MANHATTAN, KS (April 7, 2025)–The Kansas Department of Agriculture has announced the results of elections for the state’s five grain commodity commissions: grain sorghum, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and wheat. These grower elections occurred this year in Districts VII, VIII, and IX in the eastern region of the state.
Commodity commissions are grower-led organizations committed to supporting the economic viability of their industries and fostering continuous improvement in their respective commodities. Commissioners serve three-year terms, which began on April 1. They oversee how checkoff funds are invested in areas of market development, education, promotion, and research.
The election results are as follows:
- District VII (Northeast):Â No candidates ran for commissioner. Seat vacant. The Commission may appoint to this vacancy.
- District VIII (East Central):Â Kevin Kniebel, White City, Morris County
- District IX (Southeast):Â Nicole Small, Neodesha, Wilson County
“We appreciate Kevin Kniebel’s continued leadership and commitment to the Commission. Having served as a previous chairman of the Commission, growers in District VIII East Central and across the state benefit from his insights and direction of sorghum research and improvement,” said Brant Peterson, chairman of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission. “We are also thrilled to welcome Nicole Small to the Commission representing District IX of Southeast Kansas, which is a region of the state poised for exciting growth in sorghum production in intensified crop rotation systems. Her perspective and experience with grower organizations will be valuable as we continue working to advance opportunities for the advancement of the industry.”
For the next election cycle, the 2026 petition process will begin on Sept. 1, 2025, for Districts IV (North Central), V (Central), and VI (South Central), with a Nov. 30 deadline. For more information on Kansas commodity commissions, including voter registration and the candidate petition process, please visit the Kansas Department of Agriculture website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/CommodityCommissions.
