Home    l    About KFB    l    Our family of sites   l   For consumers   l   Logins    l    Links    l    Contact us    l    Join

   
                                                  


Mission of the Committee:
"The Kansas Farm Bureau Women's Committee contributes an essential perspective to the organization, broadening opportunities for women to become increasingly involved in all aspects of Farm Bureau, actively participating in the implementation of priority issues involving agriculture education, improving the quality of life in rural communities, promotion of the industry and agricultural advocacy."

2007 Census of Agriculture - Women Farmers
The 2007 Census of Agriculture shows that women have a growing presence in U.S. agriculture.  Women are running more farms and ranches, operating more land, and producing a greater value of agricultural products than they were five years ago.


Ag Ed Resources

Benefit Silent Auction

KFB Women's Leadership Conference
 

Food Check-Out Week

Guide to Programs
 

Meet the State Committee

White-Reinhardt Fund Awards

 

Women's Committee Meetings

 

Women Managing the Farm

 


 

 
 

2009 Benefit Silent Auction

The annual Benefit Silent Auction hosted by the State Committee of Farm Bureau Women is scheduled for November 20th during the KFB Annual Meeting. 

We would like to have the Silent Auction set up and ready to accept bids by 7 a.m. when registration opens for the annual meeting Nov. 20.   For that to happen, we will need your items in advance (the sooner the better).  Upon receipt of your donation, a picture and description will be posted below.  

Click here for a donation form.  

Tip: Type "Control F" then "County Name or Persondonating the item as search criteria to find the item you are interested in.  All items are listed in the order they were received.

2009 Benefit Silent Auction Items
(click on the picture to enlarge)
 

2009 Results

Total Items Received = 124

Total Amount Raised = $4,303


A BIG thank you to all those donating to the 2009 Benefit Silent Auction!!
 

Item Donated
"The Hub" Wooden Sign

Donated by: Member Services

Value: Priceless
Winning Bid: $15


Item Donated
Framed Picture / 4-H Project

Donated by: Johnson Co. FB

Value: $65.00
Winning Bid: $16
 

Item Donated
Wooden Shelf  / 4-H Project

Donated by: Johnson Co. FB

Value: $55
Winning Bid: $35

 

Item Donated
B & B Quality Meats Gift Certificate

Donated by: Pawnee County

Value: $50
Winning Bid: $30


Item Donated
KSU Clock & Bag Tag

Donated by: Decatur County

Value: $40
Winning Bid: $22
 
 


Item Donated
Pumpkin Floral Arrangement

Donated by: Douglas County

Value: $70
Winning Bid: $36
 

 


Item Donated
Blown Glass Reed Difuser w/ Oil & Gift Certificate for Stained Glass Class

Donated by: Sedgwick County

Value: $130
Winning Bid: $26
 
 

Item Donated
Hand Embroidered Tea Towel Set

Donated by: Gove County

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $31
 

Item Donated
Handmade Santa Hanging

Donated by: Barton County

Value: $60
Winning Bid: $30
 

Item Donated
Handmade Santa "Welcome" Hanging

Donated by: Jeanne Wedd, Barton County Board Member

Value: $40
Winning Bid: $36
 


Item Donated
Canvas 2007 CA Merlot



Donated by: California Farm Bureau

Value: $18
Winning Bid: $20
 
 


Item Donated
Basket of KS Products



Donated by: Kansas Living

Value: $35
Winning Bid: $30
 

Item Donated
Monopoly
(John Deere Collector's Edition)



Donated by: Sherman County

Value: $31
Winning Bid: $42
 
 

Item Donated
Framed Print
"The Final Tally"




Donated by: Phillips County

Value: $75
Winning Bid: $70
 
 
Item Donated
K-State Lamp



Donated by: Kansas Young Farmers & Ranchers

Value: $65
Winning Bid: $48
 
Item Donated
Book & CD



Donated by: Baxter Black

Value: $45
Winning Bid: $40
 

Item Donated
Boots & Sunflower Floral Arrangement



Donated by: Miami County

Value: $45
Winning Bid: $29
 
 
Item Donated
Lady Bug Relish Tray
& Dish Set




Donated by: Blueville Nursery & Garden Store

Value: $45
Winning Bid: $19
 
 

