Barton County Farm Bureau Association held its Annual Dinner Meeting at the Barton Community College Student Union on Aug. 10. Seventy-five members and guests were present for the presentation of the 2017 Barton County Farm Family of the Year to Brad and Andrea Birzer.
Brad served as president of the Association from 2014-2016 and Andrea was honored with the 2016 Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Excellence in Teaching Award for her efforts to incorporate agriculture in the classroom.
Norma Strecker was honored as a 2017 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.
Tim Maier, president of Barton County Farm Bureau, was named the 2017 Natural Resource honoree. Tim is a true servant and steward of the land. He recognizes the importance of conservation of soil and water as they are essential for sustainable farming practices.
The formal business of the Association was conducted 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 2017-2918 year are: Tim Maier, who will serve as president; Andrew Sieker, vice-president; and Sharon Hiss, treasurer. The following members complete the 10-member board: David Strecker, Tom Burns, Darren Nicolet, Jerry Morgenstern and newly elected members Linda Essmiller, Dara Prescott and Michael Stueder. Jerry Esfeld, Barton County Coordinator, serves as secretary.