You’re feeling the heat—and so are we. With headlines, regulations, and expectations intensifying, the stakes for animal agriculture have never been higher. The 2026 Stakeholders Summit is where the most passionate minds come together to tackle hot-button issues facing food and farming today. Join hundreds of food chain partners May 5–7 in Kansas City, Mo., for High Steaks: Navigating Pressure on Animal Protein.
1. Navigate Pressure on Animal Protein
The 2026 Stakeholders Summit connects food industry leaders at a pivotal moment for animal protein. From evolving consumer expectations and regulatory scrutiny to sustainability demands and market volatility, the pressure has never been higher. We are fired up to navigate these challenges head-on—sharing insights, strategies, and perspectives that will help safeguard animal protein’s role in a resilient and responsible food system.
2. Connect with Leaders Across the Animal Protein Supply Chain
The annual Stakeholders Summit brings together a diverse group of professionals from across the animal protein landscape, including farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, foodservice leaders, policymakers, researchers, educators, media, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to build meaningful connections from pasture to plate. In an environment where the stakes are higher than ever, establishing these connections is essential.
3. Master Crisis Communication
When crisis strikes, every word counts. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical tools to communicate clearly, calmly, and with credibly in high-pressure moments. Through expert guidance, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, attendees will craft their own crisis messages, practice handling tough questions, and apply bridging and reframing techniques—leaving ready to respond with confidence when it matters most.
4. Prepare Today for Tomorrow’s Welfare Challenges
Animal welfare remains a highly visible and closely scrutinized issue across animal protein. “Tools of the Trade: Transport, Traceability, and Transparency” explores how practical tools, training, and real-time data strengthen welfare outcomes and protect public trust. Attendees will gain insight into transport best practices, disease readiness, and producer-led traceability systems that support biosecurity, rapid response, and transparency when it matters most.
5. Engage in the Decisions That Drive Real-World Impact
The challenges facing animal protein demand more than a conversation—they require decisive action. At the 2026 Summit, industry leaders, farmers, processors, and partners will confront tough questions, weigh competing priorities, and examine solutions with real-world impact. This is a space to move beyond surface-level dialogue and focus on the decisions that will shape consumer trust, markets, and the future of animal agriculture. When the stakes are high, informed decisions make all the difference.
6. Stay ahead of Emerging Activism Risks
Activism pressure on animal protein often builds quietly through policy, litigation, and public perception before escalating. “What’s Heating Up” examines the emerging and less visible activism tactics that pose operational, legal, and reputational risk to animal agriculture. Attendees will gain insight into preparedness strategies, on-farm security considerations, regulatory pressure surrounding religious slaughter, and evolving activism affecting zoos and aquariums—reinforcing the importance of early awareness and proactive risk management.
7. Lead with Confidence Under Pressure
As pressures on animal agriculture continue to rise, strong leadership and clear communication is critical. We will kick off Summit with the opening keynote, “Leading Under Pressure: Anti-Average Communication Across the Value Chain,” which challenges leaders to move beyond the status quo. Attendees will gain practical insights on how effective communication strengthens alignment, sharpens execution, and drives progress when the stakes are high.
8. Recognize Farm Threats and Respond with Confidence
When farms face physical intrusions, cyber incidents, or viral misinformation, the consequences can be immediate and disruptive. Join a panel of experts as they share real-world experiences navigating crisis, response, and recovery. Attendees will gain practical insights on recognizing threats early, responding decisively, and rebuilding trust when farms and reputations are on the line.
9. Protect Your Future Through Smart Advocacy
In the session titled, “Too Hot to Ignore: Why Animal Agriculture Can’t Opt Out of Political Advocacy,” attendees will explore why rising political and public scrutiny make proactive engagement essential for animal agriculture. This session provides a practical roadmap for advocacy, highlighting how early relationship-building, coordinated messaging, and preparedness can reduce risk and turn political pressure into long-term momentum.
10. “Meat” and mingle with the next generation of leaders in agriculture
Individual and club winners from the Alliance’s 2025 College Aggies Online scholarship program will be in attendance to meet and connect with Summit attendees and be recognized for their hard work and success. The Alliance will also be hosting a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the CAO program. Stay tuned for our online opening on April 28! Make a bid to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture!
Secure Your Spot When the Stakes Are High
Register to be part of critical discussions, timely sessions, and meaningful connections with leaders across animal agriculture. With high-pressure challenges facing the industry, this Summit offers the insight, collaboration, and momentum needed to navigate what’s ahead. Don’t wait—secure your spot at the 2026 Stakeholders Summit.
Register here.
All posts are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the view of the Animal Ag Alliance.
