McPherson County farmer and rancher

The heat of the summer has officially moved in and with that the day-to-day summer routines become fairly predictable.&nbsp;

For my husband, that means waking up before the summer sun rises to begin the daily irrigation chores and coming home well past dark after completing the evening irrigation duties.&nbsp;

The irrigation responsibilities bookmark every day until it’s time to shut off the systems and allow the corn and soybeans to begin to dry down for harvest. It’s an everyday event for the rest of summer unless it rains enough to allow for a small reprieve from the daily watering tasks.

The spring and early summer presented us with many challenges this year. Abundant rains – while needed and appreciated – delayed our planting schedule or created situations requiring fields to be replanted. Because of the extended periods of rain we received in June, our wheat harvest and all additional work requiring heavy machines in fields was noticeably delayed. When the wheat harvest began, stories of trucks or combines getting stuck in the mud was a repeated thread heard over and over.&nbsp;

The usual cadence associated with wheat harvest was never achieved. There was never a hard push to get the grain out of the fields before the summer storms rolled in. Rarely did we experience the flow of finishing a field and knowing exactly which ripened field of wheat we’d move into next and work in late into the night. This year the wheat was dry and ready for harvest, but the ground was not.

The buzzing of crop dusters also increased during this time as many farmers in our area navigated needed management practices by keeping their spray rigs out of the soggy fields and relying on outsourcing applications from the sky.&nbsp;

The clock has also been ticking on getting any additional fall crops planted in the fields the wheat has come out of. Fields that farmers had preliminarily identified as potential double-crop acres may not see those crops later this fall.

Needless to say, it’s been an interesting summer.

A couple of Sundays ago, a member of our church family approached me before the service to check on us and to let me know that she was praying for the farmers. She recognized the challenges faced during this season and commented she didn’t know how we did what we did.

I told her farming isn’t for everyone, and then referenced a prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr I was introduced to many, many, many years ago that I rely on still to this day to help me navigate challenges and draw strength from.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

And so we go.&nbsp;One day at a time this summer.&nbsp;

Doing what we can and accepting what we can’t.&nbsp;

It is my hope that we may all experience that serenity.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin Insight" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin Insight</figcaption>
 </figure>By: KIM BALDWINMcPherson County farmer and rancherThe heat of the summer has officially moved in and with that the day-to-day summer routines become fairly predictable.&nbsp;For my husband, that means waking up before the summer sun rises to begin the daily irrigation chores and coming home well past dark after completing the evening irrigation duties.&nbsp;The irrigation responsibilities bookmark every day until it’s time to shut off the systems and allow the corn and soybeans to begin to dry down for harvest. It’s an everyday event for the rest of summer unless it rains enough to allow for a small reprieve from the daily watering tasks.The spring and early summer presented us with many challenges this year. Abundant rains – while needed and appreciated – delayed our planting schedule or created situations requiring fields to be replanted. Because of the extended periods of rain we received in June, our wheat harvest and all additional work requiring heavy machines in fields was noticeably delayed. When the wheat harvest began, stories of trucks or combines getting stuck in the mud was a repeated thread heard over and over.&nbsp;The usual cadence associated with wheat harvest was never achieved. There was never a hard push to get the grain out of the fields before the summer storms rolled in. Rarely did we experience the flow of finishing a field and knowing exactly which ripened field of wheat we’d move into next and work in late into the night. This year the wheat was dry and ready for harvest, but the ground was not.The buzzing of crop dusters also increased during this time as many farmers in our area navigated needed management practices by keeping their spray rigs out of the soggy fields and relying on outsourcing applications from the sky.&nbsp;The clock has also been ticking on getting any additional fall crops planted in the fields the wheat has come out of. Fields that farmers had preliminarily identified as potential double-crop acres may not see those crops later this fall.Needless to say, it’s been an interesting summer.A couple of Sundays ago, a member of our church family approached me before the service to check on us and to let me know that she was praying for the farmers. She recognized the challenges faced during this season and commented she didn’t know how we did what we did.I told her farming isn’t for everyone, and then referenced a prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr I was introduced to many, many, many years ago that I rely on still to this day to help me navigate challenges and draw strength from."God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."And so we go.&nbsp;One day at a time this summer.&nbsp;Doing what we can and accepting what we can’t.&nbsp;It is my hope that we may all experience that serenity."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS FARM BUREAU: Serenity and courage

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

University lecturer specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government

Make no mistake. It’s coming. An invasive non-native species of podcasters, influencers, tech-bros, reality TV stars, and spurned college students aboard the disinformation train destroying a healthy democratic habitat faster than out of work loggers at a spotted owl convention.

While much focus is on the vanishing checks from Congress or Supreme Court on presidential powers under Trump 2.0, the most endangered check, or species, may be the professional bureaucrat. In the biggest reshaping of the federal workforce since the Gilded Age, coerced mass layoffs impacting 284,000 workers and presidential loyalty tests have burned wide swaths of their habitat.

To some that’s not a bad thing. Bureaucracy is typically a pejorative term. One that values processes over people and impersonalized service. Red tape. That’s fair. An old DMV comes to mind. But to others, vanishing professional bureaucrats is the proverbial canary in a coal mine.

