Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly proclaimed March “Kansas Agriculture Month” March 28 at JET Produce and Meats, a family-owned farm in Leavenworth, Kan.

“Farmers and ranchers have a partner in my administration — not just in March, but year-round,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “I am forever grateful to the hardworking women and men in the ag industry for fueling our economy and feeding the world.”

Agriculture contributes nearly $80 billion to the Kansas economy and contributes nearly 240,000 jobs — 12% of the state’s workforce. In 2022, Kansas produced more than $5 billion in agricultural exports, the most in state history.

JET Produce and Meats started as a small family farm in 2012 and has expanded over the years, from sales at farmers markets to the introduction of a fully operated farm store. In addition to what is grown on the farm, the store features products from other area farmers and businesses.

“I’m proud to host this event recognizing Kansas Agriculture Month, especially on behalf of the farmers and ranchers who provide food to our local communities,” said Jacob Thomas, founder and owner of JET Produce and Meats. “I appreciate the partnerships between local producers, and the relationships we have with our neighbors who support our work.”

Grant funds civic research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is awarding a $966,273 Seeding Solutions grant to The Land Institute to implement a civic science program. The investigators are working with volunteers, farmers and university Extension programs to strategically collect data on cultivating next-generation perennial grains at small scales and test civic science, which enlists members of the public to assist with research as a method for advancing next-generation crop domestication. The Land Institute and its Perennial Agriculture Project provided matching funds for a total investment of $1.94 million.

“There is an urgent need to understand how variation in climate and water availability affect crop production and other agroecosystem services,” said Kathy Boomer, FFAR scientific program director of sustainable water management. “The Land Institute’s stakeholder-engaged research will exponentially increase our capacity to explore these linkages while providing true leadership to our commitment to adaptive management and ‘learning while doing.’”

For more information, visit foundationfar.org.

2023 Stockman of the Year

The Tom Perrier family was honored March 2 as the 2023 Stockman of the Year. The award is presented annually by the Livestock & Meat Industry Council (LMIC) at the annual Stockmen’s Dinner, in Manhattan, Kan.

STOCKMAN OF THE YEAR: The Tom Perrier family was honored March 2 as the 2023 Stockman of the Year. The award is presented annually by the Livestock & Meat Industry Council at the annual Stockmen’s Dinner, held in Manhattan, Kan. (Courtesy of Kansas State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry)

Tom and his wife, Carolyn (Graham), Perrier are fourth-generation ranchers in the Flint Hills. They implemented technologies on their Dalebanks Ranch, such as performance record keeping, artificial insemination, expected progeny difference use and ultrasound evaluation, following their return from military service in 1969.