Kansas City, MO — November 6–9, 2025 — More than 850 student leaders and 400 industry professionals will take root in Kansas City for the 29th annual Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference. The three-day event is designed to fuel the future of food and agriculture through leadership development, career exploration and industry connection.
“This is where ambition meets opportunity,” said Mark Stewart, President and CEO of AFA. “Leaders Conference gives students the skills, confidence and industry access they need to step into meaningful roles and help move agriculture forward.”
From high-impact mainstage speakers to hands-on skill-building sessions, the conference equips students to lead in a fast-changing industry.
What to Expect
- Four customized student tracks, aligned with student’s year in school, focus on key leadership competencies including communication, cultural EQ, collaboration and systems thinking.
- High-energy keynotes and panel discussions on innovation, leadership and the future of the food, agriculture and natural resources industries
- Hands-on learning and breakout workshops offering practical skills in areas like critical thinking, career management and team leadership
- The AFA Opportunity Fair brings in top companies, associations and agencies driving change and allows students to discover internships, career opportunities and make valuable industry connections
The stakes in food and agriculture have never been higher. As the industry faces evolving workforce needs, global competition and rapid innovation, the greatest advantage will be leaders who are prepared to think critically, collaborate across sectors and drive change with purpose. By bringing students and industry decision-makers together under one roof, the AFA Leaders Conference develops a talent pipeline equipped to lead the next era of agriculture.
About Agriculture Future of America (AFA)
AFA builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture through premier leader and career development experiences. With program participation increasing 28% in the last five years, AFA has provided 26,000 leader development experiences to college leaders and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 43 states since its inception in 1996. AFA has awarded more than $11.5 million in academic and leader development scholarships. For more information about AFA, visit agfuture.org.