Let’s take the curious tale of Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) modernization project.

Since 2002, KDOL had been trying to modernize a Byzantine unemployment insurance IT system equivalent to Atari Pong technology. Governor Brownback officially pulled the plug in 2011 before it was complete. By the time Governor Kelly could re-start the project, Covid hit in 2020 with an avalanche of unemployment claims frying the archaic system. This perfect storm vastly delayed payments to angry laid off workers while fraudsters made off with $460 million in claims. Under a new Labor Secretary with a long career modernizing local government technology, the $43 million system finally launched last November. Score one for the professional bureaucrat.

Six months later, what’s left of the U.S. Department of Labor’s bureaucratic expertise absurdly decided to claw back $1 million of a $1.7 million grant intended to safeguard the new system from fraud because “equity” was in the grant description. Never mind “equity” would make software useable on ALL our devices and for rural Kansans without broadband. Now fraudsters have equitable access.

Downstream impacts to localities of exceedingly politicized and bonkers incompetency doesn’t stop there - birth rates tied to transportation funds, shutting down FEMA call centers amid horrific flooding, walking back diversity goals in the home of Brown v Board. It will be endless. As a long-time public administrator, I see these as microcosms of graver concerns echoing the age of spoils.

In the 1830s, newly elected President Andrew Jackson ushered in an era of politicized civil service under his “to the victors belong the spoils of the enemy” philosophy swapping out non-partisan workers for his partisan loyalists regardless of aptitude. A philosophy Mark Twain would bluntly scorch decades later… “We will not hire a blacksmith who never lifted a sledge. We will not hire a teacher who does not know the alphabet…but when it comes to our civil service, we serenely fill great numbers of our minor public offices with ignoramuses.”

Thanks to Twain and rampant political corruption, Congress formalized a new era of merit-based hiring in 1883. A new discipline of public administration transformed government from the dark age of spoils to a professional bureaucracy of expertise that puts American people first using efficacy, efficiency, economy, and equity as guideposts.

As I’ve experienced, public administrators can be the only adults in the room “checking” the veracity, narcissism and sheer incompetence of politically tinged decision-making. Losing them is a harbinger for our democratic ecosystem.

There is no “I” in running government. Only ruining government.

Bill Fiander is a university lecturer specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government.

You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752693344014.jpeg" alt="Bill Fiander, (University lecturer specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government); photo courtesy of Megan Martin" />
 <figcaption>Bill Fiander, (University lecturer specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government); photo courtesy of Megan Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;BILL FIANDERUniversity lecturer specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local governmentMake no mistake. It’s coming. An invasive non-native species of podcasters, influencers, tech-bros, reality TV stars, and spurned college students aboard the disinformation train destroying a healthy democratic habitat faster than out of work loggers at a spotted owl convention.While much focus is on the vanishing checks from Congress or Supreme Court on presidential powers under Trump 2.0, the most endangered check, or species, may be the professional bureaucrat. In the biggest reshaping of the federal workforce since the Gilded Age, coerced mass layoffs impacting 284,000 workers and presidential loyalty tests have burned wide swaths of their habitat.To some that’s not a bad thing. Bureaucracy is typically a pejorative term. One that values processes over people and impersonalized service. Red tape. That’s fair. An old DMV comes to mind. But to others, vanishing professional bureaucrats is the proverbial canary in a coal mine.Let’s take the curious tale of Kansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) modernization project.Since 2002, KDOL had been trying to modernize a Byzantine unemployment insurance IT system equivalent to Atari Pong technology. Governor Brownback officially pulled the plug in 2011 before it was complete. By the time Governor Kelly could re-start the project, Covid hit in 2020 with an avalanche of unemployment claims frying the archaic system. This perfect storm vastly delayed payments to angry laid off workers while fraudsters made off with $460 million in claims. Under a new Labor Secretary with a long career modernizing local government technology, the $43 million system finally launched last November. Score one for the professional bureaucrat.But we’re not done.Six months later, what’s left of the U.S. Department of Labor’s bureaucratic expertise absurdly decided to claw back $1 million of a $1.7 million grant intended to safeguard the new system from fraud because “equity” was in the grant description. Never mind “equity” would make software useable on ALL our devices and for rural Kansans without broadband. Now fraudsters have equitable access.Downstream impacts to localities of exceedingly politicized and bonkers incompetency doesn’t stop there - birth rates tied to transportation funds, shutting down FEMA call centers amid horrific flooding, walking back diversity goals in the home of Brown v Board. It will be endless. As a long-time public administrator, I see these as microcosms of graver concerns echoing the age of spoils.In the 1830s, newly elected President Andrew Jackson ushered in an era of politicized civil service under his “to the victors belong the spoils of the enemy” philosophy swapping out non-partisan workers for his partisan loyalists regardless of aptitude. A philosophy Mark Twain would bluntly scorch decades later… “We will not hire a blacksmith who never lifted a sledge. We will not hire a teacher who does not know the alphabet…but when it comes to our civil service, we serenely fill great numbers of our minor public offices with ignoramuses.”Thanks to Twain and rampant political corruption, Congress formalized a new era of merit-based hiring in 1883. A new discipline of public administration transformed government from the dark age of spoils to a professional bureaucracy of expertise that puts American people first using efficacy, efficiency, economy, and equity as guideposts.As I’ve experienced, public administrators can be the only adults in the room “checking” the veracity, narcissism and sheer incompetence of politically tinged decision-making. Losing them is a harbinger for our democratic ecosystem.There is no “I” in running government. Only ruining government.Bill Fiander is a university lecturer specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

INSIGHT KANSAS: The vanishing professional bureaucrat

Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

I love a good road trip, especially one around Kansas. That is why I am so excited about the listening tour Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) President Joe Newland and I will be embarking on July 21-23 and 30-31. Tour stops are listed at <a href="http://www.kfb.org">www.kfb.org</a>, and you can register there also. Joe and I along with district directors will be at every stop.

