Aug 10, 2026
By Stephanie Eckroat
Kansas farmers know how to work through the heat, and they proved it on July 27 when 220 members and guests showed up without hesitation for the Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. As part of the statewide Farm Bureau network, Sedgwick County Farm Bureau works to support farmers through advocacy, education, leadership development and community engagement. The organization serves as a voice for agriculture, ensuring farmers of every size have representation and resources to strengthen their operations and their communities.
Attendees were greeted with a hearty meal and warm conversation before the annual meeting and awards ceremony, which honored families whose dedication to farming spans generations. The Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farm Awards—Kansas Farm Bureau programs that recognize member families who have maintained continuous ownership of at least 80 acres of their original Kansas farmland for 100 years or 150 years, respectively, were presented to R&D Family Farm, Maplewood Farms owned by Charleene Briggs, and the Greg and Jane Neville family. Sesquicentennial honors were awarded to Linus and Romella Rausch, Andrew and Shevell Bowman, and Wetta Farms. The Family Farm Award was given to Ashton Schneider and her daughter Greta, whose commitment to agriculture and family stewardship earned heartfelt applause from the crowd. These recognitions celebrated more than longevity; they honored resilience, heritage, and the families who continue to shape Sedgwick County’s agricultural identity.
Just outside the event venue at Klausmeyer’s Pumpkin Patch, guests were welcomed by a charming mini-farmers market featuring local niche producers. Twisted Sister Pretzels, Jirak Kids Produce Stand, Woodard Cattle Company, First Man Brewery and Winter Farms with their sweet corn created a lively, hands-on experience for attendees. Every guest received a coupon to kick off their shopping, and many eagerly exceeded that amount, taking home fresh food, supporting their neighbors and keeping their dollars local. The market offered more than goods; it offered connection, pride and a reminder of how deeply agriculture ties the community together.
This year, the Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Board of Directors emphasized a unified message: every farmer contributes to the county’s agricultural strength, whether operating hundreds of acres or a small specialty stand. Their goal was clear: bring together and promote smaller niche farmers while continuing to celebrate traditional farms and ranches that have long been the backbone of Sedgwick County agriculture. The sentiment echoed throughout the evening: we all do the same thing, only on a different scale.
As the sun set over Klausmeyer’s Pumpkin Patch, guests left with full bellies, full hearts and a renewed sense of unity. The Annual Meeting highlighted a community that honors its past while embracing its future — one where every farmer, from century-old operations to new niche growers, has a place and a voice.
If you have an interest in purchasing local or supporting agriculture as a member of Kansas Farm Bureau, check out the links below. If you're not a member, learn more and join here.