KARL PROGRAM

05/27/2026

The 18th Annual Leader Links KARL Benefit Golf Tournament will take place August 7, 2026 at Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan, KS.

Sponsorship and Registration Information Coming Soon!

All proceeds from the LEADER LINKS GOLF TOURNAMENT will support Class XVIII's (2026-2028) continued leadership journey.

05/26/2026

Browse The Big Event Silent Auction Preview!

The KARL Silent Auction, held in conjunction with The Big Event on June 6 in Manhattan, is almost here and the auction site is now live for preview!

Take a look at the great items and packages available in support of KARL’s incoming Class XVIII - Bidding officially opens Monday, June 1, at noon.

Can’t attend The Big Event? You do not have to attend The Big Event to participate. Friends, family, alumni, and supporters from near and far are welcome to bid and support KARL!

Preview the auction packages today at https://event.auctria.com/e6e520c7-0a4f-434f-a9b9-83fb2e75f3b4/

05/20/2026

📣 Registration closes in two days! 📣

We’re officially 17 days away from The Big Event! A fitting countdown as we prepare to celebrate the graduation of KARL Class XVII and welcome Class XVIII.

Join us Saturday, June 6, at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan for an evening of celebration and fun. We are close to a sellout event, so don’t wait to reserve your seat.

Tickets must be purchased by May 22.

🔗 Register today: https://kansasagricultureandruralleadershipkarl-bloom.kindful.com/e/the-big-event-2026-graduation-class-xvii-announcement-class-xviii

05/14/2026

⭐ KARL’s biggest night is almost here! ⭐

Join us Saturday, June 6, at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan as we gather for The Big Event!

This year’s event will recognize the graduation of KARL Class XVII, introduce KARL Class XVIII, and feature keynote speaker Mary Snapp, former Microsoft executive and Kansas native, who will explore how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities.

We anticipate a sellout, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets!

Ticket registration will close on May 22.

Register today! 🔗
https://kansasagricultureandruralleadershipkarl-bloom.kindful.com/e/the-big-event-2026-graduation-class-xvii-announcement-class-xviii

05/09/2026

We’re so proud to see the growth of our Class XVII associates as they reflect on their KARL experience. 💛

Dodge City attorney Paige Harding shares her experience traveling to Brazil through the KARL program—and how stepping outside of her everyday environment is shaping the way she thinks, builds relationships, and serves clients at Kennedy Berkley.

05/04/2026

That’s a wrap on KARL Class XVIII interviews!

Our team logged 600+ miles last week, connecting with inspiring leaders from across Kansas. We’re grateful to the 21 KARL Friends & Fellows who served on interview panels, the five hosts who welcomed us into their spaces, and, most importantly, the outstanding individuals who applied for Class XVIII.

Join us on Saturday, June 6, as we announce the new Class XVIII associates and celebrate the graduation of Class XVII as Fellows of the KARL Program.

Tickets: https://karlprogram.com/the-big-event/

04/27/2026

Big news for The Big Event!

We are proud to announce Mary Snapp as the 2026 Keynote Speaker.

Mary, a Kansas native, brings more than 35 years of experience at Microsoft, where she worked alongside engineers, executives, global leaders, and policymakers. She was Microsoft’s fourth attorney and first female lawyer, later serving as Deputy General Counsel and the first leader of Microsoft Global Philanthropies.

At The Big Event, Mary will explore a critical question facing agriculture and rural communities.
How do rural America and agriculture meet the moment in the age of artificial intelligence?

Join us Saturday, June 6, at the K-State Alumni Center in Manhattan as we celebrate KARL Class XVII, welcome Class XVIII and gather leaders from across Kansas for a wonderful evening.

Tickets are available through May 22.

https://kansasagricultureandruralleadershipkarl-bloom.kindful.com/e/the-big-event-2026-graduation-class-xvii-announcement-class-xviii

04/24/2026

Check out the latest "Legendary KARL Leadership" column from Kansas Farmer Magazine, written by Class XVII Associate Clint Glaser ⬇️
https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-life/energy-production-involves-more-than-flipping-a-switch?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYnoFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnaVBFYVJhaHZzWlV1bUFYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnqvpy44I8HXUJoO0pNLbvnOMM2jFj-J-tltGiPnyNUVpeRsR9xdRsFiRO8c_aem_y2eK4TanjyjajATiNesWLQ

From infrastructure to diversification, the topic of energy in Kansas is interconnected and complex.

Kansas Department of Agriculture KARL PROGRAM
Link in comments!

04/22/2026

Today, we are proud to celebrate Janice Lierz on Administrative Professionals Day.

Janice brings kindness, professionalism, and excellence to everything she does. Her work behind the scenes helps leadership happen.

Thank you, Janice!

04/17/2026

Deciding who will take over the farm is how we can ensure agricultural and rural businesses continue long after we’re gone. 🌱 Check out the latest KARL Column in Kansas Farmer Magazine from Paige Harding, Class XVII Associate from Dodge City:

Legendary KARL Leadership: Deciding who will take over the farm is how we can ensure agricultural and rural businesses continue long after we’re gone.