Keith Bryant | Coleburn Davis | Bryan Daniel | Angie Stump Denton | Brandie Disberger | Brian and Carolyn Dunn | Cory Epler | Keri Geffert | Cara and Dave Gerken | Brent and Sarah Goss | Wendee Grady | Scarlett Hagins | Kim Harms | Nicole Harris | Todd Johnson | Justin and Lindsey Knopf | Chris Lavergne | Brandon and Hannah Lipps | Kelli Ludlum | Dale Maneth | Jesse and Rhonda McCurry | Bryce Moore | Meghan Mueseler | Matt and Amy Perrier | Tim Riemann | Matt Schertz | Matt and Shantell Schweer | Jeff Sutton and Angie Cohorst | Rhett Trujillo | Darren Turley | Lauri Vaughn | Jerrod and Amy Westfahl | Larry Whipple | Brenden Wirth | Jake Worcester | Nancy Yates | Mike Zamrzla
Keith Bryant
Keith grew up on a diversified family farm in Arkansas City, Kansas. In December of 2005 he graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Animal Science. While at Kansas State, Keith served as Vice–President for the Kansas FFA Association. Likewise, he assisted at both Kansas FFA and National FFA Conventions and in coaching Kansas FFA’s National Officer Candidates. He was actively involved in the College of Agriculture as an Ag Ambassador and was a member of the 2004 KSU Livestock Judging Team. Currently, Keith works for Five Rivers Cattle Feeding as the Assistant Feed Manager at Grant County Feeders. In his free time he enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and following Wildcat sports!
Bryan Daniel
Bryan Daniel is the Texas State Director for Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a post to which President George W. Bush appointed him in 2001. In this role, Bryan delivers nearly $300 million annually through programs designed to expand economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all rural Texans. Bryan has spent his entire professional career working for agricultural and rural interests, both in Texas and Washington, DC. Bryan’s professional experiences have given him a solid understanding of the impact public policy decisions have for agricultural producers and rural Americans. Bryan’s career experiences include working for the U.S. House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee; the Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board; the National Council for Agricultural Education; and College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University.
Bryan is a Red Raider! He has both a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Texas Tech. Bryan was recently recognized at the 2004 Outstanding Young Agriculturist by the Professional Agricultural Workers of Texas. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the College of Agriculture at Texas Tech; the NRCS State Technical Committee; the FSA State Conservation Review Group; the Texas Food and Agriculture Council; the Texas Rural Development Council and the Georgetown FFA Advisory Board.
Bryan and his wife, Tamara, live in Georgetown, Texas, with their children. They are members of the Texas Farm Bureau, the Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Coleburn Davis
Coleburn Davis joined the Field Operations Staff in 1998. In that role, he served as an important link between the state farm organization and the County Farm Bureaus in the South Plains region of Texas. In June of 2003, he stepped up to the position of Associate Director of Field Operations. In this role, he served as a supervisor for six field representatives, area coordinators and county agriculture program coordinators. In January of 2006, he accepted the position of Associate Director of Organization Programs. His responsibilities in this position include the Young Farmer & Rancher programs and contests, Youth Contests, Youth Scholarships, and coordinator of the Youth Leadership Conference in San Angelo.
Today, Coleburn Davis and his wife, Cathi, reside in Waco and have one daughter, Sophi born on January 18, 2006.
Angie Stump Denton
As editor of the Hereford World, Angie Stump Denton, oversees the editorial content of the monthly publication including writing and editing. She joined the Hereford staff in October 2004 after nine years with Angus Productions Inc. A graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor¹s degree in agricultural journalism and a minor in animal science, she was active in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT), serving as national vice president. Angie grew up on her family¹s Polled Hereford ranch in northeast Kansas and was secretary of the National Polled Hereford Council. She was active in 4-H and FFA and was a state FFA officer. She currently serves on the Livestock Publication Council (LPC) board and the National FFA Ag Communications CDE committee. With the move to the Hereford association Angie, her husband, John, and their son, Wesley, had the opportunity to move back to the family farm in Blue Rapids, Kan., where Angie was raised. John and Angie have also started their own design company Denton Designs LLC that specializes in Web site design, print design, photography and video work for agriculture companies.
