As Kansas develops a long-term water conservation plan, Chase Blasi has advocated for local decisions rather than federal or Topeka bureaucrats. He also voted to bond a new dairy building at K-State. Chase is proud to have the strong support of our local farm bureau. He supports cutting income and property taxes for Kansans. During the 2024 special session he supported the bipartisan tax compromise to raise the standard deduction, excempt social security payments from state income taxes, and established a child and dependent care tax credit. Chase remains dedicated to ensuring that Kansas remains an affordable place to live for Kansas families.

According to his philosophy, Adam Smith’s philosophy is simple: provide the essential services the public demands at an equally fair tax rate to all. Smith feels this applies to all levels of government – local, state, and federal. It is then a legislator’s primary duty to examine with due diligence that your tax dollars are being spent as efficiently and effectively as possible. This will give surety that Kansas is providing the HIGHEST VALUE per dollar to the taxpayers.

The Seeber File

Ron Seeber was hired as KGFA’s president and CEO in October 2017 after working for the association since July 2008. He guides and coordinates association activities to include those of members and staff. Seeber is also responsible for maintaining a professional relationship with government, other associations, allied industry, educational institutions and the general public as necessary and in the best interest of the association and for attainment of its objectives.

He maintains a cooperative working relationship with all Regional National Organizations that we are affiliated with (NGFA, AFIA, GEAPS, TEGMA, NAEGA, ARA, CLA ,TFI, MACA and BIO.) He communicates KGFA/KARA policies and issues to those associations. He has regular communication with KGFA/KARA Chairmen, officers and members of the board and with committees and task forces on policy, programs and issues of both associations as appropriate.

Seeber earned a Political Science Degree from the University of Kansas. After graduating in 1991, he worked for Senator Bob Dole in Washington, DC until the Senator’s resignation from the United State’s Senate and unsuccessful Presidential Campaign. He moved back to Kansas in 1997 and worked as the Assistant Secretary of Administration for Governor Bill Graves, Political Director of the Kansas Republican Party , and then lobbied for 6 years for firm representing over 30 different companies and associations.

The Plaschka File

With a Ph.D. in Leadership Communication and 25 years of agriculture education experience, Russell has dedicated his career to developing Kansas’s agricultural workforce and fostering community partnerships. His work focuses on engaging communities to identify growth opportunities in agricultural sectors while building sustainable local workforces. At the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Russell has spearheaded initiatives connecting businesses with educational institutions to create career pathways and drive agricultural innovation. His approach emphasizes collaborative partnerships between producers, businesses, consumers, and educational institutions to advance agricultural growth across Kansas. Russell holds degrees in agriculture education and educational leadership from Kansas State University and grew up on a diversified farm in Eastern Kansas. Russell will join the Council on January 6, 2025.

The Stookey File

Randy Stookey was promoted to senior vice president after serving as the association’s general counsel since November 2011. Stookey is the lead lobbyist for the Associations and the contact for government affairs stakeholders from member companies and for lobbying clients. During the Legislative Session, Stookey monitors and responds to all bills of consequence for the industry. In addition, Stookey assists in the management of the Kansas Agri Business Council, the Associations’ Joint Political Action Committee.

Stookey is responsible for keeping current on all issues affecting the agribusiness industries and remaining knowledgeable on the regulations and laws pertaining to the grain and feed, fertilizer and agrichemical industries. Stookey is also the staff contact for Legislative Committees. As General Counsel, Stookey assists the President, Executive staff, Board, and membership with addressing legal questions and compliance issues.

The Stafford File

Shahira Stafford is a lifelong Kansan and has nearly 20 years of experience in all aspects of association management, focused primarily on government relations and communications. Most recently, Stafford served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and its affiliated agribusiness organizations and lobbying clients. Prior, she filled the role of Vice President of Marketing and Communications.