Ag Business Council Recognizes Young Leaders in Agribusiness — Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City

June 5, 2023, KANSAS CITY, MO. The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City has selected 8 individuals who it will honor in 2023 as Young Leaders in Agribusiness.

“We are pleased to recognize these young people who have been nominated by their employers and have shown exemplary passion, leadership, and business acumen,” said Dustin Johansen, chair, KC Ag Business Council. Johansen, senior vice president – livestock division, Farm Journal, pointed out these individuals represent the future, the next generation of executives who will lead the agribusiness sector.

Sara Befort, American Royal

Sara Befort is the Director of Events and Rodeo Manager for the American Royal Association, where she has served for 10 years in various positions of increasing responsibility and leadership. Sara leads the American Royal Events Team to successfully execute all events throughout the year. She also oversees the production of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Rodeo as well as the Youth Rodeo. In 2020, she had the distinct opportunity to assist the General Manager of the National Finals Rodeo in Arlington, TX. She competed on the Livestock Judging Team at Colby Community College and graduated from Kansas State University, where she earned her bachelor’s in Agribusiness and minor in Business. Sara and her husband Trey live in Tonganoxie, KS with their daughter Lyla.

Allison Bockenstedt, John Deere
Allison (Young) Bockenstedt works as the Sales Analytics Manager for John Deere’s Ag & Turf Division. Her career with Deere has spanned over twelve years; during her career Allison has spent time in both data, analytics, sales, and marketing with career highlights including developing auto-decisioning algorithms for John Deere Financial and helping to launch the 2680H High-Performance Disk. Allison graduated from Drake University with a BSBA and has an MBA from Kansas State University. Allison also serves at the Kansas Technology Student Association (TSA) Judges and Event coordinator, managing volunteers for over fifty STEM related competitive events for high school and middle school students each year. Allison and her husband, Lance, reside in Olathe, KS.

Alexa Cubbage, Dairy Farmers of America

In her role as an Innovation Project Manager for Dairy Farmers of America, Alexa Cubbage concentrates on identifying cross-functional synergies, facilitating programs designed to empower innovative thinking, and managing DFA’s CoLAB Accelerator program. At DFA, Alexa also participates in the Growing Professionals Employee Resource Group and serves as a DEI Ambassador. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Arkansas. In her spare time, she enjoys connecting with family and friends, serving at her local church, and volunteering as a Citizen Archivist.

Dalton Henry, U.S. Wheat Associates

Dalton Henry is the USW Vice President of Trade Policy. Dalton coordinates the efforts of the USW policy team to maintain and improve market access for US wheat exports. Previously, Dalton worked as the director of governmental affairs for Kansas Wheat and as the legislative director for Congressman Roger Marshall. A native of Randolph, KS, he earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Kansas State University. Dalton now resides on his family’s farm in Randolph KS with his wife, Sarah and young son, Samuel.

Emily Koop, Kansas Corn

Emily Koop

Emily Koop graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s in food science. Upon graduation, Emily began her career at Cargill Animal Nutrition where she gained experience in a variety of areas including logistics and grain merchandising. For the past 5 years, Emily has worked for Kansas Corn, an organization which represents corn growers across the state on policy issues and implements checkoff programming. As the Director of Grower Services and Market Development, her responsibilities include managing the grower services team, developing leadership programs, and expanding ethanol infrastructure and use across the state. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her son and husband on their family farm and ranch and volunteering with their local church youth group.

Jason Lutz, Agri-Pulse Communications

Jason Lutz guides the Agri-Pulse sales and marketing efforts, leading their team to develop new relationships and find creative ways to meet and exceed customer expectations. He oversees both individual and group subscription sales, along with digital program sales, in addition to managing digital advertising and event sales. Jason attended Kishwaukee College in Northern Illinois and has 10 years experience in the hospitality industry. He's an active participant in the local community and was selected as a Camden County Young Leader in 2012. Jason and his wife, Danielle, love spending time on the Lake of The Ozarks and playing golf and competitive softball. They have two daughters, Taylor and Austin, and one son, Jonathan.

Rosie Thoni, AdFarm

Rosie Thoni

Rosie Thoni is the Director of Public Relations and Content for AdFarm, one of North America’s premier agri-marketing agencies, where she leads the team delivering innovative PR strategies for AdFarm’s clients. Rosie earned her degree in agricultural communications and agribusiness from Oklahoma State University and has a decade of experience in communicating to ag audiences. Named one of AgGrad’s Top 30 Under 30 in 2020, Rosie is a dedicated advocate for the advancement of agriculture. Her love for agriculture was cultivated through her upbringing on a cattle ranch and grain farm in Alberta, Canada, and today she calls Wichita, Kansas, home alongside her husband, Griffin, and rescue dog, Belle.

Samantha Turner, Missouri Soybean Association/Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council

Communicating on behalf of and for the Missouri soybean farmer is more than a job description for Samantha Turner, Director of Communications for the Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. Samantha works to shape the growing soybean industry and promote Missouri Soybeans and its vision. She is responsible for developing communications strategies and supporting the industry through content enhancing the soybean narrative. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and later earned her master’s degree in agricultural leadership, communication and education. Prior to her work with Missouri Soybeans, Samantha worked for Clean Fuels Alliance American and Bayer. Outside of the office, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, Sterling and Sutton, as well as her family, friends and church small group.

The Council will recognize these young leaders at a reception in Kansas City on July 6.

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