Brandie Disberger
Brandie is currently an agricultural education instructor and FFA Advisor at Southeast of Saline High School. She was hired there to begin a new agriculture education and FFA program in 2001. Brandie graduated from Kansas State University in 2001 with her bachelors’ degree in agriculture education and in 2003 with her masters’ degree in agriculture education. While at K-State, she participated in Block and Bridle, the Agriculture Education Club and was a member and assistant coach on the Dairy Cattle Judging team. During the last four years she has been able to work extensively with her high school students who participate in numerous FFA activities during the year. She has also worked closely with K-State students by serving as a professional development site for students to gain experience in the classroom. Additionally, she has worked with the National FFA developing leadership curriculum and special projects. Brandie was recently married to Bill Disberger, agriculture education instructor at Hutchinson Community College, and they live outside Inman, Kansas. Brandie spends her spare time catching up with friends and enjoying K-State athletics.
Brian and Carolyn Dunn
Brian graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. While at KSU, he was active or held leadership positions in Blue Key, FarmHouse Fraternity, Block and Bridle, and numerous other campus organizations and academic competition teams. Upon graduation, Brian worked in Australia through the Work Exchange Abroad program. He then returned to the family farm near St. John. Currently, he is treasurer of Stafford County Farm Bureau, vice president Stafford County Fair Board, a director of Seedstock Plus LLC, and a member of the Governor’s Rural Life Task Force. Presently, Brian is a partner in a diversified family farm operation raising grain, hay and livestock.
Carolyn is a 1993 graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelors’ degree in agricultural economics. While a student, she was active in student government, Agricultural Economics club, Parachuting club, Gamma Phi Beta sorority and was president of Mortar Board. She has an MBA from John Hopkins University, specializing in International Business. Her work experience includes: an economist in USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service; staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture during the 1996 Farm Bill; Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Sam Brownback for agriculture and transportation issues; Brand Manager at Excel Corporation, and Marketing and Sales Director for Stafford County Flour Mills. Currently she is a member of the Kansas Corn Commission, board member of Golden Belt Community Foundation, and mom to two busy boys, Preston and Ian.
Cory Epler
Cory graduated from K-State in 2001 with a degree in Agriculture, majoring in Agricultural Education and minoring in Animal Sciences. As a student, he was active in Blue Key and Student Alumni Board. In addition, he served as president of both the Ag Education Club and Ag Ambassadors. Currently, he is an Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at Arkansas City High School. He also received his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education in December 2003. Cory continues to share his passion for education with Ag Ed students and FFA members nationwide. He has served as a BLAST Off Conference trainer for the National FFA Organization, and was a trainer for the organization’s new leadership curriculum, Life Knowledge. He is actively involved in several professional organizations including the Kansas Association of Ag Educators and the Kansas Association for Career and Technical Education. In 2003, he was named by K-ACTE as the Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher of the Year. His desire to help future leaders grow and develop motivates him daily. He enjoys working with and coaching his students for many different activities. When he is not at school, Cory enjoys running, reading, and following K-State sports. He also looks forward to each summer when he is able to return home and help with harvest on his family’s farm.
Keri Geffert
Keri Geffert employs her strong public relations background in leading the industry relations and communications efforts of CHB LLC. She heads up the CHB program's mail-order steaks initiative and retail ranch project. In addition, Geffert provides account manager support to CHB retailers Lowes Foods, The Fresh Markets and Hen House Markets.
Prior to joining CHB, Geffert worked for Fleishman Hillard International Communications. She is a fourth-generation Hereford producer and 2002 graduate of Kansas State University's Agricultural Communications and Animal Science programs. Geffert is currently involved in the marketing committee for Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, as well as being an active member of the American Hereford Women, Livestock Publications Council and the Kansas City Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association.
Cara and Dave Gerken
David and Cara Gerken feel blessed to raise their three daughters, Sydnee, Madelyn, and Victoria in Cashion, Oklahoma. They were raised in rural communities in Eastern Kansas, and our families remain involved in production agriculture (cow/calf operations) today. They own a 60 head recipient beef cow herd and have marketed calves and cow/calf pairs over the past 3 years. They own and rent crop and pasture ground in Kingfisher County, OK.
