More than 380 Farm Bureau members of Kansas wrapped up business for their farm organization this week after debating and adopting policy statements for 2014. These policies will now become the organization’s roadmap for the 2014 legislative session.

 Topics of discussion at the 95^th Annual Kansas Farm Bureau Meeting included:  protection of private data, expanding opportunities for Kansas agriculture, endangered species, transportation funding and energy.

 Montgomery County farmer Rich Felts was reelected as vice president of the organization. Others reelected to the board of directors include:

 Jeff Grossenbacher, Nemaha County, representing KFB’s 1st District

·         Joe Newland,  Wilson County, representing KFB’s 3rd District

·         Stacey Forshee, Cloud County, representing KFB’s 5^th District

·         Keith Miller, Barton County, representing KFB’s 7^th District

·         Jim Sipes, Stanton County, representing KFB’s 9^th District

·         Marieta Hauser, Grant County, as Member-at-Large and Chair of Farm Bureau Women

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, President Steve Baccus set the stage for challenges from Congress and regulators in the upcoming year and encouraged members to continue fighting for agriculture and its rich history.

 United States Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts updated members on legislative and regulatory issues and urged Kansas farmers and ranchers to continue to advocate for their way of life.

Dan Yunk, Kansas Farm Bureau’s Executive Director/CEO, was honored with a retirement reception. Members contributed more than $13,000 to the Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture at two benefit auctions. Other activities included a host of agriculture-related workshops presented by national experts and Kansas Farm Bureau staff. County Farm Bureaus and volunteers were recognized for their 2013 achievements.

Kansas Farm Bureau represents grassroots agriculture. Established in 1919, this non-profit advocacy organization supports farm families who earn their living in a changing industry.