May 1, 2007
 |
The 'KFB Masters'
program
Charlie
Sargent
“Agriculture
is so simple
everybody should understand
it, BUT is so complex
and complicated
hardly anyone knows
everything about this
impressive industry |
No matter who you are, there is always
something more to learn. That is
especially true in agriculture. In
agriculture there is no end to gaining
knowledge - - - of the past and the
present, in order to plan for the
future.
I’ve had the pleasure of working in
Kansas Farm Bureau with an educational
program focused on the fundamentals of
agriculture. It is called the “Masters”.
The original idea was to provide a “see
it first hand” agricultural experience
by going to places in agriculture (farm,
grain elevator, flour mill, ranch,
legislature, processor, research
facility, etc…) in order to establish
and broaden the farm and ranch knowledge
of Farm Bureau staff. It is a learning
process to “connect the dots” of
agriculture.
During the first eight years most
Masters participants have been staff and
volunteers from county Farm Bureaus,
Kansas Farm Bureau, and the Farm Bureau
companies. It’s been a great success.
Over 100 of 132 participants have
graduated by attending each of the six
one day sessions that are spread out
over nine months. Each day’s activities
are called capsules because a lot of
insight and understanding is captured in
a short amount of time.
We welcome application from anyone
interested in this learning experience.
It could be a teacher, a preacher, a
banker, a reporter, or anybody, yes even
a farmer or rancher. The program focuses
on the fundamentals of today's
agriculture, AND we travel to a few
different spots in Kansas so we see
agriculture up close with some
geographic variety. The participants
have had a range of previous experiences
from "no" agricultural background to "I
live on a farm". All of us can learn and
share our insights with others.
The capsules are listed below and more
details will be confirmed after the
participants for this year’s class are
selected.
Capsule 1 -
Agriculture the Foundation (August
in Manhattan area)
Farm, Equipment, Livestock & Crops.
Capsule 2 - Relating
Agriculture to FB's Role (October in
Thomas County)
Food & Fiber in Modern Times, Why Farm
Bureau.
Capsule 3 -
Farm Bureau Takes a Stand
(November in Manhattan)
Policy Development, Becoming One Voice.
Capsule 4 -
Implementing Developed Policy
(February in Topeka)
In the Capitol
with our Lobbyists, Impacting the
Decision Makers.
Capsule 5 - Building
the Agricultural Network (April in
Stafford County)
Growing,
Processing and Retailing Agriculture.
Capsule 6 - Delivering
the Message
(April in
Manhattan)
Agriculture is
International, Telling the Stories of
Agriculture.
If this sounds of interest to you or
someone you know just complete the
application or contact me at Kansas Farm
Bureau
sargentc@kfb.org or 785-587-6112.
Get the 'Masters' printable application