David attended Allen County Junior College before earning his BS from Kansas State University, 1982, Vocational Agriculture Education and MS from Oklahoma State University, 1994, in Turfgrass Management. David is currently employed by Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City (1997-present) as Associate Professor of Turfgrass Management. In the past six years, David has developed and constructed a 5-hole golf course and soccer field complex to be used in the training of turfgrass management students. For the past three years he has served as the program director for an educational program (Horticulture and Other Technologies, HOT Camp) for inter-city youth which ended in 2003. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma City Youth Foundation as well as other university committees. Cara earned her BS from Kansas State University, 1990, in Animal Science (Business option), along with her MS from Oklahoma State University, 1993, in Food Science (Meat Science emphasis). Cara participated in collegiate livestock, meats and dairy judging, Block and Bridle, Ag Ambassadors, and worked while attending Kansas State University. While attending Oklahoma State and Colorado State, Cara coached the collegiate meats judging teams. Cara worked for USDA 9 years. Cara’s responsibilities with the USDA involve the marketing of livestock through value-added and value-based marketing programs. In February 2005, Cara went to work for IMI Global as Vice-President of Quality Services. She helps IMI’s customers develop identification, traceability and verification programs using the company’s BeefPassport™ Product Suite and its USVERIFIED™ product, a Quality System Assessment–Document Management System that offers a simplified way to build and maintain QSA and Beef Export Verification (BEV) programs.
They are active members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kingfisher, OK. They were both active in FFA, each having our State Farmers Degree ( Kansas) and have judged district and state speech contests. David is a member of the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program (OALP), Class XI. Cara has assisted with several 4-H and FFA Livestock Evaluation Clinics and Contests in Oklahoma and around the country. Cara was a 12 year 4-H member and actively involved in the FFA and also participates in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), Vacation Bible School and the Church Endowment Fund Committee.
Brent and Sarah Grace Goss
Brent and Sarah Goss call Ellsworth, Kansas home. They “split the difference” between Brent’s hometown, Garden City in southwest Kansas, and Sarah’s, Troy in northeast Kansas, and are making central Kansas their home. Brent is the Agriculture Extension Agent for Ellsworth County. He divides his time between agriculture programming and working with the county’s 4-H program. Sarah is a stay-at-home mom, focusing her time on their one-year- old daughter, Noah.
Brent and Sarah both graduated from K-State in 2002. Brent began his college education at Garden City Community College where he was on the Meat Judging Team and served as an Admissions Representative. Then he earned a degree in animal science from K-State. During his time at K-State, Brent was involved with the Ag Education Club and Navigators. Sarah’s degree is in agricultural economics. While at K-State, she was active in Student Alumni Board, Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and she served as the University Ambassador in 2000-2001.
Outside of work, Brent and Sarah are active members of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and Purple Power Catbackers. Sarah also gives time to the local Iota Kappa Service Sorority, and Brent volunteers with the local Ducks Unlimited group. And they both enjoy keeping up with a variety of recreation sports.
Wendee Grady
Wendee is originally from Holcomb, Kansas. She graduated from K-State in 2001 with a bachelors’ degree in Agriculture, majoring in agricultural economics and horticulture, and in 2003, with an masters’ degree in Agricultural Economics. Following her education at K-State, Wendee went to law school at the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wendee and her husband, Jason, moved back to Manhattan in 2005. Upon graduating from law school and passing the Kansas Bar in the summer of 2006, she began working at Arthur-Green, LLP, where she has a general civil practice. Jason is a veterinarian doing a residency in equine medicine at the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine.
Scarlett Hagins
Scarlett Hagins has worked for the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) as the communications program manager for over five years. She serves as the editorial assistant for the Kansas Stockman and contributes to the weekly newsletter, the KLA News & Market Report. In addition to her editorial duties, Scarlett maintains the KLA web site and assists with media relations and youth activities.
She comes from a fourth generation commercial cattle and farming operation located near Spur, TX. Scarlett obtained her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and master’s degree from Texas Tech University. She is an active member of the Livestock Publications Council, serving on the Student Awards Committee for the past three years.
Kim Harms
A graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Animal Science and a Masters degree in Student Counseling, Kim and her husband, Mark, are partners in Harms Plainview Ranch (HPR). Both pursued employment outside of production agriculture, with Kim spending a year at Farmland Industries and Mark working as an Admissions Representative in New Student Services at KSU, before they determined that wasn’t where they wanted to be. Together they started HPR from scratch with nothing more than a shared dream, a strong faith, hard work, a commitment to education, a desire to get involved and make a difference as well as a respected belief in each other’s abilities. With that, they started raising Registered Angus, Red Angus and Charolais seedstock 13 years ago. Annually, they market 90 bulls private treaty off the ranch. In addition to raising cattle on the edge of the Flint Hills, they are also proud parents of three bright little ranch hands—Taylor, Cade and Payton.
