Feb. 16-17, 2026 | Boise Centre West | Boise, ID
2026 Featured Presenters
Ray Starling
Ray Starling is the author of Farmers Versus Foodies, an Amazon best seller and Pulitzer-nominated book exploring the future of farming and food systems. Raised on a Century Family Farm in southeastern North Carolina, he holds degrees from NC State University and the UNC School of Law. A former National FFA Officer and 4-H member, he continues to champion agriculture through leadership, policy, and education.
As General Counsel of the NC Chamber and President of the NC Chamber Legal Institute, Ray Starling directs litigation strategy for the Chamber and its affiliates while serving on the organization’s executive leadership team. He provides legal and policy guidance, monitoring emerging laws and regulations impacting North Carolina’s business community. A respected voice in agriculture, Ray also leads NC Ag Leads, a joint effort of the NC Chamber Foundation and NC Golden LEAF Foundation to develop a strategic plan for the state’s agricultural future. In 2025, he was elected as an Independent Director on the Board of Smithfield Foods, Inc., bringing governance and policy expertise to one of the world’s leading food companies.
Previously, Ray served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, coordinating a $140 billion agency’s policy agenda and stakeholder engagement. His earlier roles include principal agriculture advisor to the President at the White House, chief of staff and chief counsel to U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, and general counsel for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Ray Starling is the author of Farmers Versus Foodies, an Amazon best seller and Pulitzer-nominated book exploring the future of farming and food systems. Raised on a Century Family Farm in southeastern North Carolina, he holds degrees from NC State University and the UNC School of Law. A former National FFA Officer and 4-H member, he continues to champion agriculture through leadership, policy, and education.
As General Counsel of the NC Chamber and President of the NC Chamber Legal Institute, Ray Starling directs litigation strategy for the Chamber and its affiliates while serving on the organization’s executive leadership team. He provides legal and policy guidance, monitoring emerging laws and regulations impacting North Carolina’s business community. A respected voice in agriculture, Ray also leads NC Ag Leads, a joint effort of the NC Chamber Foundation and NC Golden LEAF Foundation to develop a strategic plan for the state’s agricultural future. In 2025, he was elected as an Independent Director on the Board of Smithfield Foods, Inc., bringing governance and policy expertise to one of the world’s leading food companies.
Previously, Ray served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, coordinating a $140 billion agency’s policy agenda and stakeholder engagement. His earlier roles include principal agriculture advisor to the President at the White House, chief of staff and chief counsel to U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, and general counsel for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Rick Stott
Rick Stott is a seasoned agribusiness leader with more than two decades of executive experience in the livestock and protein industries. In 2014, he accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of Superior Farms Lamb, bringing with him a deep understanding of agricultural operations, business strategy, and leadership in value-added food production. Stott will share his incredible story about successfully defeating a 2024 voter initiative to close their lamb processing plant in Denver. A defeat would have severely disrupted the regional lamb supply chain and directly impacted woolgrowers in Idaho who ship lambs to Colorado for processing.
Before joining Superior Farms, Stott spent 19 years with Agri Beef Co., a Boise, Idaho-based company recognized as a leader in the premium beef industry. During his tenure, he held several key leadership positions, including Executive Vice President of Business Development, President of Snake River Farms (a subsidiary of Agri Beef), Vice President, Treasurer, and Corporate Controller. His leadership helped guide Agri Beef’s transformation from a regional cattle feeder into a nationally respected, vertically integrated beef company.
At Agri Beef, Stott was responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, leading acquisitions, and shaping the company’s information technology, marketing, and public policy strategies. Among his many achievements, he spearheaded the creation of TheDoubleRRanch.com—an innovative direct-to-consumer platform that connected consumers nationwide with premium Northwest beef.
Stott’s relationship with Superior Farms began long before his appointment as CEO; he served on the company’s Board of Directors and that of its parent company, Transhumance, since 2011. This experience provided him with valuable insight into the lamb industry and the employee-ownership culture that defines Superior Farms. Upon assuming the CEO role, Stott expressed both gratitude for his years with Agri Beef and enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Superior Farms into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
A fifth-generation cattleman, Stott’s roots in agriculture run deep. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from Brigham Young University and has continued to contribute to the broader agricultural community through service on multiple boards and advisory groups. He currently serves on the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board and participates in several industry and professional organizations, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Kansas Cattlemen’s Associations.
