2025 Keynote Speakers
Earl D. Lewis, Jr., PE
Earl Lewis is the Chief Engineer and Director of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources. KDA–DWR administers 30 laws and responsibilities including the Kansas Water Appropriation Act which governs how water is allocated and used. The Chief Engineer oversees policies related to these laws, including water structures, stream obstruction, and represents Kansas in interstate water matters.
Earl was previously with the Kansas Water Office for 20 years serving in various capacities including 14 years as the Assistant Director and 2 as the Director of the Kansas Water Office. Earl graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in 1992. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Kansas. He and his wife Shari live in Topeka and have two sons.
Matt Rush
The man who takes good and makes it… GOODER!
Matt says, “You can do more, be more and have more than you ever thought possible, you just have to be willing to get over yourself to get there.”
From the time Matt was in the 8th grade he knew his life’s ambition was to help others become more than they ever thought possible. Since then, his speeches, seminars, and books have inspired thousands of people. Having grown up on a farm and ranch in New Mexico he brings a common sense, “Farm Boy” logic to his speaking and training. His story of planting new seeds to overcome adversity is an inspiration to any audience.
Additionally, Matt just launched a new book series entitled The Marshmallow Cowboy. A series designed to help the youth of today overcome the obstacles of life. Matt has served as the former CEO of the New Mexico Farm Bureau, served on the American Farm Bureau’s Foundation for Agriculture Board of Directors and been a partnering speaker with the Zig Ziglar family. He has been quoted in Bloomberg Business Weekly, NPR, PBS and ABC News. He and his wife, Katy, make their home in Levelland, TX
Jay Young
Jay Young is extremely passionate about regenerative ag and enjoys sharing his journey into the world of soil health. He lives in Tribune, Kansas where he farms/ranches with His father Jerry. They utilize, cover crops, rotational grazing and compost extract in their operation. Jay has spoken at conferences in multiple states on a variety of topics including regenerative agriculture in dry environments, getting started with compost extract and rotational grazing.
Rachel Clews
How to cultivate a Productive Mindset.”
Rachael Clews joined K-State Research and Extension in June 2019 as the Family and Consumer Science Specialist for Southwest Kansas. After 16 years in the fields of academic and public libraries, she made a career change in 2016 when she married a Kansas farmer and moved to southwest Kansas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in Lay Theological Studies from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a master’s degree in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University. She is a Certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations. She is passionate about equipping and strengthening individuals and families through education and prevention with an emphasis in family resource management, stress management, and resiliency. Rachael also works on a multi-state taskforce to create and expand stress management and mental health resources and services for agriculture producers and stakeholders.