Nicole Harris
Nicole grew up on a farm and cow/calf operation in Liberal, Kansas. She attended K-State and graduated in May 2001 with a degree in Animal Science and a minor in Ag Economics. While at K-State, Nicole was active in Block & Bridle and a member of the KSU Meats and Livestock Judging Teams. She was also very active in 4-H and FFA showing sheep and cattle. She is currently a Financial Services Officer with Frontier Farm Credit in Manhattan. In her spare time, she volunteers at cattle shows such as the Sunflower Classic, Kansas Junior Livestock Show and Kansas State Fair. Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, KSU football, and helping at home with the cow/calf operation.
Todd Johnson
Todd Johnson received a degree in agricultural economics with an Animal Sciences option from Kansas State in December 1994. While at K-State Todd was active in Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, student government and served as K-State Ambassador. Following graduation he joined the American Hereford Association (AHA) as Director of Youth Activities. After a short tenure at AHA he accepted a position at the Kansas Livestock Association. His responsibilities included membership recruitment, coordinating special projects and providing legislative representation for KLA members. In May 2004, Todd started working for the Kansas Beef Council (KBC). Funded by the Beef Checkoff program, KBC invests producer dollars into promotion, research, issue management and education initiatives to increase beef demand. Todd continues to be involved with Alpha Gamma Rho as a chapter advisor and is active in K-State alumni events.
Justin and Lindsey Knopf
Lindsey grew up just east of Kansas City, MO in the Lee Summit area. She graduated from University of Missouri in 2000 with a masters’ degree in accounting. Most of her time outside of school was spent competing with the Mizzou track team in the triple jump. After college, she worked for Deloitte and Touche in Kansas City for several years but then decided to take a break from accounting in 2003 and volunteered with Americorps for a year. During that year, she lived in Cleveland, Ohio, where she volunteered with a program called "Boys Hope, Girls Hope,” which works with at-risk youth who have both a strong desire and capability to succeed. After her year in Cleveland, she decided it was a good time travel, so she took a three month road trip around the country in a van with a great friend. At that point, things were moving along with this farmer in central Kansas, so she decided to land in that area. She currently works as a youth coordinator at the Volunteer Connection in Salina — a non-profit organization that supports volunteering and matches volunteers with opportunities in the community.
Justin graduated from Kansas State University in 2000 with a degree in agronomy and a minor in agricultural economics. During his years at K-State, Justin was involved in the Blue Key Senior Leadership Honorary, Ag Ambassadors, Student Senate, and a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. He competed on the Crops Judging Team and also served as President of Wheat State Agronomy Club and National President of the American Society of Agronomy-Student Activities Subdivision. After graduation Justin worked for three years with Golden Harvest Seed Company as an agronomist covering a territory that consisted of portions of Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. In May 2003, he decided it was time to return to the family farm where he currently farms with his dad, Jerry, and brother, Jeff. They grow alfalfa, wheat, soybeans, grain sorghum and corn in a dryland, no-till environment. Justin currently serves as president on the Central Kansas Extension District board of directors and is a board member for Saline County Farm Bureau.
Justin and Lindsey's favorite activities include spending time with friends, traveling, experiencing good music, and finding ways to support their local community. Lindsey also really enjoys working in her garden and reading while Justin does one of his favorite things, farming.
Chris Lavergne
Chris Lavergne graduated from K-State in 2002 in agricultural communications & journalism, with an animal science minor. While at K-State, Chris held leadership roles in the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, interned with Certified Angus Beef, LLC, and worked within the KSU Research & Extension publications unit.
Following graduation, he earned a masters’ degree in agricultural/extension education from Texas A&M University. Chris worked as a communications specialist with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station for two years, then had the fortune to return to K-State in 2005 to run Kansas WaterLINK, a water quality improvement program, which partners Kansas colleges in watershed restoration and protection projects across the state.
Brandon and Hannah Lipps
Brandon graduated from Texas Tech University in 2002 with a degree in Agriculture Economics. While in college, he interned in Washington, DC with Congressman Lamar Smith and with the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. He was actively involved in AgriTechsans and the Ag Economics Association. After graduation, he took a position with Senator Robert Duncan as Rural District Director. After two and a half years there, he accepted a job with a commodity trading company in Abilene. In July, he returned to Senator Duncan's staff, this time as Agriculture, Natural Resources and Transportation Legislative Aide in Austin.
