MANHATTAN - Jerry and Lou Ann Morgenstern, Barton County, were honored as Kansas Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year for Farm Bureau’s 7th geographic district. The Morgensterns received their award during Kansas Farm Bureau’s 95th Annual Meeting in Manhattan, Dec. 3.
One family in each of the Kansas Farm Bureau’s 10 geographic districts is selected each year for the Farm Family of the Year award. The award recognizes families for their service and leadership in agriculture, Farm Bureau and their communities.
The Morgensterns own 1,000 acres and cash rent and share-crop an additional 2,000 acres. They raise wheat, milo and soybeans on their dry-land, no-till crop operation. The Morgensterns practice conservation by building terraces and waterways to prevent soil and nutrient erosion.
The Morgensterns have four children, Brenda, 46; John, 44; Jim, 44; and Ann, 31.
Jerry Morgenstern has been a Farm Bureau member for 45 years. He has served on the Barton County Farm Bureau board of directors since 2006 and is presently the Barton County Farm Bureau policy chairman. Jerry and Lou Ann have represented Farm Bureau at state Annual Meetings, KFB Day At The Statehouse trips and the AFBF Annual Meetings in Seattle, Atlanta, Hawaii and Nashville. The Morgensterns have assisted in classroom presentations that won the AFBF County Award of Excellence.
Jerry and Lou Ann are both leaders in their church; Jerry serves as a lector and Lou Ann on the Parish Finance Council and the Parish Altar Society. Jerry has also served on the Barton County Farm Service Agency board, the Barton County Ag Extension Council and is presently serving on the Barton County Community College Technical Ed Advisory Council. Lou Ann participates in the community ladies bowling league. Jerry and Lou Ann continuously support their children and their 10 grandchildren with their activities. The Morgensterns believe it is imperative Farm Bureau continue to provide programs, products and services that enhance the business and profession of agriculture.