Item Donated
5' x 6' Handmade Denim Quilt



Donated by: Joanie Avants / Wilson County FB

Value: $150
Winning Bid: $200
 
 

Item Donated
HorseThief Reservoir
Annual Vehicle Permit
(1 of 3)




Donated by: Hodgeman County FB

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $20
 
 

Item Donated
HorseThief Reservoir
Annual Vehicle Permit

(2 of 3)



Donated by: Hodgeman County FB

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $19
 
 

Item Donated
HorseThief Reservoir
Annual Vehicle Permit
(3 of 3)




Donated by: Hodgeman County FB

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $18
 
 
Item Donated
ProHoe H575G & Supply Basket



Donated by: Republic County FB

Value: $60
Winning Bid: $30
 

Item Donated
XL Carhartt Vest



Donated by: Saline County FB

Value: $65
Winning Bid: $29
 
 

Item Donated
Midland WC10 Emergency Radio



Donated by: KFB Marketing Division

Value: $40
Winning Bid: $31
 
 

Item Donated
KFB Apron
(1 of 4)




Donated by: KFB Member Relations Division

Value: $15
Winning Bid: $18
 
 
Item Donated
KFB Apron
(2 of 4)




Donated by: KFB Member Relations Division

Value: $15
Winning Bid: $20
 

Item Donated
KFB Apron
(3 of 4)




Donated by: KFB Member Relations Division

Value: $15
Winning Bid: $25

 
Item Donated
KFB Apron
(4 of 4)




Donated by: KFB Member Relations Division

Value: $15
Winning Bid: $20
 
Item Donated
Towel Set Embroidered w/ Wheat



Donated by: Pratt County FB

Value: $35
Winning Bid: $22
  

Item Donated
4' x 5' Fleece Embroidered w/ Farm Scene



Donated by: Pratt County FB

Value: $45
Winning Bid: $22
 
 

Item Donated
K-State Penguin



Donated by: Mitchell County FB

Value: $17
Winning Bid: $29
 
 

Item Donated
Post Rock w/ JD Tractor



Donated by: Mitchell Co FB

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $21
 
 
Item Donated
Painted Post Rock - Golfer



Donated by: Mitchell Co FB

Value: $22
Winning Bid: $15

Item Donated
Painted Post Rock - Covered Wagon



Donated by: Mitchell Co FB

Value: $26
Winning Bid: $18

Item Donated
Wheat Windmill



Donated by: Mitchell Co FB

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $19
 

Item Donated
Stained Glass Sunflower



Donated by: Mitchell Co FB

Value: $16
Winning Bid: $15
 

Item Donated
Santa's Milk & Cookies Basket



Donated by: Trego Co FB

Value: $50
Winning Bid: $24
 

Item Donated
Wyldewood Cellars Wine Basket



Donated by: Wabaunsee Co FB

Value: $35
Winning Bid: $25
 

Item Donated
Stained Glass Whirl - PowerCat Design



Donated by: Sumner Co FB

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $39
 
Item Donated
Stained Glass Whirl - FB Design



Donated by: Sumner Co FB

Value: $25
Winning Bid: $20
 
Item Donated
Metal Chicken



Donated by: Ellis Co FB

Value: $45
Winning Bid: $25
 

Item Donated
KU Mugs and Coasters



Donated by: Ellis Co FB

Value: $50
Winning Bid: $47
 

Item Donated
Snowman



Donated by: Labette Co FB

Value: $50
Winning Bid: $41
 


Item Donated
K-State Mr. Potato Head

Donated by: Kansas Farm Bureau

Value: $20
Winning Bid: $22

 

