Barton County Farm Bureau was honored with the presence of Kansas Farm Bureau President, Rich Felt and his wife, Shirley at their Annual Picnic and Meeting held at the BCC Student Union on Aug. 11.
75 members and guests were present for the presentation of the Barton County Farm Family of the Year, Marcia Berchek in honor of her husband, the late Bill Berchek.
The Association also presented the 2016 Friend to Agriculture Award to Berny Unruh, Barton County’s Extension Agent. Berny has given many years to education and leading students in the agriculture profession.
Brian Bitter was honored as a 2016 Century Farm Honoree. To be eligible for this honor an individual must be operating and managing land that has been in the family for 100 years.
The formal business of the Association was conducted concluding with the election of new officers, Board of Directors and delegates to the Kansas Farm Bureau Annual meeting to be held in Manhattan in December. The Board Members for the 2016-2017 year are Tim Maier, who will serve as President; Brad Birzer, Vice-President; and Sharon Hiss Treasurer. The following members complete the 10 member Board: David Strecker, Lora Zink, Tom Burns, Andrew Sieker, Michelle Beran, Darren Nicolet, and Jerry Morgenstern. Jerry Esfeld, Barton County Coordinator, serves as secretary.