Hannah graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2006 with a degree in Agriculture Leadership and Development. While in college, she was active with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council and Saddle and Sirloin Club. She did summer internships for Senator Cornyn and Senator Duncan and spent a semester in Washington, DC working for the House Committee on Agriculture. After graduation, she accepted a position with Representative Brian McCall who represents the Plano area in the Texas Legislature. She coordinates his communications and legislative agenda from the Austin office.
In their free time, Brandon and Hannah like to talk about what they want to be when they grow up. They volunteer with the Star of Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo and enjoy country dancing, visiting friends and family, and getting out of the city.
Kelli Ludlum
Kelli Ludlum joined the American Farm Bureau Federation public policy group on March 1, 2004. She handles livestock issues including animal identification, health, and welfare, as well as commodity research and promotion programs and commodity exchange issues.
Kelli previously served as staff director for the House Agriculture Committee’s General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee. Prior to moving to the committee, Kelli was a legislative assistant in Kansas Congressman Jerry Moran’s office, where her primary areas of responsibility included agriculture, environment, energy, and trade. Before coming to Washington, D.C., to work for Congressman Moran, Kelli was a cooperative extension agent in Douglas County, Kansas, responsible for 4-H and youth development programs.
Kelli comes from a fourth generation Southeast Kansas farm producing wheat, soybeans, corn, grain sorghum, hay, and commercial cattle.
Dale Maneth
Dale began his responsibilities as District Administrator for Kansas Farm Bureau July 6, 1998. He works with the 8th District, which includes Scott, Lane, Ness, Rush, Pawnee, Edwards, Hodgeman, Gray, Ford, Meade and Clark counties. Dale operates a diversified family farm consisting of beef - cow/calf, and general grain farming. He has been active in agriculture by serving as a director of the Kansas Livestock Association and member of the Kansas and American Angus Associations. He also has experience conducting farm inspections. Dale received an associate’s degree form Barton County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University. Before being named to his current position, he worked as an adjuster in Farm Bureau’s Great Bend claims office for almost seven years. Dale and his wife, Christy, reside near Olmitz, Kansas.
Jesse and Rhonda McCurry
Jesse , a fourth-generation family farmer and rancher, originally from Mt. Hope, presently serves Kansas as the Industrial Program Manager for the state’s agriculture marketing program at the Department of Commerce in Topeka. As an economic development representative, he manages a loan portfolio providing financial, technical and marketing assistance to value-added, industrial-agriculture product ventures. A graduate of Kansas State University, he holds a B.S. in Agricultural Communications & Journalism with minors in Animal Science and Political Science, and an M.A. in Rhetoric. As a teaching assistant and then instructor, Jesse taught courses in Public Speaking, Business and Professional Speaking, Citizenship & Ethics in Agriculture and Contemporary Issues in Animal Science. With numerous leadership and internship experience in college, including stints with KWCH 12, Mid-America Ag. Network, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Sen. Pat Robert’s offices in Washington, Jesse’s basic production knowledge, journalism and academic training, and political interests drive his passion for and interest in agricultural advocacy.
Raised on a registered Angus cattle operation in north central Oklahoma, Rhonda Nida McCurry developed a fondness for Angus cattle and an appreciation for production agriculture. She has worked for Kansas Farm Bureau as communications writer for the past two years. In this position, Rhonda serves as editor for KFB’s bi-weekly newsletter, writes KFB Radio News and serves as a reporter for Kansas Living magazine. In college, Rhonda served as the communications intern for KFB, as a program assistant for the National 4-H Center and as editor of the Kansas State Agriculturist and KSU Telefund Times. She wrote for the K-State Collegian and Royal Purple and was active in Block & Bridle, Ag Communicators of Tomorrow, Ag Ambassadors and Ag REPS. Rhonda received the Livestock Publication Council’s Forrest Bassford Student Award for her agricultural communications experience. In her spare time, she is involved with the American and Oklahoma Angus Associations, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas State University Alumni Association and Stephen’s Ministry program. Despite her strong Oklahoma roots, Rhonda chose Kansas State University to be her alma mater and received a bachelor of science in 2001 majoring in agricultural communications with minors in animal science and leadership studies. Rhonda married her best friend and fellow Angus breeder Jesse in June 2002.
