2014 Kansas Farmers Union State Convention
KFU Convention: In the News
2015 KFU Policy and Special Orders
Read the Latest Convention News
How to Feed Nine Billion People: a National Geographic photographer’s perspective
By Tom Parker If population continues to increase at its current pace, the world will tip the nine billion mark by 2050. That’s up from seven billion now, a number that during most stages of human development would have been [...]
Satisfying producers as well as consumers critical for building a successful co-op
By Tom Parker When the High Plains Food Cooperative in Atwood opened for business in May of 2008, its first shipment of 21 orders totaling $785 in products fit in the trunk of a car. Since then the cooperative has [...]
Kansas falling behind in feeding its own, study says
By Tom Parker The good news is, Kansas consumers spend $7.2 billion on food each year. The bad news is, $6.5 billion of it comes from beyond the state’s borders, obesity is on the rise, 56 percent of Kansas farmers [...]
Creating a New Paradigm in Ranch and Farm Management
By Tom Parker “What if we could create a new system?” Missouri rancher and farmer Cody Holmes asked members of the Kansas Farmers Union and the Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition during their annual convention in early December. His question wasn’t [...]
As Ogallala aquifer empties, group advocates for aqueduct to tap Missouri River
By Tom Parker Thinking Outside the Box, the theme for the annual Kansas Farmers Union convention held in early December, focused on alternative, if not visionary (and occasionally contrary, at least to the status quo) approaches to food production and [...]
Kansas Farmers Union Members Adopt Five Policy Special Orders for 2015
Kansas Farmers Union members adopted five special orders of business during the state convention, held Dec. 4 through 5 in Manhattan. Resolutions on Beef Checkoff Reform, USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, Kansas’ Corporate Farming Law, Hydraulic Fracturing, and [...]
Kansas Farmers Union convenes to think outside the box
By Tom Parker When it comes to agriculture, there are few places in the state of Kansas more applicable to the phrase “thinking outside the box” than GreenFin Gardens, James Sperman’s blue tilapia, fig and banana aquaponic operation located west [...]
Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition to hold Third Annual Meeting on Dec. 6
The Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition (KBFC) invites beginning farmers and ranchers of all ages to its third annual meeting, Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan, KS. The event is being held in conjunction with [...]
About the 2014 State Convention
Dates and Location
Convention: Thursday, December 4 – Friday, December 5
Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition Day: Saturday, December 6
Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan
530 Richards Drive
Manhattan, KS 66502
Map
Registration and Lodging
Friday: Lunch $25, Banquet $25
Saturday: $10 for Beginning Farmers, $20 for others
Complimentary childcare available on Saturday!
Registration Deadline: Thursday, December 4
Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan has a block of rooms at a rate of $75 per night plus tax. Book before Wendnesday, Nov. 26 to lock in your rate. When calling the reservations department please let them know you are with the Kansas Farmers Union: (785) 539-5311.
See the Schedule
Day 1: Thursday
Join the Kansas Farmers Union Board of Directors and National Farmers Union Historian Tom Giessel for lunch and some early NFU history while learning how it developed into a modern-day ag organization. The board holds its quarterly meeting and reviews proposed bylaw changes prior to the General Session. During the General Session, members nominate board candidates and national convention delegates, receive a report on organization finances, and begin drafting 2015 KFU Policy. Evening activities include a visit to the Flint Hills Discovery Center, a dutch-treat dinner, as well as a presentation on early KFU history by Giessel. See the details!
Day 2: Friday
The day begins with key findings from KRC’s Feeding Kansas report; an exploration of a potential Kansas aqueduct; and the nuts & bolts of starting a local food co-op. NFU’s Chandler Goule gives updates from D.C. and GIPSA Administrator Larry Mitchell provides the keynote during lunch. A panel discusses ag advocacy and 2015 Family Farm Legislative Day plans are shared. Cody Holmes provides inspiration for farm transition then details on farm succession planning workshops are presented. Following the banquet, National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson considers Feeding 9 Billion and cowboy musician Jeff Davidson entertains. See the schedule!
Day 3: Kansas Beginning Farmer Day
Join the Kansas Beginning Farmers Coalition for its 3rd annual Beginning Farmers Day. Featured presenter Cody Holmes of Rockin H Ranch in Missouri explores the evolution of his farm, from conventional crops and livestock to diversified, direct marketing powerhouse. USDA Rural Development, Kansas Forestry Service and Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture address opportunities for both beginning and experienced farmers and ranchers. And we tour the innovative Green Fin Gardens, a pioneering aquaponic farm specializing in pure blue tilapia, figs, and bananas in its fourth season in Pottawatomie County. Learn More!
2014 Convention Keynote Speakers
2014 Convention Sponsors
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Get to Know Us
Meet Our Board
KFU’s board is composed of eight members. The state’s North & South Districts are each represented by three members. The President and Vice President are elected annually.
Meet Our Staff
In addition to the main KFU State Office in McPherson, Kansas Farmers Union also has four staff members that work from home-based offices.
Learn About Our History
The Kansas Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union, founded early in the last century, has made significant and varied contributions to agriculture and family farming in our state.
Learn About NFU
The key to the success and credibility of the NFU organization has been Farmers Union’s grassroots structure in which policy positions are initiated locally.