, around the kitchen table, or on social media, the stories we tell shape how others see agriculture. In this session, hear how Beck’s, other organizations in the industry, and fellow farmers are sharing their experiences to connect with customers, support their communities, and preserve their legacy—and how your story can do the same. Panelists:Ashley Fischer | Marketing Communications Manager, Beck’sKatie Sauer | Owner & Principal Advisor, EpiphiumNatalina Sents Bausch | Digital Director, Dotdash Meredith

From the farm to the boardroom, women are shaping the future of agriculture. This panel features voices from across the industry who are breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and paving the way for the next generation through business, advocacy, and hands-on work in the field.Panelists:Bethany Gremel | Director of Culture and Brand Experience, Beck’sRima Thapa | Corn Breeder, Beck’sAdrienne Held | Executive Editor, Agronomy, Successful FarmingZoe Kent | Farmer, Content CreatorDenise Scarborough | Farmer, Board of Director for Indiana Soybean Alliance, Ag/Commercial Loan Officer at The First National Bank of Monterey

Ag creators are using platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, podcasts, and radio to do more than entertain—they’re advocating for agriculture, educating others, and building real community. In this session, hear how they’re turning everyday moments into meaningful conversations that connect and inspire.Panelists:Rob & Emily Sharkey | @sharkeyfarmsZoe Kent | @farmwithzoeJena Ochsner | @jenaochsnerMary Pat Sass | @marypat.sass

Talking about succession isn’t always easy—but it’s essential. In this session, we’ll share practical advice and real experiences to help families start the conversation, navigate tough topics, and plan for a smooth transition to the next generation.Panelists:Rob & Emily Sharkey | SharkFarmer MediaRichard Roach | RAKR FarmsRick Roach | RAKR FarmsKyle Dyer | RAKR Farms

This session offers a farmer-focused discussion on a rapidly emerging soybean disease, exploring its potential impact on yields and the most effective strategies for managing it in the field. Farmers will leave with practical tools, early identification tips, and a clearer understanding of how to stay ahead of this growing threat.Panelists: Matt Montgomery | Agronomy Education Lead, Beck'sHolly Spangler | Executive Editor, Farm ProgressStephanie Porter | Outreach Agronomist, Illinois Soybean AssociationBoris Camiletti | Assistant Professor, University of Illinois

Join the Beck family as they discuss the history of Beck's as a company, their family dynamics, coming back to work for the company, what separates Beck's from competitors, and more.