Bryce Moore
Bryce Moore is a native of Roby, TX where he grew up on a cotton, wheat, and cow/calf operation. Bryce is a 1999 graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Agricultural Development. He also received a Master of Ag degree from Colorado State University in the Beef Industry Leadership program in 2000. Bryce was very active in 4-H. He showed market steers for 9 years and was a member of the Texas 4-H State Council. In college, he was active in Saddle and Sirloin, Collegiate 4-H, and served as an Aggie Rep for the Department of Ag Education. Bryce began his area field representative position with Texas Farm Bureau in January, 2005. He works with farmers and ranchers in an eleven-county area around Wichita Falls, where his primary focus areas are youth agricultural education and legislative issues affecting producers. He really enjoys working with youth and has coached several 4-H livestock judging teams. Bryce is very involved in his church in Holliday, TX, and enjoys traveling, hunting with his 2 brothers, and following Aggie sports.
Meghan Muesler
Meghan Mueseler is a 1998 graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in agricultural economics and a minor in animal science. Meghan also holds a masters’ degree from Oklahoma State in the area of agricultural education. Currently, Meghan works as a technical training specialist for Cargill Meat Solutions in Wichita, Kansas, where her major responsibilities include training related to the animal and the animal as food for both internal and external customers. Additionally, Meghan serves as Team Leader for the Oklahoma State campus recruiting at Cargill Meat Solutions.
Meghan has continued her love for agriculture by becoming involved with the Young Farmers and Ranchers program over six years ago where she currently serves as chair for Sedgwick County and is finishing a term on the State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. Meghan is a Class VII graduate of the Kansas Agricultural Rural Leadership (KARL) program, which in the spring of 2005 took her to Brazil for a closer look into Brazilian agriculture.
Meghan is a member of the Calvary United Methodist church where she is volunteers as time will permit. Meghan’s other volunteer activities include tutoring and serving patrons at a local soup kitchen. In what spare time Meghan has left, she enjoys being an amateur photographer, traveling, completing half marathons, and playing with her blue healer, Gunnar.
Amy and Matt Perrier
Amy and Matt Perrier each earned degrees from KSU in Animal Sciences and Industry. Following graduation, Amy attended KU Med Center, where she earned her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. She has worked as a PT in Emporia, KS, North Kansas City, MO, and currently practices at the Greenwood Co. Hospital in Eureka, KS. While at K-State, she was active in Ag Ambassadors, Block and Bridle, Smurthwaite Leadership/Scholarship House and several academic honoraries.
Matt first worked in retail and foodservice beef promotion for the Pennsylvania Beef Council. He then moved to Ft. Worth, TX, where he covered the states of Texas and New Mexico for the American Angus Association (AAA). He later changed positions with the AAA and moved to St. Joseph, MO, where he administered programs and services for commercial cattlemen nationwide. During school, Matt also held leadership roles in various ag organizations, FarmHouse Fraternity, Student Alumni Board, Ag Competition Teams, Student Senate and academic honoraries.
In May 2004, Matt, Amy and their daughter, Ava (born in June 2003), returned to Matt's hometown, where they work with Matt's parents at Dalebanks Angus Ranch, a registered seedstock and farming operation northwest of Eureka, KS. When not parenting or working, they serve on their county Farm Bureau board, Greenwood Preservation Society and several other community organizations. They also attend church at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Eureka.
Tim Riemann
Tim Riemann of Kansas City, Missouri is an attorney in the law firm of Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. specializing in business litigation. Tim graduated from Kansas State University in 1998 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. While at K-State, Tim served as student body president and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Following graduation from K-State, Tim studied comparative social policy at Oxford University, comparative politics at the London School of Economics, and law at Stanford University.
Matt Schertz
Matt was born and raised in the Coastal Plains Region of Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics. While in college, he competed on and helped coach the livestock judging and meat animal evaluation teams.
For the last five years, Matt has staffed the US House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. Since joining the Committee under former Chairman Larry Combest (TX-19), Matt has worked closely on legislation affecting a breadth and depth of American agriculture, most notably the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Currently, he manages appropriations, rural development, sugar, and agriculture technology issues for Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). He volunteers with a local 4-H club and is active in the TTU Alumni Association and his church.