This is truly a listening tour, and we want to hear what is on your mind. Your board of directors has spent the last year going over the organization’s strategic plan and we would like to present it to all our members for their input also.

This is also a time when we would like to hear your ideas of what Kansas Farm Bureau should look like in the future. Let’s talk about things that are going well and other places where we can make improvements. Where are some areas that we can grow and maybe some innovative ideas that we need to try.

The bottom line is that we want to hear from you. The grassroots nature of Kansas Farm Bureau is why we have been so successful for more than 100 years. Our organization is driven by you, the members, and that is why this listening tour is so important.

I know the dates and locations may not work for everyone. Believe me, we tried to make it as convenient as possible for everyone. We also know calendars are jam packed, so we did the best we could to accommodate as many as possible.

I know I speak for Joe and your district director when I say we want to hear from you. If you cannot attend, please reach out to us and tell us what you think. Our emails and phone numbers are easy to find, and if you need some help reach out to your count coordinator. We really do want to hear from all of you.

I know you are busy but if we could get a couple of hours of your time, the discussion about the future of Kansas Farm Bureau will be even better with more voices. Please go on the Kansas Farm Bureau website and click through the links to register. Supper will be provided.

I am looking forward to going all around the state, but I am even more excited to have a discussion about our strategic plan and the future of Kansas Farm Bureau. I am proud of our organization, and I think we can make it even better in the years to come.

Find the site closest to you, or, if you want a road trip of your own, sign up for the location of your choice. The last one is at the Dodge City Roundup if you are a rodeo fan. I cannot wait to see you and hear your ideas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690818396954.jpeg" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By: GLENN BRUNKOWPottawatomie County farmer and rancherI love a good road trip, especially one around Kansas. That is why I am so excited about the listening tour Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) President Joe Newland and I will be embarking on July 21-23 and 30-31. Tour stops are listed at <a href="http://www.kfb.org">www.kfb.org</a>, and you can register there also. Joe and I along with district directors will be at every stop.This is truly a listening tour, and we want to hear what is on your mind. Your board of directors has spent the last year going over the organization’s strategic plan and we would like to present it to all our members for their input also.This is also a time when we would like to hear your ideas of what Kansas Farm Bureau should look like in the future. Let’s talk about things that are going well and other places where we can make improvements. Where are some areas that we can grow and maybe some innovative ideas that we need to try.The bottom line is that we want to hear from you. The grassroots nature of Kansas Farm Bureau is why we have been so successful for more than 100 years. Our organization is driven by you, the members, and that is why this listening tour is so important.I know the dates and locations may not work for everyone. Believe me, we tried to make it as convenient as possible for everyone. We also know calendars are jam packed, so we did the best we could to accommodate as many as possible.I know I speak for Joe and your district director when I say we want to hear from you. If you cannot attend, please reach out to us and tell us what you think. Our emails and phone numbers are easy to find, and if you need some help reach out to your count coordinator. We really do want to hear from all of you.I know you are busy but if we could get a couple of hours of your time, the discussion about the future of Kansas Farm Bureau will be even better with more voices. Please go on the Kansas Farm Bureau website and click through the links to register. Supper will be provided.I am looking forward to going all around the state, but I am even more excited to have a discussion about our strategic plan and the future of Kansas Farm Bureau. I am proud of our organization, and I think we can make it even better in the years to come.Find the site closest to you, or, if you want a road trip of your own, sign up for the location of your choice. The last one is at the Dodge City Roundup if you are a rodeo fan. I cannot wait to see you and hear your ideas.

INSIGHT KANSAS FARM BUREAU: Driving for the future

In Kansas, we pride ourselves on hard work, strong communities, and self-reliance.

Kansans value hard work, strong communities, and a sense of fairness. But over the past several months, decisions made in Washington have left many of our neighbors behind. While the rhetoric often celebrates rural America, the policies tell a different story. Kansas farmers and rural communities bear the brunt of recent federal funding cuts.

The Trump administration’s policy decisions have undermined the livelihoods and well-being of Kansans across the state by hurting our agricultural economy, straining our rural healthcare systems, and further fraying the safety net that supports our communities.

Start with Kansas agriculture. While national headlines focused on culture wars, the administration quietly slashed funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID). That may seem like a distant concern, but USAID doesn’t just deliver humanitarian aid, it opens and stabilizes global markets for American-grown crops.

