Field check wrap: What’s weighing on farmers’ minds?

From water rights, to access to crop protection products and new markets, Kansas farmers share their thoughts.

Jennifer M. Latzke, Editor

September 17, 2024

4 Min View

The fall harvest is underway in parts of Kansas and there’s plenty on farmers’ minds as they hit the fields to bring in the fall crops.

We spoke with a group of farmers this season during our #FieldCheck series and asked them, “What’s weighing on your mind and your neighbors’ minds right now?”

Soybean grower Brandon Geiger, Highland, Kan., was concerned about access to crop protection products. Meanwhile his neighbor to the west, Griff Howard, Hiawatha, was hopeful that new uses for corn, such as sustainable aviation fuel, can continue to drive demand.

Southwestern Kansas corn and sorghum farmer Jeff Zortman was considering his options after a hailstorm took out 90% or more of his irrigated corn crop. But overall, he’s focusing on soil health and diversity in his rotations.

In west-central Kansas, Brian Younker of Rush Center, says grain sorghum farmers like himself have opportunities open in marketing, and there’s momentum to grow the crop.

As for Marlyn Spare, St. John, he and his neighbors who farm in and around the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed continue to be concerned about water rights, access to water and the pressure from the state of Kansas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve water.

Watch the video above to learn more about what’s weighing on their minds.

About the Author

Jennifer M. Latzke

Jennifer M. Latzke

Editor, Kansas Farmer

Through all her travels, Jennifer M. Latzke knows that there is no place like Kansas.

Jennifer grew up on her family’s multigenerational registered Angus seedstock ranch and diversified farm just north of Woodbine, Kan., about 30 minutes south of Junction City on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills. Rock Springs Ranch State 4-H Center was in her family’s backyard.

While at Kansas State University, Jennifer was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and a national officer for the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. She graduated in May 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and a minor in animal science. In August 2000 Jennifer started her 20-year agricultural writing career in Dodge City, Kan., on the far southwest corner of the state.

She’s traveled across the U.S. writing on wheat, sorghum, corn, cotton, dairy and beef stories as well as breaking news and policy at the local, state and national levels. Latzke has traveled across Mexico and South America with the U.S. Wheat Associates and toured Vietnam as a member of KARL Class X. She’s traveled to Argentina as one of 10 IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism. And she was part of a delegation of AAEA: The Ag Communicators Network members invited to Cuba.

Jennifer’s an award-winning writer, columnist, and podcaster, recognized by the Kansas Professional Communicators, Kansas Press Association, the National Federation of Presswomen, Livestock Publications Council, and AAEA. In 2019, Jennifer reached the pinnacle of achievements, earning the title of “Writer of Merit” from AAEA.

Trips and accolades are lovely, but Jennifer says she is happiest on the road talking to farmers and ranchers and gathering stories and photos to share with readers.

“It’s an honor and a great responsibility to be able to tell someone’s story and bring them recognition for their work on the land,” Jennifer says. “But my role is also evolving to help our more urban neighbors understand the issues our Kansas farmers face in bringing the food and fiber to their store shelves.”

She spends her time gardening, crafting, watching K-State football, and cheering on her nephews and niece in their 4-H projects. She can be found on Twitter at @Latzke.

See more from Jennifer M. Latzke

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