Matt and Shantell Schweer
Shantell and Matt reside in Moundridge, Kansas. Matt has recently become employed as a Loan Officer at The Citizens State Bank in Moundridge. Matt worked the past eight years as the Agricultural Education Instructor at Arkansas City High School. Shantell has worked the past five years in public relations, communications, and marketing; most recently she was employed by Winfield Public School as the Public Information Officer. They are also involved in sheep production, partnering with Matt’s parents raising club lambs from a 100 head ewe flock. Matt is a 1995 graduate of KSU in Agricultural Education and completed his master’s in Agricultural Education at Oklahoma State University. After completing two years at KSU, Shantell transferred to Oklahoma State University and completed bachelor degrees in Agricultural Communications and Agricultural Education (Professional/Non-teaching). Shantell’s newest endeavor is that of being a mom with the birth of the Schweers’ first child, Bryleigh, born in February 2004.
Jeff Sutton and Angie Cohorst
Jeff Sutton and Angie Cohorst will marry in December 2006 in Antigua and reside in Marysville, Kansas, with children Casey and Cade.
Jeff grew up in McPherson, Kansas, then attended Kansas State University majoring in agricultural journalism and minoring in animal science and Spanish. While at K-State, Jeff was active in Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He interned for Kansas Farm Bureau, National 4-H Council in Washington, D.C. He also spent a summer in Paraguay as an agriculture volunteer. After graduating in 2000, Jeff worked for the Georgia Beef Board as public relations coordinator before moving to Georgia Farm Bureau as reporter/producer for the Georgia Farm Monitor television show and Georgia Farm Radio Network. Currently, Jeff works as the Safety and Agriculture Education Manager for Kansas Farm Bureau.
Angie is the Member Programs and Ag Promotion Director at Kansas Farm Bureau. She coordinates services and programs for 110,000 members including an annual out-of-state agriculture tour. Other positions she’s held at KFB include Marketing Program Manager and District Administrator in the northeast central Kansas area. Angie is involved with the National Agri-Marketing Association, has served on the Kansas Foundation for Ag in the Classroom board of directors and writes grants for non-profit organizations. She has worked for Sunset Zoo, Manhattan-Ogden USD #383 and Manhattan Broadcasting Company in the areas of marketing, public relations and fund raising. Angie graduated from Kansas State University in 1993 with a bachelors’ degree in public relations and minor in geography.
Jeff and Angie enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Cats at football and basketball games.
Rhett Trujillo
Rhett Trujillo graduated from Kansas State University the spring of 1999 with a degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in Soil and Water Science. During his time at K-State, Rhett was involved in Student Senate, Blue Key Leadership Honorary and the Agronomy Club. Currently, Rhett is working in Kearney, NE as the area manager of product support for John Deere. He is the company's representative for product support and customer satisfaction for central Nebraska. He regularly visits 18 dealer locations as well as works with factory marketing and engineering departments for product development and problem resolution. Rhett enjoys watching football, especially the WILDCATS, working on his house and spending time on the farm in Southwest NE.
Darren Turley
Darren Turley is a dairyman from Dublin and chairman of Texas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher Committee. He was named winner of the Texas Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2002. He and his wife, Deanna, milk 200 cows in a double 8 parallel parlor as and run 100 acres. They are also the proud parents of their daughter, Jaclyn.Lauri Vaughn
Lauri M. Vaughn graduated from Texas Tech University in May of 2003, with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications. Vaughn has a strong background in FFA and won the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking contest in 1998 with a speech about agricultural literacy. While at Texas Tech, Vaughn served as the President of the student council, President of the local Ag Communicators of Tomorrow chapter, was a student senator and a member of the collegiate FFA and 4-H.
Vaughn is currently working as the VP & Director of Communications for the Texas Wheat Producers Board & Association in Amarillo, Texas. While in this position Vaughn has improved industry and press relations, developed and implemented an associate membership program, redesigned the Web site and designed and implemented an association newsletter.
Jerrod and Amy Westfahl
Jerrod & Amy Westfahl live in the Kansas City area. Jerrod is an attorney in the Overland Park office of Shook, Hardy & Bacon, LLP. He served several student organizations, including the Kansas FFA Association, Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and Agriculture Student Council while earning his B.S. in Agricultural Economics at K-State. Jerrod received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Kansas, where he served as Managing Editor of The University of Kansas Law Review. When he is not practicing business litigation law, Jerrod enjoys serving as an advisor for The Farm, Inc., a private entity providing foster care placement and counseling services for children in state custody. He is also active in his church and the American Royal Livestock, Horse Show and Rodeo, where he helps the Royal implement its collegiate and community education initiatives.