Item Donated
K-State Cooler

Donated by: Kansas Farm Bureau

Value: $23
Winning Bid: $26
 


Item Donated
John Deere Collectable by Jim Shore



Donated by: KFB Administration

Value: $50
Winning Bid: $40
 


Item Donated
K-State Tie

Donated by: Kansas Farm Bureau

Value: $28
Winning Bid: $28
 


Item Donated
K-State Heritage Banner

Donated by: Kansas Farm Bureau

Value: $26
Winning Bid: $40
 

Item Donated
K-State Glass Keepsake Box

Donated by: Kansas Farm Bureau

Value: $18
Winning Bid: $17
 

Item Donated
Mirror w/ Etched KFB Logo

Donated by: Pottawatomie County FB

Value: $50
Winning Bid: $40


Item Donated
Candle Holder w/ Candle

Donated by: Chautauqua Co FB

Value: $50
Winning Bid: $30
 

Item Donated
K-State Tailgating Tin

Donated by: Riley County FB

Value: $65
Winning Bid: $68

 


Item Donated
K-State Sign

Donated by: Russell County FB

Value: $23
Winning Bid: $40

 


Item Donated
Kailey's Ag Adventure Book Series, Plush Cow & Delicious Taffy

Donated by: Kansas Farm Bureau's Safety & Ag Ed Division

Value: $45
Winning Bid: $40

Thank you for your support!

Benefit Auction proceeds will help place Kailey's Ag Adventure Book Series into Kansas Classrooms!

All other items received but not pictured above...
Description Donated By Value Winning Bid
Antique Coffee Grinder Anderson County FB $30 $22
Laser Cut Power Cat Candle Montgomery County FB $40 $25
Laser Cut Power Cat Candle Montgomery County FB $40 $21
Laser Cut Power Cat Hanger Montgomery County FB $25 $32
Candles & KFB Brick Cloud County FB $35 $18
Candles & FB Brick Cloud County FB $35 $21
Bone Appétit Basket Donise Peterson $15 $30
Holiday Cardinals Lyon County FB $30 $35
Glinda Basket Seward County FB $50 $22
Wooden Lamp Butler County FB $60 $42
Antique Scythe Harvey County FB $50 $80
Fall Scents Gift Basket Neosho County FB $35 $20
Yoder Gift Basket Reno County FB $50 $24
Religious Books & CD Sheridan County FB $45 $19
Wine Holder & Wine (3) Wyandotte County FB $55 $45
International Tractor Reno County FB $80 $125
Tractor Silhouette in Disc Allen County FB $50 $29
Handmade Stoneware Ford County FB $35 $45
"Rhythm of the Seasons" Book Leavenworth County FB $20 $24
Prairie Girl Pillowcases Leavenworth County FB $12 $16
Runner w/ Lace Leavenworth County FB $12 $15
Heart Pillowcases Leavenworth County FB $12 $22
Embroidered Dishtowels Ness County FB $80 $42
Red Purse Haskell County FB $75 $50
Kailey Puppet and Book Helen Norris $55 $32
Horseshoe Coat Rack Elk County FB $20 $33
Metal Cows Marshall County FB $40 $137
"Yard Cat" Harper County FB $30 $46
50 Sporting Shots (2) Cherokee County FB $42 $26
50 Sporting Shots (2) Cherokee County FB $42 $30
Sepia Picture Series Osborne County FB $20 $39
John Deere Gift Box - Male Dickinson County FB $45 $55
John Deere Gift Box - Female Dickinson County FB $45 $27
Metal Rain Gage Bourbon County FB $25 $35
FB Blanket Gray County FB $36 $40
Sunflower Wind Chime Rooks County FB $35 $54
Blue Table Runner Scott County FB $45 $18
Purple/Pink Table Runner Scott County FB $45 $17
Pink/Green Table Runner Scott County FB $45 $15
Metal Pumpkin w/ Fudge Franklin County FB $40 $45
Silver Bracelet & Chain Linn County FB $50 $60
Pheasant Feather Wreath Graham County FB $50 $53
Toy Dinosaur Graham County FB $50 $40
Honey Basket Washington County FB $35 $21
Nash Originals Confections Comanche County FB $50 $38
Rope Basket Thomas County FB $25 $25
Barbed Wire Cross Thomas County FB $15 $24
Pumpkin/Sunflower Plate Cheyenne County FB $40 $17
Not a Creature Stirring Shawnee County FB $30 $24
K-State Purse Shawnee County FB $40 $21
Metal Sunflower Vase Logan County FB $53 $30
K-State Dip Tray Nemaha County FB $43 $40
Glass Sunflower Plate Osage County FB $45 $30
Placemats & Barbed Wire Windmill Greenwood County FB $20 $25
Stone Post Bookends Rush County FB $25 $37
Set of Angels (3) Stafford County FB $45 $22
K-State Rock Smith County FB $25 $40
Breakfast Box Jewell County FB $25 $19
Kansas Foods Basket Lincoln County FB $60 $29
Walnut Valley Festival Tickets (2) Cowley County FB $180 $120
K-State Travel Pillow Hamilton County FB $25 $20
K-State Travel Pillow Hamilton County FB $25 $20
Metal Sunflowers Norton County FB $80 $50
FB Rhinestone Logo Shirt Coffey County FB $22 $26
FB Rhinestone Logo Shirt Coffey County FB $22 $30
Jam Basket Greeley County FB $30 $40
Welcome Box w/ Candle Doniphan County FB $35 $17
FB Stadium Chair Rice County FB $45 $35
Kaleidoscope Stanton County FB $100 $80

