MANHATTAN — Nearly 400 Farm Bureau members of Kansas on Monday wrapped up business for their farm organization during Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) 106th annual meeting.

The policies adopted will now become the organization’s road map for the 2025 legislative session. Topics of discussion included water, animal health and energy, among other issues.

The organization presented its Distinguished Service Award for exemplary contributions to agriculture in the state. Local award winner was Keith Miller, Barton County, represented KFB’s Seventh District on Kansas Farm Bureau’s board of directors for 17 years. He also served as the Barton County Farm Bureau president and was the American Farm Bureau Federation International Trade Committee chairman. Beyond Farm Bureau, he has held leadership roles that work to advance issues like international trade, regional water issues, and has helped high school students with state fair projects. In August 2024, The Kansas Soybean Commission elected Keith as its chairman.

Wilson County farmer Joe Newland was reelected as president. Others elected to the board of directors include: George Pretz, Miami County; Steve McCloud, Harvey County; Doug Zillinger, Phillips County; Joe Jury, Gray County; Caleb Mattix, Thomas County.

Rep. Tracey Mann, KFB staff and American Farm Bureau Federation staff provided updates on the 2024 election and the outlook for the coming year. Other activities included a host of agriculture-related workshops and speakers, including a keynote discussion between Diane Sullivan, co-founder of Equitable Spaces, and Brian Klippenstein, a previous executive director of Protect the Harvest and senior advisor to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, about the importance of freedom to operate on farms and ranches.

County Farm Bureaus and volunteers were recognized for their 2024 achievements. Also, Kansas Farm Bureau staff provided policy updates on issues important to agriculture.

A silent auction sponsored by the Women’s Leadership Committee raised more $6,000 for mental health resources.

The KFB Foundation for Agriculture Fundraiser “A Night in Vegas” raised more than $21,000, which benefits the End Hunger campaign.