Kansas has a rich history of growing grapes and producing wine. Today, there is an estimated 566 acres of grapes in Kansas between independent vineyards and estate wineries. There are currently 41 wineries and vineyards that are registered for agritourism in the state.

This report’s examination of the grape and wine industry includes analysis of the issues and legal obstacles around labeling and licensing for winemakers, the farm winery licensing structure in Kansas, and benefits and reasons for registering as an agritourism activity. The report also utilizes a comparative analysis to identify and categorize wine industries from eleven selected states by production and market characteristics.

To see growth, Kansas’ wine industry must leverage its strengths to overcome barriers and take advantage of opportunities in the future, as identified in the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) included in this report. Overall, the Kansas grape and wine industry has a positive outlook but is faced with barriers both internally and externally.

Kansas Farm Winery Report (2023)

The Kansas Agribusiness Commodity Flow Study was conducted by Decision Innovative Solutions on behalf of the Kansas Department of Agriculture. It analyses the movement of crops, livestock, and other agricultural products within and from the state of Kansas. The report identifies key value-added processing, market, and demand points while assessing the role and utilization of infrastructure essential to commodity movement. Results from the report include information about net outflows of feed ingredients, the role played by road and rail infrastructure in the agriculture supply chain, and how Kansas leverages strong local synergies to add value in livestock production and processing.

The study was the result of a need identified through KDA’s Ag Growth Strategy project including conversations at the annual Ag Growth Summit. Several agricultural sectors indicated a focused need to support commodity flow both intra and interstate. Safely and efficiently moving agricultural products — from live animal and raw commodities to value-added food, feed, energy and fiber products — relies on a robust and modern transportation system. KDA responded to this need expressed by our industry partners by commissioning the commodity flow study.

Kansas Agribusiness Commodity Flow Study (2022)

This study is a public source document and can be used in whole or in part, with acknowledgement to the original source ("study funded by KDA.")

In an effort to better understand current workforce issues, trends and needs within the Kansas agriculture industry, the Kansas Department of Agriculture called on industry partners to help identify workforce needs among agricultural employers in the state by conducting the second Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey.

Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, manufacturers and producers of agricultural products were asked to complete the survey to help KDA identify the number and types of jobs in the state's agriculture industry, and the specific skills required for those jobs.

Workforce Survey Overview (2022)

KDA Workforce Needs Assessment Survey Final Report (2022)

The specialty livestock industries in Kansas are relatively small compared to more traditional livestock production in Kansas. However, the industries that do exist are successful and have benefited from increased consumer demand. Statewide interest in the sheep and goat industries continues to increase.

In 2024, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State’s Department of Ag Economics conducted a survey to study consumer preferences regarding sheep and goat meat products. This research study examined sheep and goat meat product perceptions and purchasing intentions of meat consumers in Kansas. Nearly 350 respondents shared their information, and the results of the survey are now available here:

2024 Sheep and Goat Meat Products Survey

In 2020, Kansas agriculture stakeholders and the sheep and goat industries were asked via public survey tool to provide detailed information about their sheep and goat inventories, size and scope of operations, and marketing outlet information.

Sheep and Goat Survey Report (2020)
Sheep and Meat Goat Producers Quick Resource Guide (2020)

In the Great Plains, as well as the United States, a shift is occurring in the way food is produced, distributed, prepared, and valued by the public. In particular, specialty crops have been dramatically affected due to increased consumer demand for locally grown produce. This has led to engagement of new growers and development of small local businesses surrounding food production. Although the reinvigoration of specialty crop production is exciting for both producers and consumers of local food, it presents a number of challenges due to the lack of recent production history in the region. Kansas and surrounding states are unique in that our lack of specialty crop history reduces our ability to develop ourselves professionally through partnerships with industry and governmental funding agencies.

A voluntary survey was conducted in 2016 to investigate the economic impact of specialty crop growers in Kansas and their effect on the local food system. A report of the survey findings has been created to expand our understanding of specialty crop growers in Kansas.

Specialty Crop Survey Results (2017)