Kansas Farm Bureau Honors a Century of Agriculture Achievements
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A key advocate for Kansas agriculture, the Kansas Farm Bureau recently passed a celebratory milestone of 100 years – and there’s no doubt it’s ready and raring for the next century.
“The Kansas Farm Bureau was formed in 1919 when a group of farmers realized they could do much more together than they ever could alone,” says Meagan Cramer, director of communication and marketing for KFB. “Their goal was to promote the development of the most profitable and permanent system of agriculture, the most wholesome and satisfactory living conditions, the highest ideals in home and community life, and a general interest in the farm business and rural life.”
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Those ideals have stood the test of time, and Cramer says with 100 years of history, there are several key highlights that show support of these ideals in action.
“A few I’d highlight would be members fighting for tax reform in 1924, the separation from extension in 1951, collegiate Farm Bureau chapters formed in 2005 and health care coverage access to KFB Health Plans in 2019,” Cramer says.
Recognizing Century Farms
KFB also honors the history of agriculture in the state through the Century Farm program, which was started in 1976. The program is open to any Kansas farm whose current owner or operator is related to the owner or operator of the farm for 100 years or more with at least 80 acres of original Kansas farmland.
“To date, almost 3,000 farms have been recognized,” Cramer says.
In 2019, the organization implemented the Sesquicentennial Farms program, which recognizes members who have farmland within the same family for 150 years or more.
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“It’s important to highlight these farms because it’s really a testament to the hard work and perseverance we see in so many farm families,” Cramer says. “Being recognized is a statement of pride and honor to many of the families who apply.”
Looking forward to the next 100 years, Cramer says KFB will continue to focus on its three pillars of advocacy, education and service.
“We will continue to provide these services, whether it’s making sure our members have access to affordable health care, pushing for broadband access or ensuring consumers never forget where their food really comes from,” she says. “In 100 years, KFB will still be relevant and working hard for its members across the state.”