ABOUT THE FILM

Wes Jackson, a visionary scientist, farmer, and co-founder of The Land Institute, has spent his life pioneering a bold new approach to agriculture that challenges humanity to rethink its relationship with the Earth. Jackson has inspired a global movement toward sustainability and ecological harmony through his transformative work in perennial and natural systems agriculture.

The film takes viewers on an intimate journey through Jackson’s life, from his humble beginnings in rural Kansas to his transformative vision of “natural systems agriculture.” Featuring rare archival footage, insights from collaborators, and powerful moments from the prairie fields that inspired his life’s work, the story weaves together personal passion, scientific innovation, humor, and the urgency of preserving Earth’s fragile ecosphere.

Prairie Prophecy is a tribute to Wes Jackson’s enduring legacy and a call to action for the next generation of farmers, scientists, and environmental stewards. As climate change accelerates, Jackson’s ideas remain a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainable solutions are not only possible but essential for the survival of life on Earth.

 

THE SCHEDULE

10:00 AM – Prairie Prophecy film screening

11:30 AM – Panel discussion

 

THE PANEL

Kevin McKinney, Filmmaker, Emmy-recognized cinematographer, sound recordist
Kevin McKinney is an award-winning filmmaker with a passion for uncovering the deeper nuances of under-appreciated stories. Kevin’s camera and sound work have earned industry recognition. He is a Television Academy-recognized sound recordist for Apple TV’s Girls State and an Emmy-winning cinematographer for the PBS documentary A Century of Change, about the Negro Leagues. He graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Sociology and Theatre/Film and is an Artist Inc Fellow.

Brandon Schlautman, PhD, Lead Scientist – Perennial Legumes, The Land Institute
Brandon has spent years immersed in the science of plants, studying biology at Nebraska Wesleyan University and earning a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At The Land Institute, Brandon focuses on breeding perennial legumes, exploring their important contributions to both human nutrition and soil quality. He brings imagination, curiosity, and meaning, rooting his work in its promise to future generations.

Jacob A. Miller-Klugesherz, MA, PhD candidate in sociology, Kansas State University
Jacob A. Miller-Klugesherz is a PhD candidate in sociology at Kansas State University, studying socio-political barriers to regenerative organic agricultural adoption and their effects on farmers’ identity formation, and farm scale’s relation to community wellbeing. His past research focused on material semiotics, ecospheric rhetoric, and public speaking. A sixth-generation Kansasn, his non-academic interests include political advocacy, cooking, gardening, and all things basketball.