KY COMMODITY CONFERENCE
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, January 15, 2026
Kendal Quandahl
With a farm-rooted perspective, Kendal is dedicated to advancing precision technology at Case IH in North America.
Kendal's upbringing on a family farm taught her many lessons, from how to rebound after a disappointing outcome to the importance of always having twine in the truck. It instilled values of resilience, hard work, and problem solving which have fueled a lifelong commitment to improving farming practices.
From picking rocks and baling hay to running lunches and harvesting crops, Kendal's hands-on experiences have provided a deep understanding of the challenges farmers face daily. At Case IH, Kendal focuses on precision farming solutions that optimize yields, conserve resources, and promote environmental stewardship.
Her goal is to empower farmers with innovative tools that exceed their expectations, driving positive change across the industry.
AGENDA All times are CST
7:00 a.m. Early Riser Session with breakfast Kendal Quandahl, CNH -
Precision Segment Lead America
8:30 a.m. Registration & Trade Show Opens
9:30 a.m. Marketing Session Matt Bennett
11:00 a.m. Lunch & Keynote USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden (invited)
Remarks from Kentucky Ag Commissioner Jonathan Shell
1:00 p.m. Ky. Soybean Association Annual Meeting
2:00 p.m. Ky. Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting, Council Report
3:00 p.m. Ky. Small Grain Growers Association Annual Meeting, Council Report
3:45 p.m. Precision Conservation Management Daniel Carpenter
Research Roundtable with UK researchers - moderator Jeff Nalley
6:00 p.m. Grower Appreciation Reception
6:30 p.m. Awards Celebration
Matt Bennett
Matt Bennett is the CEO and co-founder of AgMarket.Net®, the Farm Division of John Stewart and Associates. He holds a Series 3 brokerage license doing business through the agricultural marketing and consulting firm.
The seventh-generation Central Illinois farmer and livestock producer brings the producer perspective to the table with his extensive grain and livestock marketing background. He specializes in formulating risk-management strategies and customizing marketing plans specific to a producer’s operation for clients throughout the United States.
Matt’s analysis and commentary on the markets can be found on local and national broadcast platforms. This includes: AgDay, Agriculture of America, Bloomberg, the CME Group, Farm Futures, Market to Market, RFD-TV, This Week in AgriBusiness, U.S. Farm Report and more.
The University of Illinois graduate is a grain marketing consultant with Beck’s Hybrids. He is also a former grain elevator owner, a business he owned with his family.
Stephen Vaden
Alongside Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden leads the Department’s operations and implements policies that support America’s food and farm systems.
A native of Union City, Tennessee, Deputy Secretary Vaden brings expertise in agricultural policy, law, and rural development. Previously, he served as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade and as General Counsel of USDA.
Throughout Deputy Secretary Vaden’s time as General Counsel, he led successful Supreme Court litigation, advanced regulatory reform, and supported the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill.
He is a graduate of Yale Law School and Vanderbilt University. A public servant with strong agricultural roots, Deputy Secretary Vaden is committed to revitalizing rural America and ensuring an abundant, affordable, and safe U.S. food supply.