2008 Benefit Silent Auction

Total items received = 119!
* $3,867 was evenly divided between the KFB Foundations. 
 

Thank you for the generous donations that have made this event a success since 1995!  This collective effort has raised $43,252!  Our goal this year is to raise $5,000 benefitting the KFB Foundation for Agriculture.  As the graph indicates, we came close in 2004 but never quite made it. This is our year to make it happen!

 

 

2009 KFB Women's Leadership Conference - Growing Leaders through Partnerships and Programs
The KFB Women's Leadership Conference was held in Manhattan, April 8 & 9.  This year's theme "Growing Leaders through Partnerships and Programs" builds on last year's theme, "Planting Seeds to Harvest Leaders."

Here are some of the pictures from the conference...
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
 

 


White-Reinhardt Fund Awards
 
The AFBF Foundation is pleased to announce its 7th year of offering scholarships and mini-grants through the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education.  Applications for the 2010 program year are now available at the Foundation’s Web site (scholarship tab).

The Mini-Grant Program funds projects that will increase agricultural literacy.  County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for grants of up to $500 for classroom education programs for grades K-12 to initiate new programs or expand existing programs to additional grade levels or new subject areas.  Grants are available on a competitive basis.

The National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference Educator Scholarship program is to provide travel expense funds to educators employed by a school system to attend the national conference and then use the information gained to expand their outreach to students regarding food, fiber and fuel.  Educators employed by a school system and working in grades K-12 who have demonstrated involvement in  agricultural literacy programs are eligible to apply.

Specific guidelines and deadlines for the application process can be found on each application, but all applications must be signed by a state Farm Bureau contact and postmarked to the Foundation by November 2, 2009.

The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education is a special project of the Foundation in cooperation with the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. It was established to honor two former chairs of that committee, Berta
White and former chair of the Kansas Farm Bureau Women's Committee, Linda Reinhardt, who were leaders in the national effort to improve agricultural literacy.


 



Women's Committee Meetings

The State Committee of Farm Bureau Women met November 19, 2009 in Manhattan, KS.  Click here to see the minutes from the meeting. 

Committee members and several KFB staff members toured
The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead prior to the August 09 meeting.  Those pictures are posted below.
(click on the picture to enlarge)


 


 


 



Women Managing the Farm

Save this date! February 5-6, 2010.  This year's conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita, Kan.

Another year of fantastic keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions and great networking is planned for the 2010 Women Managing the Farm Conference!  Watch for more information which will be posted
here.

 

 

Meet Your State Women's Committee

CHAIR
Helen Norris - Sumner County
Serving since 1993


Helen Norris was elected Kansas Farm Bureau Women’s Committee chair at the 1997 KFB annual meeting and serves as the Kansas Farm Bureau Women's Committee chair. 

Norris serves on the American Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee, being elected at the 2003 AFB Annual Meeting.

She has previously served as Women's Committee Chair for the KFB 4th District and Sumner County Farm Bureau.  She has also served as the Sumner County Farm Bureau president of the Board, secretary of the Board and safety chair.

