Education, Camaraderie, and 2026 Economic Outlook Highlight Tri-State Producers Conference: Young farmers and ranchers from across the Great Plains gathered recently for the fourth annual Tri-State Producers Conference, an event designed to equip the next generation of agriculturalists with the tools they need to survive and thrive.
In an interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, American Farmers and Ranchers (AFR) President Scott Blubaugh discussed the critical role the conference plays in fostering leadership and addressed the stark economic realities Oklahoma producers are facing as they head into 2026.
Bridging the Gap Between North and South
Established four years ago as a collaboration between agricultural organizations in Oklahoma, North Dakota, and South Dakota, the conference targets young and beginning producers. According to Blubaugh, geography does little to change the fundamental hurdles young farmers face.
“Whether you live in Oklahoma or the Dakotas, the challenges for young and beginning farmers and ranchers are very similar,” Blubaugh said. “They are trying to make a living out there on the land.”
The event focuses on two distinct pillars: education and socialization. Attendees participate in sessions covering practical “take-home” knowledge, such as loan structuring, business planning, and navigating Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs. Blubaugh noted that hearing directly from farm credit loan officers helps producers understand “what they do behind the scenes” and what lenders look for, a vital skill for securing operating capital.
The Power of Networking
While education is a priority, Blubaugh emphasized that the conference’s “secret sauce” is its camaraderie. He estimated that the event’s value is split 50/50 between the educational material and the social networking.
“The young people that come here, they really bond together,” Blubaugh told Sheperd. “It’s amazing how they do network after they come together and help each other on their farms, even though they may be several states away.”
This network provides young producers with a roster of trusted peers and mentors they can call upon when facing specific issues in their own operations. The program is already bearing fruit in leadership: Blubaugh highlighted Dillon Travis, an inaugural member of the program four years ago, who is now running for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
A Tale of Two Economies: The 2026 Outlook
Turning to the current state of Oklahoma agriculture, Blubaugh painted a picture of a divided economy.
On one side, cow-calf operators are enjoying a historic high. “Probably the most profitable that we’ve been in in a generation,” Blubaugh noted, adding that high prices are allowing cattle producers to pay down old debts and financially “heal up.”
However, the situation for crop producers is starkly different. Despite strong yields in cotton and wheat this year, prices remain below sustainable levels due to ongoing disruptions in international trade.
“The grain farmers, cotton farmers are just in the mode to survive,” Blubaugh warned. “Even though we’re having some decent crops… they’re still losing a tremendous amount of money because of the price of all these commodities.”
Preparing for a Challenging Year
Blubaugh expressed concern for the immediate future, predicting that 2026 will be a “very difficult year” for many, particularly young producers who lack the equity built up over decades of operation. He noted that stress is already evident in difficulties with loan renewals.
His message to those struggling was one of resilience and community support.
“My advice is just to hang on… ” If you need some resources, let us know,” Blubaugh urged. “I don’t want anybody to give up and throw in the towel. But it is going to be a very challenging year unless you have a cattle operation to help support that.”