USAID’s Food for Peace program, in particular, has benefited Kansas farmers for decades by buying surplus wheat and grain harvests and sending them overseas as humanitarian aid, helping to stabilize prices here at home while feeding millions abroad.

When the US pulled back from investing in international food security, it also pulled away from the long-term global demand for wheat, corn, soybeans, and other Kansas exports. In 2024, over half of Kansas-grown wheat was sold abroad, but those markets have now dried up and farmers are struggling to sell their goods. In fact, Kansas exported over $800 million worth of wheat in 2023, and more than $4.75 billion in total agricultural products in 2024, underscoring how vital international markets are to the state’s economy.

At the same time, Trump launched trade wars that sparked retaliatory tariffs from major trading partners like China, which have struck Kansas’ producers hard. According to state and independent estimates, Kansas farmers lost nearly $1 billion in income due to those retaliatory tariffs, especially in soybeans, wheat, and pork.

Despite emergency bailouts, many family farms have seen shrinking profits. For some Kansans, these cuts will mean the end of a multi-generational farming legacy. This isn’t just a market correction; it is the fallout of political choices that ignored the economic ecosystems rural states depend on.

These are not abstract policy changes. They are devastating blows to rural Kansas economies.

It’s important to be clear: these outcomes weren’t inevitable. They were the result of policy decisions that favored cuts over stability and care. Trump campaigned as a champion of the “forgotten man and woman,” appealing to working-class and rural voters in places like Kansas.

But his administration’s actions have abandoned Kansans who need the most help. The same administration that promised to “put America first” has without a doubt put rural America last.

To add insult to injury, most of Kansas’ House delegation has gone along with cutting federal funds every step of the way. Representatives Mann, Schmidt, and Estes all voted in favor, while Representative Davids was the sole opponent from Kansas’ House delegates.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on the USAID funding cuts in mid-July. Thus far, Senator Marshall has been an outspoken critic of USAID while Senator Moran has remained mostly silent on the organization itself. However, both Senators, and Moran in particular, have advocated that Food for Peace be moved to the US Department of Agriculture so the program can continue.

The long-term effects of these policies are still unfolding, but one thing is certain: cutting development aid at the expense of farmers is not building a stronger Kansas. It’s time we choose leaders who will invest in our people, protect our communities, and put Kansas first for real.

Kansas deserves elected officials who understand the realities of life in small towns and farming communities; leaders who don’t just use rural voters as a backdrop for campaign speeches, but who fight for policies that support hardworking Kansans.

Kansans know what it means to take care of each other. Our policies should reflect that.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, (PhD&nbsp;Associate Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University)" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, (PhD&nbsp;Associate Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University)</figcaption>
 </figure>By: ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOODInsight KansasIn Kansas, we pride ourselves on hard work, strong communities, and self-reliance.Kansans value hard work, strong communities, and a sense of fairness. But over the past several months, decisions made in Washington have left many of our neighbors behind. While the rhetoric often celebrates rural America, the policies tell a different story. Kansas farmers and rural communities bear the brunt of recent federal funding cuts.The Trump administration’s policy decisions have undermined the livelihoods and well-being of Kansans across the state by hurting our agricultural economy, straining our rural healthcare systems, and further fraying the safety net that supports our communities.Start with Kansas agriculture. While national headlines focused on culture wars, the administration quietly slashed funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID). That may seem like a distant concern, but USAID doesn’t just deliver humanitarian aid, it opens and stabilizes global markets for American-grown crops.USAID’s Food for Peace program, in particular, has benefited Kansas farmers for decades by buying surplus wheat and grain harvests and sending them overseas as humanitarian aid, helping to stabilize prices here at home while feeding millions abroad.When the US pulled back from investing in international food security, it also pulled away from the long-term global demand for wheat, corn, soybeans, and other Kansas exports. In 2024, over half of Kansas-grown wheat was sold abroad, but those markets have now dried up and farmers are struggling to sell their goods. In fact, Kansas exported over $800 million worth of wheat in 2023, and more than $4.75 billion in total agricultural products in 2024, underscoring how vital international markets are to the state’s economy.At the same time, Trump launched trade wars that sparked retaliatory tariffs from major trading partners like China, which have struck Kansas’ producers hard. According to state and independent estimates, Kansas farmers lost nearly $1 billion in income due to those retaliatory tariffs, especially in soybeans, wheat, and pork.Despite emergency bailouts, many family farms have seen shrinking profits. For some Kansans, these cuts will mean the end of a multi-generational farming legacy. This isn’t just a market correction; it is the fallout of political choices that ignored the economic ecosystems rural states depend on.These are not abstract policy changes. They are devastating blows to rural Kansas economies.It’s important to be clear: these outcomes weren’t inevitable. They were the result of policy decisions that favored cuts over stability and care. Trump campaigned as a champion of the “forgotten man and woman,” appealing to working-class and rural voters in places like Kansas.But his administration’s actions have abandoned Kansans who need the most help. The same administration that promised to “put America first” has without a doubt put rural America last.To add insult to injury, most of Kansas’ House delegation has gone along with cutting federal funds every step of the way. Representatives Mann, Schmidt, and Estes all voted in favor, while Representative Davids was the sole opponent from Kansas’ House delegates.The Senate is scheduled to vote on the USAID funding cuts in mid-July. Thus far, Senator Marshall has been an outspoken critic of USAID while Senator Moran has remained mostly silent on the organization itself. However, both Senators, and Moran in particular, have advocated that Food for Peace be moved to the US Department of Agriculture so the program can continue.The long-term effects of these policies are still unfolding, but one thing is certain: cutting development aid at the expense of farmers is not building a stronger Kansas. It’s time we choose leaders who will invest in our people, protect our communities, and put Kansas first for real.Kansas deserves elected officials who understand the realities of life in small towns and farming communities; leaders who don’t just use rural voters as a backdrop for campaign speeches, but who fight for policies that support hardworking Kansans.Kansans know what it means to take care of each other. Our policies should reflect that.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Washington abandoned rural Kansas and farmers are paying for It

