National Corn Growers Association Appoints Kansas Leaders

Kansas farmers and staff members take on new roles to guide national corn industry policy and priorities.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in People

Bold vector editorial illustration of a corn stalk, representing the agricultural leadership and industry policy focus of the association. — The National Corn Growers Association has appointed several Kansas agricultural leaders to national action teams to guide upcoming industry policy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Effective October 1, 2026, the National Corn Growers Association appointed several individuals from Kansas to its national action teams and committees. These leaders will help shape the future of the corn industry through program and policy guidance.

Why it matters

These appointments ensure that Kansas agricultural perspectives are integrated into national strategies, allowing growers and staff to influence industry-wide sustainability and risk management efforts.

Five individuals from Kansas were selected to serve on four of the organization's six national action teams. This group includes three active corn growers and two Kansas Corn staff members.

The players

National Corn Growers Association

This is a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of corn farmers in the United States by advocating for policies that promote the corn industry.

Tanner McNinch

He is a corn grower based in Ness City who serves as the Vice Chair of the Production and Sustainability Action Team.

Brent Rogers

He is a farmer from Hoxie who holds the position of Vice Chair for the Risk Management Action Team.

Brett Grauerholz

He is a corn grower from Republic who contributes to the Biofuels Action Team and the Board Nominating Committee.

The details

The appointed members from Kansas include Tanner McNinch of Ness City, Brent Rogers of Hoxie, and Brett Grauerholz of Republic, alongside staff members Taylor Williamson and Connie Fischer. These action teams, comprised of farmers and industry professionals, provide critical input on policies affecting production, biofuels, and trade.

Terms for the new action team and committee appointments officially began on October 1, 2026.
The National Corn Growers Association released the list of member appointments on October 24, 2026.

Market Landscape

The appointment of regional leaders to the National Corn Growers Association action teams follows a pattern established by the organization's reliance on state-level grower input for policy setting. This strategic move strengthens the association's ability to coordinate national policy with grassroots agricultural realities.

For local corn growers and agricultural businesses, these appointments ensure that Kansas-specific production and sustainability concerns receive direct representation at the national level. These roles may influence future federal programs that impact regional farm risk management and market access.

The takeaway

These appointments highlight the importance of grassroots involvement in shaping high-level agricultural policy. Farmers interested in industry leadership should monitor the annual application process for these national action teams.