Rick Stott’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing American agriculture through innovation, integrity, and leadership. His broad experience, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for the people and communities behind food production continue to define his contributions to the livestock industry.
Rick Stott is a seasoned agribusiness leader with more than two decades of executive experience in the livestock and protein industries. In 2014, he accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of Superior Farms Lamb, bringing with him a deep understanding of agricultural operations, business strategy, and leadership in value-added food production. Stott will share his incredible story about successfully defeating a 2024 voter initiative to close their lamb processing plant in Denver. A defeat would have severely disrupted the regional lamb supply chain and directly impacted woolgrowers in Idaho who ship lambs to Colorado for processing.
Before joining Superior Farms, Stott spent 19 years with Agri Beef Co., a Boise, Idaho-based company recognized as a leader in the premium beef industry. During his tenure, he held several key leadership positions, including Executive Vice President of Business Development, President of Snake River Farms (a subsidiary of Agri Beef), Vice President, Treasurer, and Corporate Controller. His leadership helped guide Agri Beef’s transformation from a regional cattle feeder into a nationally respected, vertically integrated beef company.
At Agri Beef, Stott was responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, leading acquisitions, and shaping the company’s information technology, marketing, and public policy strategies. Among his many achievements, he spearheaded the creation of TheDoubleRRanch.com—an innovative direct-to-consumer platform that connected consumers nationwide with premium Northwest beef.
Stott’s relationship with Superior Farms began long before his appointment as CEO; he served on the company’s Board of Directors and that of its parent company, Transhumance, since 2011. This experience provided him with valuable insight into the lamb industry and the employee-ownership culture that defines Superior Farms. Upon assuming the CEO role, Stott expressed both gratitude for his years with Agri Beef and enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead Superior Farms into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
A fifth-generation cattleman, Stott’s roots in agriculture run deep. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from Brigham Young University and has continued to contribute to the broader agricultural community through service on multiple boards and advisory groups. He currently serves on the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board and participates in several industry and professional organizations, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Kansas Cattlemen’s Associations.
Rick Stott’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing American agriculture through innovation, integrity, and leadership. His broad experience, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for the people and communities behind food production continue to define his contributions to the livestock industry.
Kam Quarles
Kam Quarles serves as Chief Executive Officer of the National Potato Council (NPC), where he leads the organization’s efforts to advocate for policies that strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the U.S. potato industry. Based in Washington, D.C., Kam brings nearly two decades of experience advancing farmers’ interests in federal and international arenas.
Before becoming CEO, Kam served as NPC’s Vice President of Public Policy and Communications beginning in 2016, where he helped guide the industry through key legislative and trade initiatives. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that potato growers have a strong, unified voice in national agricultural policy.
Prior to joining NPC, Kam worked as the lead agriculture lobbyist for the international law firm McDermott Will & Emery, representing clients such as the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Sunkist Growers, Chiquita Brands International, and the California Avocado Commission. His career also includes leadership roles as Vice President of the United Fresh Produce Association and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, where he developed deep expertise in agricultural policy, food safety, and trade.
Throughout his career, Kam has been committed to advancing the interests of specialty crop producers and ensuring that their contributions to the food supply chain are recognized and supported. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of agricultural policy have made him a trusted voice in Washington, D.C.
As CEO, Kam continues to build on the NPC’s mission to represent U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues—an industry valued at more than $3.7 billion annually and supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs.
Kam Quarles serves as Chief Executive Officer of the National Potato Council (NPC), where he leads the organization’s efforts to advocate for policies that strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the U.S. potato industry. Based in Washington, D.C., Kam brings nearly two decades of experience advancing farmers’ interests in federal and international arenas.
Before becoming CEO, Kam served as NPC’s Vice President of Public Policy and Communications beginning in 2016, where he helped guide the industry through key legislative and trade initiatives. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that potato growers have a strong, unified voice in national agricultural policy.
