Kansans will recognize the new editor of Kansas Farmer — Jennifer Latzke.

A graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a minor in animal science, Jennifer has been working as an associate editor for High Plains Journal, reporting on Kansas agriculture and rural life for more than 20 years. And while you may have read her byline and likely have seen her in meetings, we think you should know more.

So, here are five things you should know about Kansas Farmer editor Jennifer Latzke:

1. She bleeds purple. At any meeting, you will likely pick Jennifer out of a group of ag journalists — she is the one in K-State purple. She is proud of her college. That loyalty will be beneficial in bringing farmers and ranchers the latest from K-State Research and Extension. But no worries: As a seasoned journalist, she will tap all resources from across the state.

2. Her favorite quote is from Wyatt Earp. “Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything,” — Wyatt Earp. Her first editor shared these words, and they are still on her desk as a reminder to do the job quickly, but do it right the first time. “Above all,” she says, “like Wyatt, use the power of the pen for the good of those you serve.”

3. She is well-traveled. Her ag journalism career has taken her to seven different countries and 12 states. Jennifer’s favorite foreign trip was more than five years ago to Cuba as part of a select group of ag journalists with the American Agricultural Editors’ Association. It was an eye-opening experience, she recalls. The group was able to see the country’s agriculture and interview government officials, which was unheard-of at the time. Of course, there is no competition for her favorite state — it has been her home — Kansas.

4. She pushes herself professionally, and it pays off. Jennifer was a member of the Kansas Ag and Rural Leadership Program, Class X. The program covered ag policy and markets, and culminated in a two-week study trip to Vietnam.

Jennifer is also active in the Livestock Publications Council and AAEA: The Ag Communicators Network, honing her writing skills. Through the AAEA, she earned the title of Master Writer, along with Writer of Merit.

5. Volunteering is important to her. Jennifer is active in Kansas 4-H on the local and regional levels. She’s been a past 4-H Club leader and today continues to judge public speaking contests. Visit a local county fair, and you may hear her voice over the loudspeaker — as Jennifer also serves as a livestock show announcer.

“We have strong brands that cover all of agriculture,” says Willie Vogt, executive director of content and user engagement, Farm Progress. “The team of knowledgeable editors we have on tap know the local conditions in the regions they cover, which is the secret sauce of what makes Farm Progress the nation’s leading agriculture information company. I’m excited to welcome Jennifer to the team.”