CFTC and Kansas State University Host 2026 Agricultural Commodity Futures Conference

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Kansas State University’s Risk Management Center co-hosted the 2026 Agricultural Commodity Futures Conference in Overland Park, Kansas, bringing industry leaders, policymakers and market participants together to examine developments affecting agricultural markets and derivatives-based risk management. The two-day event took place the week before October 27, 2026. CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig and Kansas State University President Richard Linton opened the conference. Panels examined the relationship between cash and derivatives markets, evolving commodity contracts and the hedging tools used by farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. Participants also discussed access to agricultural credit, production costs, commodity-price fluctuations, supply-chain disruptions and broader financial pressures facing producers and merchants. The conference addressed emerging developments in derivatives and trading markets, including perpetual futures, 24/7 trading and tokenized collateral. Other sessions covered agricultural prediction markets, data use in commodity markets and developments in event contracts. Discussions on superintelligence, information advantages and market integrity focused on the implications of emerging technologies for market participants and regulators. CFTC Chief Advisor Alex Titus and Aaron Hedlund, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, discussed the U.S. economic outlook, agricultural trade and policies affecting American agriculture. The first day concluded with remarks from U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, while U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas opened the second day with a keynote on agricultural policy and legislative priorities. The conference also included a fireside chat between Chairman Selig and Futures Industry Association President and CEO Walt Lukken on the CFTC’s priorities, the evolving regulatory landscape and changes in derivatives markets. AgCon2026 concluded with sessions on market data, customer education, clearing, market access and the role of intermediaries, followed by closing remarks from Selig.