WOYM - A Visit With Secretary Beam

Meet Our Guest

In this episode, Aaron Harries speaks with Mike Beam, the Secretary of Agriculture for Kansas. 
With a strong background in agricultural advocacy, including his previous role at the Kansas Livestock Association, 
He leads the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), focusing on regulatory oversight, educational initiatives, and consumer protection, particularly in food safety and water resource management.

Episode Summary

We discuss the multifaceted responsibilities of the KDA, the challenges facing the agricultural sector, and the importance of trade and local food systems in Kansas agriculture.

What We Discuss

• The KDA plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety through regular inspections of food service establishments.
• Water resource management is vital for agricultural sustainability, with the KDA overseeing permits and usage.
• The local food movement has surged post-COVID-19, leading to increased support for farmers' markets.
• Kansas ranks 7th in agricultural exports, highlighting the need for diversification in international markets.
• Addressing labor shortages in agriculture requires outreach to a broader demographic, particularly youth.
• The KDA's quick response during the pandemic helped maintain food supply chains in Kansas.

Time Stamps

(00:00:01) - Introduction to the podcast and guest Mike Beam, Secretary of Agriculture for Kansas.

(00:00:29) - Mike Beam's background and experience in agriculture.

(00:00:51) - Overview of the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and its services.

(00:01:16) - Discussion on the legislative direction of KDA's programs and services.

(00:02:31) - Importance of inspectors for small and medium-sized meat and poultry operations.

(00:03:09) - Consumer safety measures, including fuel pump inspections.

(00:04:01) - Focus on pesticide and fertilizer application regulations.

(00:05:15) - Inquiry about the number of departments and programs within KDA.

(00:05:22) - Overview of food safety and its significance within KDA.

(00:06:23) - Discussion on the Division of Water Resources and its responsibilities.

(00:08:01) - The economic importance of water resources in Kansas agriculture.

(00:08:30) - Examination of KDA's role in federal government programs.

(00:09:36) - Overview of funding sources for KDA, including state general funds and fees.

(00:10:33) - Current employee count and remote work dynamics within KDA.

(00:11:39) - Discussion on KDA's marketing, research, and trade promotion efforts.

(00:11:47) - Discussion on the role of the Kansas Department of Agriculture in promoting local and international agriculture.

(00:12:09) - Insights into trade missions and collaboration with USDA for international marketing efforts.

(00:13:07) - The rise in interest for local food and farmers markets during COVID-19.

(00:13:39) - Announcement of a $5 million grant for resilient food systems to support local agriculture.

(00:13:58) - Clarification on the exclusion of local meat processing from the recent grant program.

(00:14:22) - Overview of previous federal grants that supported small meat processing and local grocery stores.

(00:15:09) - Reflection on the challenges faced during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(00:15:35) - Description of the hectic early months in office, dealing with legislative and operational challenges.

(00:16:16) - The impact of COVID-19 on meat processing plants and the importance of maintaining operations.

(00:17:27) - Discussion on the stress and challenges faced by the agriculture sector during the pandemic.

(00:18:29) - Exploration of how COVID-19 has changed agriculture in Kansas, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.

(00:19:50) - Kansas's position in global agriculture and its significance as a leading producer and exporter.

(00:20:10) - Insights into the value of agricultural exports and Kansas's ranking among states.

(00:21:35) - Emphasis on the need for diversification in trade partnerships to mitigate risks.

(00:22:15) - Discussion on the ongoing challenge of finding skilled labor in the agriculture sector.

(00:23:03) - The importance of engaging youth in agriculture careers to address workforce shortages.

(00:23:08) - Sec. Mike Beam discusses the importance of mentoring and recognizing potential employees in agriculture, emphasizing outreach to universities and community colleges.

(00:23:50) - He highlights the misconception among youth that only current agricultural workers can pursue careers in the field and stresses the need for more agricultural education support.

(00:24:24) - Mike addresses the shortage of agricultural teachers and the impact of housing issues on workforce availability in rural communities.

(00:24:57) - He advocates for strategic support in rural areas to enhance housing opportunities for agricultural workers.

(00:25:17) - Aaron Harries prompts a discussion on the role of the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) in bridging the knowledge gap with urban legislators.

(00:25:35) - Mike explains how KDA can educate legislators about agriculture's economic contributions and the importance of clear communication.

(00:26:28) - He emphasizes the opportunity to discuss agricultural issues and economic impacts during legislative sessions.

(00:27:08) - Aaron reflects on KDA's historical significance as the first department of agriculture.

(00:27:30) - Mike shares insights on collaboration among state departments of agriculture and the benefits of sharing knowledge and experiences.

(00:28:25) - He highlights the importance of communication during crises, such as the avian influenza issue, and the friendships formed with peers in other states.

(00:29:04) - Aaron shifts the conversation to wheat production, asking about future opportunities and challenges for Kansas farmers.

(00:29:29) - Mike reflects on his background in wheat farming and the crop's significance to Kansas, expressing concern over declining production.

(00:30:03) - He discusses the advantages of Kansas for wheat production and the need for improved transportation and export strategies.

(00:30:36) - Mike shares surprising statistics about U.S. wheat production and emphasizes the importance of continuing to innovate in wheat farming.

(00:31:08) - He remains optimistic about the future of wheat in Kansas, stressing the need for investment in technology and genetics.

(00:31:29) - Aaron concludes the episode, thanking Mike for his insights and contributions to Kansas agriculture.

(00:31:47) - Aaron invites listeners to suggest future topics or questions for guests, wrapping up the podcast episode.

Kansas Wheat
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