WIBW Radio/KAN Bonus Podcast: Incoming Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam

Citing his 38-year career with the Kansas Livestock Association, incoming governor Laura Kelly announced Mike Beam as her choice to lead the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Beam is a Senior Vice President at KLA, a highly regarded trade group made up of over 5,000 members throughout the state. He’s worked with the legislature for over 30 years and assisted farmers and ranchers in advancing their policy and public relations needs. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Ranchland Trust of Kansas, an accredited agricultural land trust that’s affiliated with KLA.

“Mike Beam is a respected leader in Kansas agriculture and uniquely qualified to provide guidance and innovation at the Department of Agriculture,” said Kelly. “I look forward to working with him – and other stakeholders – to grow our agricultural markets at home and abroad. Together, we can reenergize rural communities and our ag economy.”

Beam has been active in conservation efforts and business groups to improve Kansas. He is a charter member and past president of the Agribusiness Council of Kansas City. He has also been appointed to numerous task forces and working groups on wildlife regulations, natural resource conservation, ecotourism and more.

“I’m honored to be chosen by Governor-elect Kelly as her administration’s Secretary of Agriculture,” said Beam. “I’m inspired by their respect and admiration for our state’s farmers and ranchers and excited about their commitment to pursue rural economic development initiatives.”

Beam will replace current Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey who Beam says will help in the transition.

He will serve as interim state secretary of agriculture pending a normal background check and state Senate confirmation.

Source: Office of Governor-Elect Laura Kelly

Thursday afternoon, Greg Akagi spoke with Beam about his appointment as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture