Chuck’s Chat Welcome to February

The recent snowfall here along the Northern Sycamore Urban Boundary was certainly underwhelming when compared to the locally forecasted snowpocalpse we were to receive. Nonetheless, the moisture was certainly needed, and no ice was involved, so, we got that goin’ for us. Now if the cold temperatures would skedaddle that would be just okie dokie with me.

My wife and I had the opportunity last month to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting in Anaheim, California. There were an approximated 4,500 attendees, and I was honored to be one of 333 voting delegates present. We attended some interesting workshops, had great networking opportunities, and enjoyed 75 degrees and sunny skies each day. We also stayed a couple extra days to do touristy things. While undoubtedly a nice place to visit, my allergies soon got the best of me. I determined it was triggered by either the plethora of palm trees or democrats. I’m much better now; had to have been the trees. Oh, and we had no issues with any flights, cab or Uber rides, or the rental car. Well, the rented Jeep Compass was a bit strenuous for me getting in and out of the vehicle. Nonetheless, it did handle the often navigation of eight lanes of freeway driving just fine.

KARL, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership, is seeking applications through April 1 for their next two-year leadership program. More information can be found here: https://karlprogram.com .

Some upcoming local Wildcat Extension District events include Farm & Ranch Transition Conference, Chair Fit For Active Aging, 2026 Local Food Producer Workshops, and Youth Tractor Safety. Act now as some registration dates are coming up soon. Don’t delay - go here for more information: https://wildcatdistrict.k-state.edu/events/ .

Montgomery County Farm Bureau and the Local Health Equity Action Team are partnering again with a container garden project to benefit low-income families and deserving individuals in Montgomery County. We can utilize your empty protein tubs. Simply return them to Beachner Grain in Independence or Coffeyville Feed and Farm and we’ll be sure to put them to good use. Or call Chuck at 620-330-1687. Stay tuned for other ways you can help. Thank you for your support!

God Bless America

Buy local, support your small businesses.

Until next month,

Chuck Voelker