Prior to joining NPC, Kam worked as the lead agriculture lobbyist for the international law firm McDermott Will & Emery, representing clients such as the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Sunkist Growers, Chiquita Brands International, and the California Avocado Commission. His career also includes leadership roles as Vice President of the United Fresh Produce Association and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, where he developed deep expertise in agricultural policy, food safety, and trade.
Throughout his career, Kam has been committed to advancing the interests of specialty crop producers and ensuring that their contributions to the food supply chain are recognized and supported. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of agricultural policy have made him a trusted voice in Washington, D.C.
As CEO, Kam continues to build on the NPC’s mission to represent U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues—an industry valued at more than $3.7 billion annually and supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs.
Thanks to Our 2026 Sponsors!
Premier Sponsor
AgWest Farm Credit
Platinum Sponsors
Idaho Dairymen’s Assn.
Simplot Company
USDA-NRCS
Valley Agronomics
Valley Wide Cooperative
Simplot Company
USDA-NRCS
Valley Agronomics
Valley Wide Cooperative
Gold Sponsors
Agri Beef Co
Amalgamated Sugar Company
CoBank
Dairy West
Idaho Ag in the Classroom
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
Idaho Pea & Lentil Commission
Idaho Potato Commission
NW Agricultural Cooperative Council
Syngenta
Amalgamated Sugar Company
CoBank
Dairy West
Idaho Ag in the Classroom
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
Idaho Pea & Lentil Commission
Idaho Potato Commission
NW Agricultural Cooperative Council
Syngenta
Silver Sponsors
Food Producers of Idaho
Leadership Idaho Agriculture
Nezperce Prairie Grass Growers Assn.
Leadership Idaho Agriculture
Nezperce Prairie Grass Growers Assn.
Bronze Sponsors
Crookham Company
Idaho Barley Commission
Idaho Grain Producers Assn.
Idaho Noxious Weed Control Assn.
Idaho Oilseed Commission
Idaho Onion Growers’ Assn.
Idaho Power
Idaho Wheat Commission
Marsing Ag Labor
Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative
Idaho Barley Commission
Idaho Grain Producers Assn.
Idaho Noxious Weed Control Assn.
Idaho Oilseed Commission
Idaho Onion Growers’ Assn.
Idaho Power
Idaho Wheat Commission
Marsing Ag Labor
Southern Idaho Potato Cooperative
Supporting Sponsors
HM. Clause, Inc.
Idaho Cattle Association
Idaho Eastern Oregon Seed Assn.
Idaho Honey Industry Assn.
Idaho Irrigation Equipment
Idaho Mint Commission
Idaho Water Users Assn.
ID-OR Fruit & Vegetable Assn.
Treasure Valley Water Users Assn.
Idaho Cattle Association
Idaho Eastern Oregon Seed Assn.
Idaho Honey Industry Assn.
Idaho Irrigation Equipment
Idaho Mint Commission
Idaho Water Users Assn.
ID-OR Fruit & Vegetable Assn.
Treasure Valley Water Users Assn.
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MORE ABOUT DR. LARRY BRANEN:The Idaho Ag Summit Committee renamed the Summit as the "Larry Branen Idaho Ag Summit" to recognize the investment of Dr. Larry Branen as an Idaho Ag Leader and his dedication to the success and future of Idaho's agriculture industry.
Dr. Larry Branen retired in 2010 after 25 years of service to the University of Idaho. Dr. Branen served the University of Idaho twice as Dean of College of Agricultural and Life Science and prior to his retirement served as Associate Vice President with oversight for the development of outreach programs in Northern Idaho. Dr. Branen himself has been actively involved in research programs on the use of nanotechnology and biosensors in agriculture at the U of I Research Park in Post Falls. Dr. Branen grew up on a farm near Wilder. He was active in 4-H and FFA and attended the U of I for his BS degree. He received his PhD in food science from Purdue University. Dr. Branen joined the staff at the University of Idaho as Dean and Director of Resident Instruction. |