2026 KCGA Candidate Survey

Congratulations on filing for public office. We appreciate your dedication to public service and your desire to represent your constituents.

The Kansas Corn Growers Association invites you to participate in KCGA 2026 Candidate Survey. These questions will allow our members, and your future constituents, to better understand your stance on important policy issues. The responses to this brief survey will be compiled and distributed to all members of the Kansas Corn Growers Association prior to the Kansas primary election. Please complete this survey by June 26, 2026.

We look forward to working with you moving forward. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Taylor Williamson, Kansas Corn Director of Policy and Economics.

2026 KCGA Candidate Survey

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Kansas Legislature

U.S. Congress

Kansas Governor

Candidate Survey Questions

Candidates for Kansas Legislature: please list your district(Required)

BIOFUELS—Corn is the largest crop in Kansas, and approximately 1/3 of the corn grown in Kansas goes to ethanol production. Kansas Corn works to build market opportunities for ethanol and its coproduct, distillers grains a high nutrient livestock feed. The state’s 11 ethanol plants produce nearly 600 million gallons of renewable, clean burning ethanol fuel, creating a market for 217 million bushels of corn and other grains. Ethanol is not only an essential market for corn farmers, but it is also a cheaper, cleaner fuel that reduces carbon emissions. How can the state work to provide an environment that is conducive to the production and consumption of ethanol and other biofuels?(Required)

RURAL DEVELOPMENT—Kansas farmers are the backbone of rural communities. However, many rural counties in Kansas have seen persistent declines in population over the past several decades. What can be done to invest in rural communities to ensure they can continue to play a vital role in feeding the country?(Required)

WATER—Kansas Corn has been actively involved in water issues across the state. Our members sit on Groundwater Management District (GMD) boards, operate both dryland and irrigated cropping systems, and rely on water, whether groundwater, surface water, or rainfall, to produce a crop. There is significant interest in the continuation of water availability and a focus on water conservation. What needs to be done to ensure that future generations of Kansans can continue to farm? What solutions are exciting for you?(Required)

INVESTMENTS IN KANSAS—Kansas offers many advantages for agricultural companies looking to locate or expand in the state. What opportunities do you see for bringing further agricultural investments in the state of Kansas?(Required)

PROPERTY TAXES—Property taxes are a significant concern for many Kansas households and farmers. This has led to increasing pressure on the State Legislature to provide property tax relief, as evidenced by the work over the previous two sessions. How should the state approach meaningful property tax relief in a way that production agriculture does not bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden?(Required)

BIOFUELS/E15—Ethanol remains an important market for Kansas corn farmers. It’s an immediate tool to lower fuel costs, expand domestic energy production and independence, and improve the farm economy. However, regulatory barriers limit growth and corn farmers have been increasingly frustrated by Congressional inaction. What is the roadmap to securing year-round E15 and what steps have you taken to encourage your colleagues to support it?(Required)

NEW USES—Corn producers are facing a continuing period of low commodity prices and negative margins, driven in part by stagnant domestic demand for feed and flattening or declining fuel consumption. As traditional demand channels face long-term headwinds, new uses for corn will be critical to maintaining farm profitability. What role can federal policy play in developing new domestic markets – such as sustainable aviation/maritime fuel, biochemicals, and other bio-based products – and how would you prioritize these efforts?(Required)

TRADE—Export markets are critical to maintaining profitability for U.S. agriculture. Though trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions have created uncertainty for producers, corn and ethanol exports are projected to be record high for the second year in a row. What successes should be continued and how do make improvements to keep these increases going?(Required)

INPUT COSTS—Rising input costs have put farmers in difficult economic positions. Despite significant declines in commodity prices, farmers have continued to pay increasing prices for inputs – including fertilizers, chemicals, and equipment. What role should federal policy play in addressing rising input costs and how would you improve affordability?(Required)

E15 FUEL—Corn is the largest crop in Kansas, and approximately 1/3 of the corn grown in Kansas goes to ethanol production. However, federal regulations prevent the sale of E15 in summer months, which in turn prevents expansion of ethanol adoption by fuel retailers. Kansas is not amongst a group of Midwestern states that have taken steps to rectify this poor policy. The actions of states like Missouri and Nebraska ensure consistent access to E15 for consumers and fuel retailers. Despite the efforts of the corn and ethanol community, Kansas remains subject to federal restrictions that can limit fuel availability, create market uncertainty, and put the state at a regional disadvantage. Will you commit to Kansas joining the other Midwestern states like Nebraska and Missouri to allow the year-round sale of E15 in Kansas?(Required)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT—Agriculture is Kansas’ largest economic driver, making farmers the backbone of their communities. However, many rural counties in Kansas have seen persistent declines in population over the past several decades. Future growth in the agricultural sector depends on innovation and value-added industries. How would your administration position Kansas as a national leader in biofuels, biomanufacturing, and agricultural innovation?(Required)

WATER—Kansas Corn remains active in water issues across the state. Our members sit on Groundwater Management District (GMD) boards, operate both dryland and irrigated cropping systems, and rely on water, whether groundwater, surface water, or rainfall, to produce a crop. Meanwhile, KCGA administers the Compensated Allocation Management Program (CAMP) in response to the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge water impairment, providing state and private funds to landowners willing to lease irrigation water. Long-term water availability is one of the most significant threats to Kansas agriculture. What is your vision for statewide water policy, and how would you balance conservation efforts with economic sustainability for farmers?(Required)