Speakers
Meet our 2025 Speakers
Joining us from farms, ranches, organizations, community groups, agencies and business, this incredible line-up of speakers are ready to share their knowledge and experiences with us!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CHEF ADRIAN LIPSCOMBE
A dynamic chef, urban planner, and nationally recognized advocate for food justice, Chef Adrian Lipscombe is deeply committed to preserving Black foodways, supporting local farmers, and building equitable, community-centered food systems.
As proud native Texan and fourth-generation pitmaster, Adrian’s roots run deep in Central Texas.
As founder of the 40 Acres Project, Adrian leads a national movement to reclaim and preserve Black agricultural land, honoring the legacy and future of Black farmers. Her influence reaches beyond the kitchen—she is a Culinary Diplomat to the White House and State Department, serves on the Edna Lewis Foundation board, and helped found the Muloma Heritage Center, exploring African Atlantic influences on American cuisine.
Currently a PhD candidate in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Austin, Adrian continues to shape conversations on food sovereignty, sustainability, and cultural heritage. As a mother of four and leader in her field, she is building a legacy rooted in nourishment, justice, and joy.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: ZACH DUCHENEAUX
Zach Ducheneaux served as the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). In this role, he lead the FSA in implementing vital agricultural programs that support America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers—particularly in areas such as disaster assistance, conservation, and farm loan programs.
A member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Ducheneaux brings a lifelong commitment to tribal advocacy, regenerative agriculture, and rural development. Before joining the USDA, he was the Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, where he focused on advancing Native American agriculture and promoting equitable access to resources for underserved communities.
With decades of experience in agriculture and public service, Ducheneaux is a passionate advocate for sustainable, producer-focused policy and equitable access to USDA programs. His leadership reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in today’s agricultural landscape. As keynote speaker, Ducheneaux will offer a unique and timely perspective on the future of American agriculture, including USDA priorities, producer resilience, and strategies for inclusive growth across rural America.