If there’s one constant in the world, it’s every living thing is looking for food while avoiding becoming a meal. Farmers fight weeds, bacteria and fungus from the moment seeds go into the ground until the crop is harvested. Ranchers are on constant alert for predators waiting for the right opportunity to secure an easy meal.

In growing food, there’s a constant battle against pests, both seen and unseen. One of agriculture’s greatest successes over the past 75 years has come from managing these threats even if they’re not eliminated entirely.

The New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic pestilence of fly larvae that burrows into open wounds on livestock causing serious to fatal injury to infected animals. NWS was a scourge in the United States until 1966 when a government program used sterile flies to eradicate the breeding stock.

This biological barrier eventually banished the NWS to the Caribbean and South America, but recent sightings in Central America and Mexico have put the United States on alert. Like any fence, the barrier occasionally develops some weak spots. An outbreak occurred in Texas in 1976 and the NWS cropped up again in the Florida Keys in 2016, affecting wild deer there.

Vigilance is key to halting the most recent migration, and officials are working to reverse the course of NWS before it can reestablish in the United States. While not cheap, these efforts provide enormous economic benefits, with one U.S. government estimate showing an outbreak similar to the one in 1976 could cause nearly $2 billion in losses.

The reemergence of NWS into the public discourse is also an opportunity to highlight how dedicated farmers and ranchers are in caring for their livestock. It’s easy for someone outside of the industry to only see cattle grazing in a pasture as they drive by on the highway and believe the animals are largely on their own.

While this is the time of year cattle are likely to have the least amount of interaction with their caretakers, it’s still substantially more than what a passersby can see from the road. There are regular water checks, replenishment of supplemental mineral and salt in addition to periodic fence checks.

This is in addition to more thorough assessments when rotating cattle to fresh pasture. When I was growing up, moving cattle to a new pasture always involved a stop at the pens to spray the cattle with a mild insecticide to combat flies, ticks and other biting insects. This also offered the chance for close evaluation of the herd.

We’d start the day before sunrise so we could move the cattle when it was coolest, and the observation started as soon as we began guiding them to the pen. We studied the strides looking for any sign of a limp or lethargy that could indicate an illness. Once in the pen, we paid close attention to posture, coat, eyes and mouth for any signs of sickness or distress. Any potentially sick animals would be separated for further evaluation and treatment if necessary.

Catching problems early makes them much easier to solve. Screwworms are still a threat, but through care and vigilance they were spotted early, and mitigation measures are underway to protect all the herds in the United States.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687183475033.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By: GREG DOERINGIf there’s one constant in the world, it’s every living thing is looking for food while avoiding becoming a meal. Farmers fight weeds, bacteria and fungus from the moment seeds go into the ground until the crop is harvested. Ranchers are on constant alert for predators waiting for the right opportunity to secure an easy meal.In growing food, there’s a constant battle against pests, both seen and unseen. One of agriculture’s greatest successes over the past 75 years has come from managing these threats even if they’re not eliminated entirely.The New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic pestilence of fly larvae that burrows into open wounds on livestock causing serious to fatal injury to infected animals. NWS was a scourge in the United States until 1966 when a government program used sterile flies to eradicate the breeding stock.This biological barrier eventually banished the NWS to the Caribbean and South America, but recent sightings in Central America and Mexico have put the United States on alert. Like any fence, the barrier occasionally develops some weak spots. An outbreak occurred in Texas in 1976 and the NWS cropped up again in the Florida Keys in 2016, affecting wild deer there.Vigilance is key to halting the most recent migration, and officials are working to reverse the course of NWS before it can reestablish in the United States. While not cheap, these efforts provide enormous economic benefits, with one U.S. government estimate showing an outbreak similar to the one in 1976 could cause nearly $2 billion in losses.The reemergence of NWS into the public discourse is also an opportunity to highlight how dedicated farmers and ranchers are in caring for their livestock. It’s easy for someone outside of the industry to only see cattle grazing in a pasture as they drive by on the highway and believe the animals are largely on their own.While this is the time of year cattle are likely to have the least amount of interaction with their caretakers, it’s still substantially more than what a passersby can see from the road. There are regular water checks, replenishment of supplemental mineral and salt in addition to periodic fence checks.This is in addition to more thorough assessments when rotating cattle to fresh pasture. When I was growing up, moving cattle to a new pasture always involved a stop at the pens to spray the cattle with a mild insecticide to combat flies, ticks and other biting insects. This also offered the chance for close evaluation of the herd.We’d start the day before sunrise so we could move the cattle when it was coolest, and the observation started as soon as we began guiding them to the pen. We studied the strides looking for any sign of a limp or lethargy that could indicate an illness. Once in the pen, we paid close attention to posture, coat, eyes and mouth for any signs of sickness or distress. Any potentially sick animals would be separated for further evaluation and treatment if necessary.Catching problems early makes them much easier to solve. Screwworms are still a threat, but through care and vigilance they were spotted early, and mitigation measures are underway to protect all the herds in the United States.

