HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce will recognize local farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses during its annual agribusiness breakfast Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
Chamber President and CEO Debra Teufel said agriculture accounts for approximately 20% of the local economy.
The event will begin with doors opening at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast at 7:45 a.m.
Breakfast will be provided at no cost to local farmers, ranchers and agribusiness representatives, thanks to support from event sponsors, including ProValue.
A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development division in Kansas will serve as the featured speaker, discussing federal programs and resources available to the agricultural industry.
Three FFA chapters from Reno County will also participate in the event, greeting attendees and representing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
"We love to see those young kids that are cutting their teeth in agriculture, whether they have grown up on the farm, or they just wanted to get into agriculture through their FFA chapter," Teufel said.
Teufel also highlighted the importance of agricultural workforce development, including the recent $6 million expansion at PrairieLand Partners in Hutchinson.
The expansion includes a training facility developed in partnership with Hutchinson Community College to prepare future diesel technicians and agricultural equipment specialists.
Students can complete portions of their education through HutchCC before receiving specialized training at PrairieLand Partners.
Teufel said partnerships between educational institutions and employers help ensure the region has workers prepared for careers in agriculture.
Farmers, ranchers and agribusiness representatives are encouraged to register in advance at hutchchamber.com or by calling 620-662-3391.