Careers in agriculture take many forms. Several people were recognized at the 107th annual Barton County Farm Bureau meeting, which took place Aug. 17 at Performance Crop Research in rural Great Bend.
Barton County Conservation District Manager Veronica Coons received the Natural Resource Award.
“Veronica and her husband Bruce are true stewards of the land,” said Melissa Nelson Baldwin of Performance Crop Research, reading information about the recipients. Their work promotes practices that protect soil, water, grasslands and air, fostering the exchange of innovative conservation methods and showcasing the positive impact of productive agriculture. Two projects that are close to Veronica’s heart are the Victory Garden of Barton County and the proposed county prescribed burn association. As a result of her activity, she and her volunteers gathered hundreds of volunteer hours, leading to recognition at the 2023 Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ annual conference with the Outstanding Kansas Earth Team Group Volunteer Award.”
Steve Webster from Eagle Radio was presented the 2025 Agriculture Reporting Award.
“Steve does great work in telling the stories of Kansas farmers and ranchers,” Baldwin stated. To be eligible for this award, Webster submitted the “Ask the Expert” radio segment from May 7 with guests from American Plains Co-op and K-State’s Romulo Lollato, who warned producers about the emerging threat of the wheat streak mosaic virus.
The 2025 Farm Family Award went to the Taff and Connie Hughes Family. According to the program notes, this family distinguished themselves through their participation in Farm Bureau programs and leadership. Connie Hughes has served as a BCFB Board member for three years and as treasurer of the association for two years.
As a board member, Connie has volunteered to serve as the chair of many committees, making it possible for BCFB to be recognized as a Platinum Award Winner, which is the highest level award at the state level. The Taffs are both involved with their farming operation – an Angus herd and a smaller Highland herd. They are also involved in custom cutting. They stay active in community events, 4-H and church committees.
Also at the meeting, new board members Christine Klima and Karla Perales were named new board members. The approved slate of BCFD officers was approved with Connie Hughes, treasurer; Dodge Ellegood, vice president; and Melissa Nelson, president.
Special recognition was given to Darrin Sinclair, who will retire at the end of September after being affiliated with BCFB Financial Services for 41 years. Sales associates Dana Warburton and Gracie McNickle were introduced with special recognition given to McNickle as she will retire in January.