INSIGHT KANSAS FARM BUREAU: Protecting the herds

This is actually happening in these United States by a prejudice, hurtful president.&nbsp;

A woman is lured&nbsp;to a public building by ICE! As she waits with her military veteran husband, ICE agents give her a time to come back to get her papers in order, she decides to breastfeed their infant child first. Just then, armed agents storm the couple, tear the baby from the mother, and place her under arrest. She is then put in a queue for deportation.&nbsp;This is America?

President Trump and his administration are carrying out the cruelest and most savage sweeping mass deportation program in modern U.S. history.&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, acting at Trump's direction have detained and deported veterans, their children, their spouses - even those who served alongside us on the battlefield. This is being done under&nbsp;the guise&nbsp;of "making America safe again," when statistically America has never been safer.

"Take&nbsp;Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient and Army combat veteran who came to the U.S. as a child. He served honorably in 'Operation Just Cause' and was wounded twice; one was a gunshot wound to his back, temporarily paralyzing him. Like too many veterans, Park returned home with PTSD. Struggling with addiction, he was convicted of a drug offense over 15 years ago. Park served his time. He stayed in compliance with immigration authorities. He built a life, raised a son, and tried to move forward. But, just days before Independence Day, Trump's ICE told him to leave or be jailed. He self-deported to South Korea - exiled from the nation he bled and nearly died for."&nbsp;

Our diversity is what makes us strong as we were admired around the world.&nbsp;The Fourth of July is the best time for all of us — and every institution in America — to stand up to Trump’s Tyranny supported by his self-serving congressional Republicans.

Dr. Richard A. French, President and business owner, a humanistic scholar, a former Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, High School Principal and teacher, Glendale CA, 626-806-4596, prefer: drfrenchfds@yahoo.com&nbsp;to communicate.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.By: DR. RICHARD A. FRENCHThis is actually happening in these United States by a prejudice, hurtful president.&nbsp;A woman is lured&nbsp;to a public building by ICE! As she waits with her military veteran husband, ICE agents give her a time to come back to get her papers in order, she decides to breastfeed their infant child first. Just then, armed agents storm the couple, tear the baby from the mother, and place her under arrest. She is then put in a queue for deportation.&nbsp;This is America?President Trump and his administration are carrying out the cruelest and most savage sweeping mass deportation program in modern U.S. history.&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, acting at Trump's direction have detained and deported veterans, their children, their spouses - even those who served alongside us on the battlefield. This is being done under&nbsp;the guise&nbsp;of "making America safe again," when statistically America has never been safer."Take&nbsp;Sae Joon Park, a Purple Heart recipient and Army combat veteran who came to the U.S. as a child. He served honorably in 'Operation Just Cause' and was wounded twice; one was a gunshot wound to his back, temporarily paralyzing him. Like too many veterans, Park returned home with PTSD. Struggling with addiction, he was convicted of a drug offense over 15 years ago. Park served his time. He stayed in compliance with immigration authorities. He built a life, raised a son, and tried to move forward. But, just days before Independence Day, Trump's ICE told him to leave or be jailed. He self-deported to South Korea - exiled from the nation he bled and nearly died for."&nbsp;Our diversity is what makes us strong as we were admired around the world.&nbsp;The Fourth of July is the best time for all of us — and every institution in America — to stand up to Trump’s Tyranny supported by his self-serving congressional Republicans.Dr. Richard A. French, President and business owner, a humanistic scholar, a former Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, High School Principal and teacher, Glendale CA, 626-806-4596, prefer: drfrenchfds@yahoo.com&nbsp;to communicate.You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

OPINION: Trump celebrates Fourth of July by deporting veterans and their families

Regarding the destruction of Gaza, the United Nations has published a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.un.org/unispal/document/a-hrc-59-23-from-economy-of-occupation-to-economy-of-genocide-report-special-rapporteur-francesca-albanese-palestine-2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLTDWlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTMHBsM1FWYVAwWktVUHlCAR7hzrKplPXfrejnDrMHZqdBeGTpNT1YsZTjFpHtianqeb8EaQxs9IbWqTWrpQ_aem_shWz8InKe-fGUGp2H-ic3Q">report</a>&nbsp;by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://trt.global/world/article/b9154d1412cb">naming</a>&nbsp;dozens of&nbsp;companies—including arms manufacturers and technology firms—that&nbsp;profit from what she&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSiCC4m9HOI">calls</a>&nbsp;"the economy of genocide."&nbsp; Here's an excerpt:

"While life in Gaza is being obliterated and the West Bank is under escalating assault, this report shows why Israel's genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many."

