Apr 29, 2026
By Rick McNary
Today marks the sixth anniversary of Shop Kansas Farms (SKF) and here are six reasons to celebrate!
Our team makes us stronger
We have a great team from Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) that has been an integral part of the conceptual development and launch of SKF. Even before they purchased SKF in 2022, KFB’s CEO Terry Holdren and Meagan Cramer, senior director of impact and awareness, had provided me the platform for understanding agriculture when I began writing for their member magazine, Kansas Living, five years before SKF started. Terry supported Meagan and Nancy Brown in helping turn the wild-west social media rodeo of the first year into a solid organization and reputable brand. Without their initial support and the continued support of other KFB leaders like President Joe Newland and Vice President Glenn Brunkow and the entire board, SKF would not exist.
Others at KFB are vital to the day-to-day work of SKF. Kylee Stout was hired as the business development manager, and her energy, expertise, organizational skills and enthusiasm is a driving force behind the scenes. Meagan, Kylee and I are in daily conversation about all things SKF.
There are other important people involved who lend their incredible expertise. Sheridan Wimmer, direct of communications, along with writer Greg Doering bring their national award-winning skills to craft our writing and communication to create a professional platform enjoyed by thousands of people.
Dr. Jennifer Kern leads our Border Queen Harvest Hub work in Caldwell and the surrounding 60-mile radius. In addition, our Sedgwick County Harvest Hub has two stellar brand ambassadors, Shelley Rich and Stephanie Eckroat, who provide guidance, connection and strategic implementation of our hubs.
The economic impact to farmers
We love, love, love hearing stories from our farmers about how SKF has helped them make money and grow their business. Our motto behind the scenes in all our decision-making is: how do we prosper and protect (from keyboard warriors) our farmers?
Searchable map that connects consumers to producers
Our searchable map is unique in that you can dial down into categories, counties, cities, regions and products to find a farmer.
Showcases diversity of Kansas agriculture
If you scroll through our Facebook group or cruise around on our searchable map, you will find all sorts of agriculture products being raised.
Harvest Hubs
Our Harvest Hub model connects the three basic components of a local food system: production, processing and distribution. To learn more about how we do that and to find a map for farmers in those areas, visit the Border Queen Harvest Hub and the Sedgwick County Harvest Hub. Here’s a brief video that explains how it works.
We're celebrating women in ag
This is the International Year of the Woman Farmer and Rancher so we are writing feature articles about the women in our network who are doing great things. You can follow along with these stories (usually one a week) by checking out our blog.
We would love to hear from you about another reason we should celebrate the sixth anniversary of SKF.
And our greatest joy? Knowing you read this because you love Kansas farmers and ranchers as much as we do!