County Farm Bureau board members are the boots on the ground who turn grassroots ideas into action. Whether they're serving hamburgers at the county fair, teaching students about agriculture or helping shape statewide policy, these local leaders keep Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) moving forward.

Board members are volunteers, although many of the positions are filled by people like Linn County Farm Bureau board member Eric Castle, who describes himself as a Farm Bureau lifer because his dad served on the county Farm Bureau board.

“I had just moved back and walked into the grocery store one day and saw the local Farm Bureau president who said, ‘I’m buying your Farm Bureau membership, and you’re about to be on the board,’” Castle says, noting he’s been a board member ever since, serving in numerous roles.

SAYING YES

Serving at the local level has opened doors to leadership roles at the state and national level for Castle and his wife, April, who served on the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) committee at both levels. Castle says he’s also encouraged by seeing others in his community step up to make an impact.

“One of our board members served on the state wheat committee,” he says. “Some of those discussions made it to KFB’s annual meeting where we adopt policy. He's like, ‘I actually got to sit in those meetings and be a voice for what we're doing.’ That's always fun to sit back and see, like our big scope of things, like what our little Linn County can accomplish on the state side of things.”

Each county Farm Bureau is its own entity, and Linn County's board is relatively small, with just four members. Castle says that’s a good thing because it allows flexibility when scheduling meetings in addition to accommodating the rest of a busy life. But stretching for new opportunities offers plenty of rewards.

“I'm a high school ag teacher, so we are constantly on the run,” he says. “Sometimes it's not the easiest. I tell this to my students all the time to reach out for the next opportunity.”

Castle says he and his wife initially turned down the opportunity to serve on the national YF&R committee after being asked over dinner one evening. Then he thought of his students and how he’s always encouraging them to take advantage of new opportunities.

“It's been a huge blessing, and we cannot thank Farm Bureau enough for everything that they've provided for us in our community, at state level and even here in our own household,” Castle says.

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Abbie Powell didn’t have much exposure to Farm Bureau before she joined the Bourbon County board, but her work with K-State Extension gave her plenty of experience with how boards operate.

“I did not know any of the people on the board at all,” Powell says. “I hadn't been very involved so I took it as an opportunity, because it's a good way to give back and be involved.”

In addition to meeting several new people on the Bourbon County Farm Bureau board, Powell says she also learned about the difference between the membership side of the organization and the financial services side. She also learned that being the new person with new ideas carries some risk.

“It’s just how I am, I jump right into everything,” Powell says. “Our county coordinator was a little concerned when the new board member came to the meeting and has all these ideas.”

Powell says the county coordinator relaxed once it became clear that Powell was willing to help implement all of her ideas, rather than leave them for the county coordinator to put in place.

“Now we're kind of looking at how we can provide some education to the public,” Powell says. “We're maybe reaching a few more people and being more seen and more recognizable in the community. I think a big thing for me is to keep doing the things that other board members found value in, as well as bringing in some new pieces.”

WHY IT MATTERS

For Powell, joining the Bourbon County Farm Bureau board in addition to working a day job and running a ranch was an easy decision because she knew it was an opportunity to give back to the same community she lives in and values.

“I find value in our youth,” she says. “I find value in our role as stewards of the land and agriculture. And I find value in providing for my family and agriculture through my job with Extension. When you find value in those things, you find the motivation to do them.”

She also says a county Farm Bureau offers a great way to gain experience in a board setting to see if you have an interest in serving in other ways, whether that’s another board, a county commission or even a higher office.

“It gives you an opportunity outside of the normal routine,” Powell says. “It gives you an opportunity to learn more about agriculture, not just in Kansas, but nationally and internationally as well.”

Whether members come from longtime Farm Bureau families or are joining for the first time, county boards offer a chance to strengthen their communities while helping shape the future of Kansas agriculture. For Castle and Powell, that service has proven rewarding both personally and professionally.

If you’ve been asked to serve, consider the contributions you can make in your community and say yes. Your impact could mean advocating for agriculture on the local, state and national levels to protect your livelihood. Learn more about how to get involved in your county Farm Bureau by connecting with them. You can find contact information for all 105 county Farm Bureaus at www.kfb.org/contact.