CFTC Hosts AgCon 2026 to Examine Derivatives and Risk

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Risk Management Center at Kansas State University co-hosted the 2026 Agricultural Commodity Futures Conference (AgCon) in Overland Park, Kansas, according to CFTC_Press. The two-year conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and market participants to examine issues facing the agricultural economy, developments in derivatives markets, and risk management tools.

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig and K-State President Richard Linton welcomed participants on the opening day. Selig addressed attendees regarding his travels across Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, South Carolina, Florida, and Kansas to meet with farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and energy producers.

Market Panels and Discussions

Following the opening remarks, panelists examined the relationship between cash and derivatives markets, evolving commodity contracts, and hedging tools for agricultural producers. Additional discussions covered access to agricultural credit, rising production costs, fluctuating commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, and broader pressures on the farm economy.

Participants also engaged in discussions regarding emerging market developments, including perpetual futures, 24/7 trading, and tokenized collateral, and their implications for agricultural risk management.

Economic Outlook and Policy Keynotes

CFTC Chief Advisor Alex Titus and White House Council of Economic Advisers Member Aaron Hedlund examined the U.S. economic outlook, agricultural trade, and policies shaping American agriculture. U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden delivered the first day's keynote address.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas opened the second day with a keynote on agricultural policy and legislative priorities. Subsequent panels explored agricultural prediction markets, the use of data in modern commodity markets, event contracts, and the implications of emerging technologies for market integrity.

Key facts

• The 2026 Agricultural Commodity Futures Conference was co-hosted by the CFTC and Kansas State University in Overland Park, Kansas.
• Speakers included CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig, K-State President Richard Linton, and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.
• Discussions covered perpetual futures, 24/7 trading, tokenized collateral, and agricultural prediction markets.
• The event concluded with a fireside chat featuring Chairman Selig and Futures Industry Association President and CEO Walt Lukken.