This year, we will begin celebrating a milestone. For the past 100 years, Farm Bureau has been a voice for you – our state’s farmers and ranchers. This century celebration is a testament to our grassroots efforts, our statewide advocacy and the national presence Farm Bureau has developed. It is our members who get off their farms, so they can stay on the farm who make this organization great.

It’s members like Amy France from Wichita County, who served as the 2017 Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee Chair, who helped coordinate YF&R groups who traveled across states to deliver supplies and volunteer time to those in need after the devastating wildfires that swept across parts of Kansas last spring. She and others helped raise more than $150,000 for the families who were impacted in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. When Farm Bureau members step up, great things happen in the face of disaster. We’re proud of the work she does and the help she provided.

It’s members like Orrin Holle from Rawlins County and Carrie Fraser from Cloud County who competed in the Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag competitions, respectively, at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 99th annual convention in Nashville, Tenn. They understand the importance of agriculture, hold true to their family values and continue to grow and develop as leaders in our organization.

And it’s members like you – those who participate in Farm Bureau leadership training and events – who keep our organization moving forward. No company or organization can achieve success without people like our members who are loyal, who work hard in the face of unnecessary regulations and who defend their livelihood.

We know the great work from our members is never over. Whether it’s implementing a kid’s ag day in their community, providing testimony on issues important to their operation at the statehouse or visiting with their lawmakers in Washington, D.C., everything our members do to advocate, educate and serve are greatly appreciated. I know the great Farm Bureau members in Kansas will continue this tradition of hard work for the next 100 years.

Because you work hard, so will we. We will continue to monitor issues affecting you, both nationally and those closer to home. We know trade is important to the farmers and ranchers of Kansas and across this great nation and we are hopeful for a positive outcome. We will do the same when it comes to taxes that impact you, water rights, crop insurance and the farm bill. To stay up-to-date on legislative proposals, sign up for e-news, make sure you’re receiving Farm Leader Letter and visit www.kfb.org/advocacy to sign up with your preferred method of communication for action alerts and legislative updates. Something we couldn’t say 100 years ago, but has become an integral communication opportunity, is to follow us on social media. We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

On behalf of everyone at Kansas Farm Bureau, we are honored to serve for you and be your voice when it needs to be heard. Thank you for a great year in 2017. We’re excited to kick off our centennial celebration this year. One of the first ways we’re achieving this is by the release of Kansas Farm Bureau staffer John Schlageck’s beautiful collection of stories and photos in his “Our Land, Our Lives” book. It is available for purchase here.

To make sure we're achieving our members' needs, Kansas Farm Bureau will launch a two-year strategic planning effort coinciding with our centennial celebration. We're asking for your input to get us started. Help us by completing a brief survey here. 

Thank you for all your efforts in 2017 and let's make 2018 great.