She was the 1990 KFB Leader of the Year, and in 1996 Norris and her family won the Sumner County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year Award. She received the 1995 Sumner County Extension Council Appreciation Award and the 1996 Sumner County Fried of 4-H Award. In 1997 she conducted seminars in Russia about farm association organization and fun raising.  In 1999 and 2001, she conducted seminars in Ukraine about record keeping and farm management.

Norris continues to work with Sumner County Farm Bureau. She is an active member of the Wellington Church of Christ which includes teaching Ladies Bible Class.  She and her husband have worked with the "Let's Start Talking", teaching English in Thailand using the book of Luke.

She attended Oklahoma Christian College and Kansas State University, earning a bachelor's of home economics education and a master's of Foods Nutrition from Kansas State University.  Norris and her husband, Thomas, have three grown children: Marty Sue, Eric and Lisa.  She is also a proud grandmother of four.

 

DISTRICT ONE
Jennifer Brunkow - Pottawatomie County
Serving since 2008


Hi! I'm Jennifer Brunkow.  In 2008 I was elected District 1 Women's Chair.  My husband, Glenn and I farm and ranch in Pottawatomie county with our two children Isaac (11) and Tatum (9).  We just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary in November.  I always joke about how we raise whatever isn't making money that year.  but, we do raise Angus cattle, Crossbred cattle, sell Angus bulls, wheat, milo, soybeans and hay.  I'm a firm believer that educating the consumer and the youth of America is
what we as producer have to continually do.


DISTRICT TWO
Lois Moss - Johnson County
Serving since 2007


Hi, I'm Lois Moss and I have served on the State Women's Committee for the 2nd District since 2007.

For 30  years I dedicated myself to education and the growth of the upcoming generation.  Now being on the Johnson County Farm Bureau Association Board, I have been very active in all of their many projects.  All of my life I have enjoyed doing for others.

My husband Bob and I run a small cow/calf herd, Angus and Hereford, in Johnson County and in Douglas County we have our row crops, soybeans and corn.  We attend numerous workshops on crops, farm and cattle management and continually work toward improving our operation.

Bob works as an outside salesperson for NAPA.  This means winter and summer chores are up to Bucky, our yellow lab, and myself during the week.

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, cooking, gardening and anything new, creative, and challenging.

Our lives have been blessed being able to continue as the 3rd generation on our family farm.


 

DISTRICT THREE
Karma Michael - Crawford County
Serving since 2008


Karma was elected District 3 Farm Bureau Women's Committee Chair at the 2008 annual meeting.

Karma currently serves on the Crawford County Farm Bureau Board as Women's Chair.

Karma graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center with a degree in Health Information Management.  She works part-time for the Girard Medical Center as a coding specialist.  Karma also teaches medical coding classes for Fort Scott Community College.

Besides her involvement with Farm Bureau, Karma is also a member of the McCune-Girard Young Farm Wives, Secretary of the McCune Community Center Board, Vice-President of the McCune Attendance Center PTO, and active with her children in 4-H.  Karma’s family was chosen as the Crawford County Farm Family of the Year for 2008.

Karma became involved in farming when she married her husband Jim in 1997.  Jim and Karma farm with Jim’s parents in Crawford County.  They have a diversified farm of corn, wheat, soybeans, and cattle.  They also have two daughters, Morgan (9) and Taylor (6).



DISTRICT FOUR
Susan Long - Cowley County
Serving Since 2007

Susan Long was elected District 4 Farm Bureau Women's Committee chair at the 2007 annual meeting.

Susan serves on the Cowley County Farm Bureau Board as Vice President and Women's Chair.

When Susan gets involved in a project it is with 100% dedication. 
Hands-on activities for women and farmers in general are projects that especially appeal to Susan. Several projects including Women’s Only Farm Tour, International School Lunch Program, Food Check Out Day, Day at the State House, Farm City Week, Cowley County Fair Booth, century Farms, Annual County Meeting, Scholarships, Ag Safety Week, Listening Post, and Issue Surfacing tells how involved Susan is in her Farm Bureau work.