Amy graduated from K-State in 1997 with a degree in personal financial planning. While at K-State, she held leadership positions in several student organizations, including Kappa Kappa Gamma, Blue Key, and Human Ecology Student Council. She is employed by Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. She specializes in consulting government agencies; her current client is the United States Postal Service. Amy also leads Accenture’s Kansas City Women’s Networking Group, which is focused on the retention and advancement of women. Outside of work, Amy dedicates her time to church activities, serving as an advisor to the KU chapter of her sorority, reading, and playing with the family dog, Duke.
Larry Whipple
Larry is a native of Jetmore, Kansas and Graduated from Kansas State in 1993 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Upon graduation, Larry went into the Administrative Management training program for Cargill Animal Nutrition. In 1998, after Administrative Manager assignments in Sioux City, IA, McPherson, KS, Memphis, TN, and Big Lake, MN, he was named Division Merchandising Manager in Minneapolis, MN overseeing worldwide merchandising and formulation activities for all of Cargill’s Animal Nutrition Division. In 2000, after successfully completing a General Management training program in Sterling, CO, Larry was named the District General Manager of four feed mills in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada. Currently located with his wife, Laura, in Mentone, IN, as District General Manager, he oversees 108 employees involved in the production, marketing, and administration of livestock feeds in 6 states and Ontario.
Brenden Wirth
Brenden grew up on and helped to manage an alfalfa and Cattle farm in Central Kansas and attended Claflin High School. In college while earning a degree in political science and emphasizing in ag policy he started a hay business in which he bought and sold grass and alfalfa hay throughout the states of Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Also while in college he spent three years interning in the state legislature. Two for Kansas Representative Sharon Schwartz from Washington Kansas and one year for Kansas Farm Bureau in their Public Policy Department. He also spent time in Washington DC interning for Senator Brownback and filling in as a temporary agricultural aid for his staff. He is currently employed by Kansas Farm Bureau as a District Administrator in North Central Kansas where he works with county farm bureaus and develops policy, promotional, and agricultural education programs. His wife, Jennifer, is a student in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Jake Worcester
Jake Worcester graduated from K-State with a degree in Agricultural Economics and is currently the Executive Director of the Kansas FFA Foundation. While at K-State, Jake participated in the College of Agriculture as a member of Ag Ambassadors, and he served in several capacities on the Ag College Council. In addition, Jake was active in the Student Governing Association as an Agriculture Senator and was elected to serve as K-State Student Body President his senior year. He was a member of the Blue Key Senior Leadership Honorary and the Student Alumni Board. Jake has worked for Congressman Jerry Moran, technology consulting company Accenture and Agriculture Future of America prior to his current position. Jake currently lives in Manhattan with his wife, Hilary, a 2000 KSU graduate.
Nancy Yates
Nancy Yates is a program manager at Agriculture Future of America (AFA). Her responsibilities include working with the AFA community scholarship program, leaders conference and intern placement. Nancy joined AFA in February 2003 after completing her Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant Science and Agricultural Education Leadership and Communication. While at Mizzou, Nancy served as president of the Mizzou FFA Alumni, co-chaired the College of Agriculture high school recruitment event called Preview Mizzou, was involved in Horticulture Club, NAMA, Little Sisters of the Pearls and Rubies, CAFNR Student Council, and the John Brown Scholar Program. Nancy has a rich history with AFA. As a high school senior in Monroe City, Missouri, Nancy received an at-large scholarship from AFA and attended the 1998 AFA Leaders Conference. She has attended each conference since, having served on the Student Advisory Team in 2000 and 2001. While in college, she interned with Earl May Nursery and Garden, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs and Foundation. She also participated in a study abroad program in Northern Ireland. Nancy is a member of the AFA Alliance. Nancy is originally from Monroe City, Missouri. She grew up on a diversified livestock and crop production farm.
Mike Zamrzla
Mike graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in Agricultural Journalism and a M.S. in Higher Education Administration. While a student, he was a member of the Blue Key Senior Honorary and FarmHouse fraternity, served as Kansas FFA Secretary, and worked in the K-State Community Service Office. His extensive work in politics began at K-State where he served as student body president campaign manager for Jeff Peterson, and later served as Peterson’s campaign manager during his successful bid for State Representative. He worked as a legislative assistant for Kansas House Majority Leader Kent Glasscock, and he is presently a staff member for United States Congressman Jerry Moran.