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Keynote Speakers | Agricultural Bankers Conference

  • November 4-6, 2026
  • Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
  • Minneapolis, MN
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2026 Keynote Speakers

Kyle Carpenter, Author and Medal of Honor Recipient

In 2010, Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter threw himself on a grenade to save a fellow Marine during a Taliban attack in Afghanistan. He lost his right eye, most of his lower jaw and teeth, and his right arm was shattered. In 2014, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, making him the youngest living recipient of our country’s highest military honor. He has since published an autobiography, You Are Worth It: Building A Life Worth Fighting For, and launched his own podcast, The Kyle Carpenter Podcast, both about overcoming adversity and forging a life of joyful purpose.

David M. Kohl, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech

Dr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Kohl has keen insight into the agriculture industry gained through extensive travel, research and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.

Steve Lerch, expert in digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior & innovation; Former Google executive, Story Arc Consulting

Steve Lerch is an award-winning international public speaker, consultant, and former Google Executive, and has become a highly respected voice in the world of digital strategy, marketing, consumer behavior, and innovation. Steve leverages his nine years at Google serving as a digital strategy consultant to dozens of the world’s most well-known brands to bring independent consulting services to companies of all sizes and across all industries. He offers an outside perspective on a company’s vision and strategy, challenges organizations to evolve past strategies, and helps brands embrace a digital-first world. His many areas of focus include marketing, digital/web/social strategy, customer insights, attribution, strategic planning, and team dynamics.

Trey Malone, Ph.D., Boehlje Endowed Chair for Managerial Economics in Agribusiness, Purdue University, Center for Food and Agriculture

Trey Malone’s research examines how agribusiness managers, farmers, and policymakers make decisions under uncertainty, with more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and more than 20 academic awards. Malone is the founding editor of the Purdue Agribusiness Review and co-host of the Agribusiness Blueprint podcast, both designed to translate rigorous research into practical insights for food and agricultural business leaders. He is a frequent keynote speaker for agricultural lenders, cooperative leaders, and agribusiness executives, and his work has been featured in TIME, The New York Times, USA Today and NPR Marketplace.

More keynote speakers coming soon!

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Get updates on the Agricultural Bankers Conference as we develop this year's program. Contact Rebecca Turner if you have any questions.

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