Norton County Farm Bureau

02/26/2026

Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) is continuing in 2026 its recognition for “Sesquicentennial Farms” in conjunction with its annual “Century Farm” program. The Century Farm program honors Farm Bureau members who own farms of at least 80 acres within the same family for 100 years or more. The Sesquicentennial Farm recognition goes to farms in the same family for at least 150 years.

“Kansas farmers and ranchers have a lot to be proud of,” Joe Newland, Kansas Farm Bureau president, says. “One thing we take pride in is our value in the traditions and strong family ties through generations of rural living. Kansas Farm Bureau is honored to celebrate those through the Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farms programs.”

The deadline for consideration to be part of the 2026 programs is May 15. Kansas Farm Bureau has recognized 3,265 Century Farms and 155 Sesquicentennial Farms since the inception of the honors.

Complete details for qualifications and applications for both programs can be obtained at county Farm Bureau offices across Kansas or by visiting, www.kfb.org/centuryfarm, which also includes lists of past honorees.

02/25/2026

Last week marked Turnaround Week for the legislature. Between the two chambers, roughly 150 bills were considered. The House and Senate spent most of the week on the floor debating legislation that had advanced out of committees during the first few weeks of the session. Unless a bill was introduced in an exempt committee, deemed “blessed” by leadership, or passed its chamber of origin, it is now considered dead for the session. To stay up to date on issues in Topeka impacting agriculture and where Kansas Farm Bureau is representing its member-driven policies, sign up for Advocacy in Action today at www.kfb.org/advocacy.

02/25/2026

Join us for an evening of food, policy and information!
Brian Linin, from Golden Waves Grain will talk with us about the new flour mill and commercial baking plant in Goodland.

02/20/2026

Don't forget! Scholarship applications are due March 1 at 5 p.m. These scholarships support students pursuing a variety of educational paths while reflecting Kansas Farm Bureau’s commitment to agriculture, leadership and rural communities. Interested applicants are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and apply at https://www.kfb.org/Foundation-for-Agriculture/Scholarships.

02/20/2026

Kansas Farm Bureau is now taking applications for their 2026 Communications, Media and Spokesperson (CMS) training. The two-day event will be April 27-28 in Emporia at the Hampton Inn.

Participants will:

• Learn how to identify, organize and project key messages with clarity, confidence and passion.
• Gain skills and practice to help increase comfort levels and effectiveness when talking to various audiences, such as formal presentations, traditional media and social media.
• Hear best practices of media and speaking do’s and don’ts.
• Discover how to best handle unexpected and challenging questions.
• Advance their Farm Bureau network of peers and experts in ag communications and advocacy.

Applications are accepted until April 8. To learn more and to apply, visit www.kfb.org/communicationstraining.

02/18/2026

Farm and ranch operations involve equipment, fuel, electrical systems and livestock — all of which have unique fire risks. Having fire extinguishers correctly placed and properly maintained is an essential part of protecting people, animals and property. Grainger has secured special pricing for Farm Bureau members on select AMEREX and BUCKEYE fire extinguishers. Offer expires March 31. Visit www.kfb.org/benefits and search Grainger to get the KFB account number and order links.

02/10/2026

Experience the Midwest’s best indoor farm show Feb. 19–21 at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Mo. The Western Farm Show features sessions for everyone, including the Women in Ag Industry Event, where attendees can learn, connect, and hear powerful messages from women leading the ag industry.

02/05/2026

Women Grow the Farm, formerly Women Managing the Farm, is an annual conference designed for women in agriculture who manage, grow and shape their farming and ranching operations. The Feb. 12-13 conference in Manhattan will feature inspiring speakers, practical breakout sessions and hands-on learning covering topics from technology and financial planning to succession, crop insurance and leadership — all tailored to meet the real needs of women in ag. There are also chances to build lasting connections and gain support from peers across the industry. Learn more and check out the full agenda here: womengrowthefarm.com/agenda.

Grants from the Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture may be available for Farm Bureau members in Kansas to help offset registration costs. Please reach out to your County Coordinator to learn more.

2026 Agenda 2026 Tentative Agenda Breakout sessions are still being finalized and confirmed. Thursday, February 12, 20268:00 - 9:30 a.m. Exhibitor Set up9:00 - 11:30 a.m.Registration and check-in - Conference Center Foyer9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Pre-conference Workshops (optional) Choose from one of three....

02/05/2026

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award.

The award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Kansas, the $10,000 award is presented with Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Kansas Farm Bureau and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“The Leopold Conservation Award highlights farms and ranches that are strengthening their land today while protecting it for future generations because they know conservation isn’t a program, it’s a way of life,” said Joe Newland, Kansas Farm Bureau president. “I encourage any Farm Bureau member of Kansas interested in applying to reach out to KFB for assistance in completing the application.”

Award applications may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application form can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The nomination deadline date is June 1.

Sand County Foundation inspires and empowers private landowners to ethically manage the natural resources in their care.