By FHSU University Communications
HAYS, Kan. – Water was the focus of the third annual Western Kansas Ag Summit, hosted by Fort Hays State University. The event was established by Kansas District 110 Representative Ken Rahjes, chair of the House of Representatives Ag Committee, and Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, to bring awareness to the critical issues facing Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, financial institutions, and ag businesses.
The summit was held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the FHSU Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.
The 2024 Ag Summit opened with Dean Dixon welcoming approximately 60 guests from various agricultural-related businesses, representatives from the state legislature, and members of the FHSU and Affiliation schools.
“Water availability and quality are vital to the success of western Kansas businesses and communities, and we want all stakeholders to understand what it takes to ensure that resource is reliable,” Dixon said.
Issues and perspectives discussed by this year’s guest speakers throughout the day focused on the growing concerns over water scarcity and management in much of Kansas. Speakers included:
Brownie Wilson, Geohydrology Support Services, Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence
Katie Durham, Manager, Groundwater Management District #1, Scott City
Shannon Kenyon, Manager, Groundwater Management District #4, Colby
Jack Polifka, Precision Ag Technology Instructor, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Goodland
Toby Dougherty, City Manager, City of Hays, Hays
Dr. Jon Sumrall, Associate Professor of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays
Matt Allen, City Manager, and Fred Jones, Water Systems Resource Manager, Garden City
Clay Scott, Board Member, Groundwater Management District #3, Ulysses
The summit closed with a panel discussion that included ten state legislators. In addition to Rep. Rahjes, legislators in attendance included Rep. Sandy Pickert, Rep. Jim Minnix, Rep. Bill Clifford, Rep. Lon Pishny, Rep. Bob Lewis, Rep. Clarke Sanders, Rep. Kenneth Collins, Rep. Gary White, and State Senator Ronald Ryckman.
“This event is designed to promote informative discussions between ag-industry leaders and our state policymakers,” Dixon said. “I have been impressed each year with the dialogue, and I am confident that both groups leave with a better understanding of others’ perspectives.”