The Kansas Sweet potato Association was initiated by a group of growers in the Kansas River valley. It’s first meeting was in May 1939 in Lawrence, Kansas. A constitution and bylaws were adopted in November 1939 with all members who were also to be members of the Kansas State Horticultural Society. It was originally named the Kaw Valley Sweet potato Growers Association and was subsequently renamed the Kansas Sweet potato Growers Association in 1963. 

The Kansas Vegetable Growers Association was founded in July 1965. Before, vegetable growers, like fruit growers, were highly influential in the Kansas Horticultural Society.

In 1968, the Kansas Sweet Potato Growers Association combined with the Kansas Vegetable Growers Association, using a new constitution and the bylaws of the Vegetable Growers Association.

Members are individuals or firms directly associated with vegetable research, production, or marketing. We support and encourage research and extension activities of the Department of Horticulture and Forestry. Newsletters, field days, and annual meetings inform members and the public of innovations in this rapidly changing industry. 

Members exhibit vegetable displays at various county and state fairs to keep Kansans informed about Kansas’s vegetable production potential. The decline in rural populations, increased emphasis on low calorie diets, and consumer preferences for high quality vegetables are expected to greatly expand vegetable production in Kansas during the next few years. Expansion of irrigation facilities and mechanical harvesters also will help expand the industry in sparsely populated areas of the state.

In 1993, discussions were initiated with the Missouri Vegetable Growers Association to consider a possible joint educational meeting between the KVGA and MVGA. These discussions led to the inclusion of vegetable growers in Iowa and Nebraska. In 1995, it was decided to hold a 4-state vegetable growers conference in St. Joseph, Missouri. This conference would be the location of the educational requirement of the KVGA and it’s annual meeting would be held there. The Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference has grown in size and content to include a 2-day educational program with additional workshops for High Tunnels, Farmers Markets, Community Supported Agriculture, and Beginning Vegetable Farmers. Today, it is supported by a trade show of vendors, associations and affiliates. 

From the History of the Kansas State Horticultural Society 
100 Year Report- 1967 (updated January, 2010, by Chuck Marr, KVGA Sec-Treas)