In addition to Farm Bureau, Susan is involved with her work and community.   Susan has worked for the Farm Service Agency in Cowley County for over 18 years.  She is a member of Soroptimist, a National women helping women organization
where she just served a 3 year term as Vice President and was co-chair of the Projects and Community Committee. She is a member of the local American Legion Women's Auxiliary.  She also serves on the Kansas Association of Support Employees Board as Past President and the National Association of Support Employees as President.  Susan is active in her church.

Susan helps her husband Darrell farm in Cowley County; they raise Wheat, Soybeans, Sunflowers, Milo and vegetables in the garden.  Darrell is a Captain at the Winfield Fire Department and currently serves on the Valley Coop Board and is a Trustee and Deacon in his church.

Darrell and Susan have two awesome sons; David and Matthew. 
David travels around the central United States building swimming pools.  Matthew is a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp and just married in April 2008.  He is currently deployed to Afghanistan.  Please keep our service men and women in your prayers.  God Bless America!


 

DISTRICT FIVE
Marilyn Martin - Cloud County
Serving since 2006

Bio not available

 


DISTRICT SIX
Brenda Dooley - Jewell County
Serving since 2007

Bio not available

 

DISTRICT SEVEN
Marjorie Cartmill - Harper Co.
Serving since 2006

I was elected to the State Women's Committee in 2006. I have served as the Women's Chair at the county level since 1998 and during that time I served one term as Vice President and 2 terms as President. I have served the past nine years as an advisor to the County FSA board and have recently been elected to a two-year term on the FSA board.  I do volunteer work for the Anthony Ministerial Alliance, served as the chairperson for the nominating committee for the Harper County Conservation District and I am very active in the Anthony Assembly of God church.

My Husband Dan, who is a retired Hospital Administrator and I have a cow/calf operation and grow wheat and hay. I enjoy doing anything outside.

We have three children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren which we enjoying spoiling.

 


DISTRICT EIGHT
Signe Barnes - Ness County
Serving since 1990

Signe Barnes has been the Ness County Women's Chair for several years.

The main project we have participated in has been Food Check-out Day.  We have had displays in the grocery store, sold bread for .10 a loaf (about the farmers share of wheat in the loaf), given away gift certificates for groceries to the needy, contributed to the food bank in the county, put table tents in several restaurants. I also gave a presentation to the Rotary club explaining Food Check-out Day.  During Kansas week in January I have done the Ice Cream in a Bag for school children.

 

DISTRICT NINE / VICE CHAIR
Gay Beth Moore - Haskell County
Serving since 1971

Bio not available



DISTRICT TEN
Susan May - Decatur County
Serving since 2007


Susan and Roger May farm with Roger's family in Decatur county, in western Kansas.  The May family homesteaded the land in 1887, and Roger is the fifth generation to farm this land.

Susan and Roger are the parents of two wonderful children: Ryan, 12, and Erin, 6.  They are past members of the Young Farmer and Rancher State Committee, and the winner of the AFBF's YF&R Achievement Award in 1992.  Susan won the Outstanding Yourg Farm Woman Award.  Both Roger and Susan have held many local offices in the Decatur County Farm Bureau Association.  Susan served on the Public Image Task Force.

We have a cow/calf operation and sell certified seed wheat.  We grow wheat, corn, milo, sorgum and hay.  Roger currently serves on the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Crop Improvement Association.

Susan is a teacher, writer, photographer, and gymnastics coach.  She is currently employed by the Insight School of Kansas.

She is active in community service, 4-H, and church projects.  She currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the Decatur County Extension Service, and on the local Board of Directors for Sunflower Cinema.  Susan enjoys gardening, reading, and scrapbooking.

Susan graduated from Fort Hays State University with Summa Cum Laude honors.  She is extremely committed to the promotion of agriculture.  Her favorite quote is "bloom where you are planted."
 

Board Advisor:
Helen Norris (Serves as Chair)

Staff Liaisons:
Holly Higgins - Director
Serita Blankenship - Program Assistant

 

 

Women's Committee Guide to Programs

Letter from the Chair
Committee Overview
2010 Planning Calendar

An Off-the-Farm Job and the Farm Bureau Women's Committee

 

 

 

 

 

Kansas Farm Bureau, 2627 KFB Plaza, Manhattan, Kansas 66503 - 785.587.6000