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As the 2025 Kansas Legislative Session opens on January 13, the political landscape significantly favors Republican-led agricultural initiatives. With Republicans holding 31 of 40 Senate seats and 88 of 125 House seats, supermajorities in both chambers can enable the passage of legislation even over potential gubernatorial vetoes.Â
Here at
Kennedy Berkley, many of our clients are deeply rooted in agriculture and related industries, and we understand how vital these legislative developments are to your operations. That’s why we’re here to break it all down—helping you stay informed about what you need to know as we head into the new year and navigate these critical issues together.
Dairy Industry Challenges and Livestock Priorities in 2025
According to the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), dairy producers face a critical need for enhanced market protections. Current Kansas law leaves producers vulnerable during processor defaults, a situation that has caused significant financial losses in recent years. The proposed milk marketing trust legislation would revolutionize producer protections by establishing a priority payment system for unpaid cash sellers when processors sell milk or dairy products.
The dairy industry's future also hinges on infrastructure development at Kansas State University. The current dairy facilities limit essential research in areas such as production efficiency, animal health, and dairy product innovation. This infrastructure gap threatens Kansas's position in the growing dairy sector, particularly as neighboring states enhance their research capabilities.
Navigating Non-Resident Land Ownership and Agricultural Land Use Concerns
Non-resident landowner regulations have emerged as a contentious issue. In a recent radio interview, Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) President Joe Newland highlighted increasing concerns about out-of-state ownership patterns disrupting traditional agricultural communities. The problem extends beyond simple ownership to land management practices - many non-resident owners have converted productive farmland to recreational use, particularly for hunting purposes.
The KLA's push to modify non-resident deer permit regulations addresses a specific aspect of this challenge. Current low-cost permit structures incentivize non-agricultural land purchases, artificially inflating land prices and often leading to the degradation of native grasslands. This issue particularly affects southern Kansas, where recreational land purchases have significantly impacted local farming operations.
Securing Kansas's Water Future: Strategies for Conservation and ManagementÂ
Water management strategy enters a crucial phase in 2025. Building on the unprecedented $35 million expansion of the state water plan fund in 2023, the Kansas Water Authority's comprehensive recommendations will address:
Aquifer depletion mitigation strategies, particularly in western Kansas where groundwater levels continue to decline
Reservoir management plans focusing on sedimentation control and storage capacity maintenance
Water quality initiatives targeting both surface and groundwater contamination
LEMA program expansion, following successful water conservation models in Northwest Kansas that have demonstrated sustainable usage patterns while maintaining agricultural productivity
For help navigating your operation’s water law matters, reach out to Tomas Ellis.Â
Balancing Energy Development and Agricultural SustainabilityÂ
Energy policy has become a key focus for agricultural organizations in Kansas, reflecting its impact on farming operations and rural communities.
The Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) is calling for significant reforms to transmission line compensation, emphasizing the need to address the long-term effects such projects have on agricultural operations. Additionally, both the Kansas Livestock Association and The Kansas Farm Bureau advocate for transitioning the Kansas Corporation Commission commissioner selection process from gubernatorial appointment to public election, ensuring stronger agricultural representation in decision-making.
Renewable energy initiatives are another focal point, as stakeholders stress the importance of balancing the expansion of clean energy infrastructure with preserving prime farmland and minimizing disruptions to agricultural activities. Proposed legislation aims to establish clearer guidelines for fair compensation in eminent domain cases related to energy projects, providing greater equity and security for affected landowners.
Advancing Conservation: Building a Sustainable Future for Kansas AgricultureÂ
Kansas stands out as one of only 15 states without a dedicated conservation fund, a gap that has far-reaching consequences for its agricultural and environmental future.
The Kansans for Conservation coalition, backed by nearly 40 organizations, including the Kansas Farm Bureau, is championing new legislation to establish a sustainable funding mechanism for critical initiatives. These include programs to enhance soil health, preserve wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and manage natural resources more effectively.
With 80% taxpayer support, this proposed legislation has the potential to revolutionize conservation efforts in Kansas, bolstering agricultural sustainability and ensuring the state’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.
Addressing Workforce Challenges in Kansas AgricultureÂ
Although immigration is a federal issue, this area of law significantly impacts Kansas ag operations as immigrants make up a large number of the workforce. Multiple agriculture associations have discussed developing state-level support systems for agricultural labor management. We have not yet seen what these support systems may look like but this remains an important topic for ag operations and businesses.Â
Easing the Burden: Property Tax Reforms for Kansas Farmers
Property tax relief remains a top priority for the Kansas Farm Bureau, with innovative proposals aimed at easing the financial burden on agricultural producers while maintaining state fiscal balance.
Current initiatives include school finance adjustments designed to reduce the property tax load on farmers, alongside general fund replacement strategies to ensure stable educational funding. Targeted relief measures for agricultural land in active production are also on the table, addressing the unique challenges faced by Kansas farmers.
This legislative session marks a pivotal moment for Kansas agriculture. With the Republican supermajority and recent economic hardships in the farming sector, there are significant opportunities for meaningful policy advancements. At Kennedy Berkley, we are closely tracking these developments to provide our clients with informed guidance. We encourage stakeholders to actively engage with legislators and contribute their perspectives as these critical measures take shape.