Notably, prominent Israeli Holocaust and genocide scholars&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ushmm.org/research/about-the-mandel-center/all-fellows-and-scholars/amos-goldberg">Amos&nbsp;Goldberg</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/19/Tv/video/amanpour-bartov-omer">Omer Bartov</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-01-30/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/theres-no-auschwitz-in-gaza-but-its-still-genocide/00000194-b8af-dee1-a5dc-fcff384b0000">Daniel Blatman</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.democracynow.org/2023/10/16/raz_segal_textbook_case_of_genocide">Raz Segal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/top-genocide-scholars-unanimous-israel-committing-genocide-gaza-investigation-finds">Shmuel Lederman</a>&nbsp;have all&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thepalestineproject.medium.com/yes-it-is-genocide-634a07ea27d4">concluded</a>&nbsp;that Israel is committing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/FranceskAlbs/status/1865300945615143388">genocide</a>&nbsp;in Gaza.

Other genocide scholars who have reached this determination&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/top-genocide-scholars-unanimous-israel-committing-genocide-gaza-investigation-finds">include</a>&nbsp;Martin Shaw, author of the book "What is Genocide?"; Melanie O’Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars; and Dirk Moses, senior editor of the Journal of Genocide Research.

When institutions and&nbsp;corporations ignore the clear assessments of these scholars, they abandon both moral responsibility and international law.&nbsp; The cost of this silence is measured in human lives.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSiCC4m9HOI">Francesca Albanese speaks on the economy of genocide</a><a target="_blank" href="https://forensic-architecture.org/investigation/a-cartography-of-genocide">A&nbsp;Cartography&nbsp;of Genocide</a>:

Israel's Conduct in Gaza Since October 2023(Report by research group Forensic Architecture)

<a target="_blank" href="https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1h/k1hdr3f0i9">Testimony of pediatric intensive care physician Tanya Haj-Hassan</a>

You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.By: TERRY HANSENMilwaukee, WisconsinRegarding the destruction of Gaza, the United Nations has published a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.un.org/unispal/document/a-hrc-59-23-from-economy-of-occupation-to-economy-of-genocide-report-special-rapporteur-francesca-albanese-palestine-2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLTDWlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBTMHBsM1FWYVAwWktVUHlCAR7hzrKplPXfrejnDrMHZqdBeGTpNT1YsZTjFpHtianqeb8EaQxs9IbWqTWrpQ_aem_shWz8InKe-fGUGp2H-ic3Q">report</a>&nbsp;by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://trt.global/world/article/b9154d1412cb">naming</a>&nbsp;dozens of&nbsp;companies—including arms manufacturers and technology firms—that&nbsp;profit from what she&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSiCC4m9HOI">calls</a>&nbsp;"the economy of genocide."&nbsp; Here's an excerpt: "While life in Gaza is being obliterated and the West Bank is under escalating assault, this report shows why Israel's genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many."Notably, prominent Israeli Holocaust and genocide scholars&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ushmm.org/research/about-the-mandel-center/all-fellows-and-scholars/amos-goldberg">Amos&nbsp;Goldberg</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/19/Tv/video/amanpour-bartov-omer">Omer Bartov</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-01-30/ty-article-magazine/.highlight/theres-no-auschwitz-in-gaza-but-its-still-genocide/00000194-b8af-dee1-a5dc-fcff384b0000">Daniel Blatman</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.democracynow.org/2023/10/16/raz_segal_textbook_case_of_genocide">Raz Segal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/top-genocide-scholars-unanimous-israel-committing-genocide-gaza-investigation-finds">Shmuel Lederman</a>&nbsp;have all&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thepalestineproject.medium.com/yes-it-is-genocide-634a07ea27d4">concluded</a>&nbsp;that Israel is committing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/FranceskAlbs/status/1865300945615143388">genocide</a>&nbsp;in Gaza.Other genocide scholars who have reached this determination&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/top-genocide-scholars-unanimous-israel-committing-genocide-gaza-investigation-finds">include</a>&nbsp;Martin Shaw, author of the book "What is Genocide?"; Melanie O’Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars; and Dirk Moses, senior editor of the Journal of Genocide Research.When institutions and&nbsp;corporations ignore the clear assessments of these scholars, they abandon both moral responsibility and international law.&nbsp; The cost of this silence is measured in human lives.&nbsp;References:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSiCC4m9HOI">Francesca Albanese speaks on the economy of genocide</a><a target="_blank" href="https://forensic-architecture.org/investigation/a-cartography-of-genocide">A&nbsp;Cartography&nbsp;of Genocide</a>: Israel's Conduct in Gaza Since October 2023(Report by research group Forensic Architecture)<a target="_blank" href="https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1h/k1hdr3f0i9">Testimony of pediatric intensive care physician Tanya Haj-Hassan</a>You can send us your opinions/letters to the editor, along with your name, city and or county location to&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

OPINION: The economy of genocide

It’s Fourth of July season!&nbsp; Time for barbecues and Chinese-made fireworks (watch out for those tariffs).&nbsp; For Independence Day, I suggest also celebrating some folks that really make America great—immigrants.

