Agri Marketing Events

 

Kansas City, MO — November 6–9, 2025 — A more sustainable future for food and agriculture will depend on leaders who can think in systems, collaborate across sectors and build long-term relationships. That vision was at the center of the 2025 Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference, where 850 student leaders from 108 universities gathered in Kansas City.

Selected from a record-setting applicant pool, these students came ready to grow their leadership capacity and explore careers across the agri-food value chain. With 421 industry leaders also in attendance, the conference clearly signaled the sector’s commitment to investing in early-career talent and future decision-makers in agriculture and food systems.

Across four days, participants engaged in keynote sessions, small-group workshops, career tracks and facilitated networking that connected students with professionals whose values and career goals align. A highlight of the event was the Opportunity Fair, bringing together around 80 employers spanning agribusiness, technology, animal systems, food and nutrition, crop sciences, finance, policy and more. Employers collected resumes, interviewed on-site and, in many cases, made internship and full-time offers during the conference.

Beyond career placement, the AFA Leaders Conference is designed as a platform for long-term leadership development. Sessions emphasized systems thinking, inclusive leadership, communication skills and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to address challenges such as climate resilience, supply chain volatility, food security and evolving consumer expectations.

The agriculture and food system needs leaders who are prepared, adaptive and well-connected. AFA’s programs help the industry:

• Strengthen its early-career talent pipeline across food, agriculture and related industries
• Expand diversity of background and thought within leadership roles
• Build relationships that support long-term workforce stability and innovation

For many students, the conference serves as a launchpad — turning classroom learning into real-world career paths, and short-term networking into long-term professional relationships. For employers, it offers direct access to motivated, leadership-minded talent who are eager to contribute to the future of food and agriculture.

About Agriculture Future of America (AFA)

Agriculture Future of America (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 growing steadily, AFA has delivered tens of thousands of leadership development experiences to college students and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities across the United States since its founding in 1996.

AFA has also awarded substantial academic and leadership development scholarships, helping students access high-quality education and professional opportunities in the agri-food sector. For more information about AFA and its programs, visit agfuture.org.