During our first session of Leadership KFB in January this year, our program coordinator, Myndi Krafft, described the general theme of each of our future sessions with just a few words. Our final in-state session to be held in western Kansas was described as the scope and scale of agriculture in Kansas. As a lifelong western Kansas resident, this felt like a no-brainer. If you want to learn about large-scale agriculture and experience the diversity of agriculture, western Kansas is the perfect region to showcase it. Even though I live in western Kansas, I wasn’t expecting to challenge my perception of what the scope of agriculture truly is and find very similar principles to leadership as well.

Our session began in Scott City at NuLife Market, where owner Earl Roemer is pushing the status quo for food production and finding new ways to process milo, which will be utilized in a variety of food products. We had the opportunity to try fresh-popped sorghum, and I was impressed. This brought forward the question, “How else is the traditional idea of agriculture being challenged?” 

Following NuLife Market, we headed to Kansas Dairy Development in Deerfield, where CEO Jason Shamburg is challenging the traditional perception of calf raising and heifer development in the dairy sector. I was finding myself starting to shift my idea of what the scope of agriculture in Kansas truly was.

Our conversations on Tuesday started at Tyson Fresh Meats, where we began to see and understand how vital cultural diversity has become to Finney County and the impact Tyson has had on that. With more than 20 languages spoken and many more when considering regional dialects, Tyson Fresh Meats sets a clear example of the value diversity brings to the table in agriculture. They find importance in relevant skills and abilities while also recognizing how each culture brings a unique but important perspective; this approach allows the company to be an example of embracing diversity. 

Growing up near Garden City, cultural diversity is easily visible throughout the community. Companies like Tyson are driving this diversity in the region. Embracing change and being receptive to diversity has set Garden City and the surrounding community up for success, not only in economic sustainability, but also in creating acceptance. 

Later that afternoon, in a conversation with the city manager of Garden City, Matt Allen, we once again found our conversation to center itself around the variety of cultures within the community, the way they have integrated themselves into the community and the role Garden City has played in creating a culture that encourages community, regardless of demographic background. His insight was simple — until a community fully welcomes cultural diversity and celebrates the value that differences in identity are an asset, each subculture is working separately from one another.

The same can be said about the agricultural industry as a whole. When we acknowledge differences in practices, it creates an opportunity for each party to have an impact on the industry. Throughout the remainder of our session, when we visited WindRiver Grain and Hy-Plains Feedyard, the agricultural side of this idea became more prevalent. Both companies have identified a need, and their goal is to be part of the solution.

While reflecting after our western Kansas session, it became more apparent the same could be said about leadership. That’s why programs like Leadership KFB are so important. They don’t exist to shape us into using one specific way of practicing leadership; rather, it encourages us to recognize differences in styles and be intentional about learning from one another. This growth can be seen in our communities and radiates into other sectors of our lives. Leadership development is crucial for communities to grow and thrive.

As we begin to wrap up our year as Leadership KFB Class XII, I can’t help but feel grateful for the time and dedication that the staff, guests and tours have put in to making this class a well-rounded opportunity for people just like you and me to dig in deep and develop leadership skills that are an incredible need in our communities. Applications for Class XIII will open on Sept. 1, and I truly cannot speak enough gratitude for this program. 

If you want to learn more about Leadership KFB and other programs like it, go here.