Kansas Cooperative Council

Co-ops 101 for Interns had an exciting first day.
With an engaging spray game and a speaker to motivate them both in life and professionally.

ProValue Insurance
Arthur Capper Cooperative Center

We are excited to announce the 2026 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees: Dell Princ of Osborne and Terry Kohler of Cheney.

These distinguished individuals have made lasting contributions to our industry and communities, and we look forward to honoring them during the 2027 Annual Meeting in Wichita, Kansas, on March 16, 2027.

Please join us in congratulating Dell and Terry on their well-deserved recognition and upcoming induction!

SAVE THE DATE!
Leadership Symposium for Cooperatives
🗓 August 17-18, 2026
📍Manhattan, KS

Details coming soon!

Registration now open!

🗓July 22-23, 2026
📍Salina, KS

Additional information and registration form can be found at https://www.kansasco-op.coop/education/coop-academy-101-for-employees

Co-ops 101 for Interns registration closing May 19th!

📅 June 2-3, 2026
📍Salina, KS

Additional information can be found at https://www.kansasco-op.coop/education/coop-101-for-interns

We had a wonderful day spending time getting to know some truly outstanding K-State College of Agriculture students. Their drive, determination and passion are inspiring - and, it's clear they're going to make a big impact on the world.

A great side benefit to the day for Dr. Brian Briggeman, Professor and Director of the Arthur Capper Cooperative Center (ACCC), Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics and Seleise Barrett, ACCC Managing Director, Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics, was spending time with Kansas Cooperative Council President/CEO, Russell Plaschka, and having lunch with Dr. Allen Featherstone, Head, Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics, and Dr. Elizabeth Yeager, Professor and Director of Undergraduate Programs, Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics.

From gaining a better understanding of the cooperative model to building connections that last beyond the summer, this event is a game-changer for interns across the state.

📅 June 2-3, 2026
📍Salina, KS

Additional information can be found at https://www.kansasco-op.coop/education/coop-101-for-interns

Do you have college interns joining your team this summer?

Co-ops 101 for Interns is packed with valuable real-world insights and hands-on experiences:
•Learn the foundations of the cooperative business model and why it matters
•Insight into leadership opportunities and career benefits in the cooperative system
•A real-world introduction to patronage, equity, and decision making
•An interactive simulation where interns take the lead
•A behind-the-scenes tour with Great Plains/Kubota Manufacturing.

📅 June 2-3, 2026
📍 Salina, KS

Additional information can be found at https://www.kansasco-op.coop/education/coop-101-for-interns

KCC and Ag Partners Cooperative hosted the Kansas Department of Agriculture Taiwan Youth Exchange group on Wednesday. Thank you to Wes Sporh, Brice Elnicki, Carson Talkington with Ag Partners and Suzanne Numrich with KDA.

ACCC Director, Dr. Brian Briggeman; KCC President/CEO, Dr. Russell Plaschka; KCC Senior Director of Member Services, Jennifer Hill; and ACCC Managing Director, Seleise Barrett met today to discuss cooperative education programs. A fun surprise was running into former KCC President/CEO, Brandi Miller!

Kansas Cooperative Council

Brian Briggeman