For more information, contact:
Maddy Meier
Senior Director of Communications
Kansas Grain Sorghum
maddy[at]ksgrainsorghum.org
New Board Officers Take Helm of Kansas Sorghum for 2026-2027
MANHATTAN, Kan. (May 8, 2026) – The Kansas Sorghum Producers (KSP) board of directors and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission (KGSC) board of directors have officially seated their executive officer teams for the 2026-2027 term following this spring’s Kansas Sorghum joint board meeting on April 30. Farmer leaders for both organizations ensure a unified strategic direction for the Kansas sorghum industry’s advancement on behalf of their respective boards.
KSP, which gives Kansas sorghum growers an association voice in legislative, regulatory and industry affairs through efforts funded through membership dues, elected the following leadership for the upcoming year:
- President: Andy Hineman, Dighton
- Vice President: Kelsey Baker, Scott City
- Treasurer: Brian Younker, Spearville
Hineman takes the helm as association’s President after previously serving two years as Vice President. He succeeds Shane Ohlde, Palmer, who served as President from 2024-2026.
“We greatly value the work Shane has put in over the last two years to position our association for the road ahead,” Hineman said. “It is a privilege to take on this new title, and I look forward to continuing to serve alongside Kelsey and Brian as experienced leaders as we continue to tackle issues that impact our bottom line as Kansas sorghum growers.”
KGSC, which is committed to sorghum promotion, research, and information designed to strengthen, expand and develop new foreign and domestic markets for sorghum thanks to the checkoff-funded investments by Kansas farmers, elected the following officers:
- Chairman: Brant Peterson, Johnson City
- Vice Chairman: Blake Connelly, Offerle
- Secretary/Treasurer: Kevin Harris, Abilene
Peterson, District III, will continue to head up the Commission’s efforts for the 2026-2027 term. He is joined by returning officer Kevin Harris, District V, who regained the office of Secretary/Treasurer. The Commission also welcomed Blake Connelly, who serves as an At-Large First Handler, to the officer slate as Vice Chairman.
“Through steady investment and persistence, the Commission has built significant momentum for advanced sorghum research infrastructure and international trade breakthroughs. I am energized and committed to keep our work moving forward for another year,” Peterson said. I also want to personally thank former Chairman and Vice Chairman Kevin Kniebel for his many years of service on the executive committee as his leadership for sound investments contributed to sorghum’s increasing role in meeting the market and agronomic needs of our farms.”
The announcement follows the confirmation of elected commissioners in the state’s central tier, including Matthew Benoit (District IV), Kevin Harris (District V), and Nathan Kohls (District VI).
“In an era where markets and policy are intensely intertwined, the success of the Kansas sorghum industry is truly built on the foundation of strong farmer-led leadership, engagement, and service on behalf of fellow growers. Every year our revolving officers represent the best of that tradition of service to one another,” said Kansas Sorghum CEO and Administrator Adam York. “By aligning the strategic research and development goals of the Commission with the wrap-around advocacy efforts of the Association, we are ensuring a unified front for Kansas farms that promotes the interests of our growers while driving the economic viability of sorghum and High Plains agriculture forward.”
For more information on board leadership, current research projects, or upcoming events, visit www.ksgrainsorghum.org.
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Kansas Sorghum Producers gives growers a voice in legislative, regulatory and industry affairs through efforts funded through membership dues.
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission is committed to sorghum promotion, research, and information designed to strengthen, expand and develop new foreign and domestic markets for sorghum.