Throughout our history, waves of immigrants have made our country stronger, bringing in new Americans willing to risk everything to live the American dream.&nbsp; Immigrants believe the inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty, “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.” They work hard, raise families, and establish communities and businesses. Naturalized citizens take a citizenship test and an oath in which they swear off allegiance to any other government or leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, politicians and pundits spew outrage at the suggestion that the U.S. was founded on slavery and the removal of Native Americans.&nbsp; It’s a plain fact that these things happened.&nbsp; Yet they do not need to define us.&nbsp; Himself the grandson of Irish migrants, President Kennedy offered a far more inspiring vision in his 1958 book,&nbsp;A Nation of Immigrants,&nbsp;which celebrated the American story. President Reagan was pro immigration too.

America is so much more than our sins of the past–and present.&nbsp; We are a dynamic, vibrant country that has repeatedly reinvented ourselves.&nbsp; Today, studies show that immigrants contribute far more to the U.S. economy than they take out– and yes, that is after accounting for public welfare benefits.&nbsp; Immigrants stabilize the population of communities that would otherwise be declining, including many in rural Kansas.&nbsp; They take jobs that many native-born Americans will not.&nbsp; Studies show that immigration helps relieve one of America’s worst economic challenges today:&nbsp; the housing shortage. While immigrant families need housing too, the fact that many work in construction more than offsets that, resulting in a net increase in the nation’s housing stock.

Immigrants enrich our culture, while also becoming a part of it.&nbsp; Migrant families typically assimilate within three generations.&nbsp; The children of immigrants from non-English speaking countries are usually bilingual and serve as translators for their parents.&nbsp; The immigrants’ grandchildren typically speak English as their first and perhaps only language.

A few years ago, TLC aired&nbsp;All American Muslim,&nbsp;about a Lebanese American family in suburban Detroit. The show was discontinued, but not because of prejudice. Instead, the family’s daily life was so typical, so suburban, so&nbsp;American, the show simply lacked the drama that reality TV viewers expect. Just another American family, nothing to see here.

Immigration enriches our culture. For example, German immigrants brought us the Christmas tree.&nbsp; Today, more and more Americans observe&nbsp;Dia de los Muertes&nbsp;(Day of the Dead), a celebration of our ancestors. The day originated in Mexico and is becoming mainstream here.

If you’re looking to binge watch something patriotic this weekend, I recommend&nbsp;Finding Your Roots&nbsp;with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.&nbsp; Streaming on the PBS app Passport, the show features famous Americans whose ancestors come from all over the world.&nbsp; For most guests, researchers document their family history in the old country as well as their journeys to the United States, uncovering stories of courage, sacrifice, and hard work. &nbsp; Of course, some find scandal in their genealogy too.&nbsp; Many guests are brought to tears when Gates shows them a timeline of their family history.&nbsp; Even when records are unavailable, DNA testing and other research can help uncover more information about their past than they ever imagined possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This Fourth of July, celebrate something that really makes the USA great. Welcome immigrants into your community and learn their American stories—and yours.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751494323778.jpeg" alt="Michael A. Smith; photo courtesy of Michael A. Smith" />
 <figcaption>Michael A. Smith; photo courtesy of Michael A. Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By: MICHAEL A. SMITHIt’s Fourth of July season!&nbsp; Time for barbecues and Chinese-made fireworks (watch out for those tariffs).&nbsp; For Independence Day, I suggest also celebrating some folks that really make America great—immigrants.Throughout our history, waves of immigrants have made our country stronger, bringing in new Americans willing to risk everything to live the American dream.&nbsp; Immigrants believe the inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty, “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.” They work hard, raise families, and establish communities and businesses. Naturalized citizens take a citizenship test and an oath in which they swear off allegiance to any other government or leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, politicians and pundits spew outrage at the suggestion that the U.S. was founded on slavery and the removal of Native Americans.&nbsp; It’s a plain fact that these things happened.&nbsp; Yet they do not need to define us.&nbsp; Himself the grandson of Irish migrants, President Kennedy offered a far more inspiring vision in his 1958 book,&nbsp;A Nation of Immigrants,&nbsp;which celebrated the American story. President Reagan was pro immigration too.America is so much more than our sins of the past–and present.&nbsp; We are a dynamic, vibrant country that has repeatedly reinvented ourselves.&nbsp; Today, studies show that immigrants contribute far more to the U.S. economy than they take out– and yes, that is after accounting for public welfare benefits.&nbsp; Immigrants stabilize the population of communities that would otherwise be declining, including many in rural Kansas.&nbsp; They take jobs that many native-born Americans will not.&nbsp; Studies show that immigration helps relieve one of America’s worst economic challenges today:&nbsp; the housing shortage. While immigrant families need housing too, the fact that many work in construction more than offsets that, resulting in a net increase in the nation’s housing stock.Immigrants enrich our culture, while also becoming a part of it.&nbsp; Migrant families typically assimilate within three generations.&nbsp; The children of immigrants from non-English speaking countries are usually bilingual and serve as translators for their parents.&nbsp; The immigrants’ grandchildren typically speak English as their first and perhaps only language.A few years ago, TLC aired&nbsp;All American Muslim,&nbsp;about a Lebanese American family in suburban Detroit. The show was discontinued, but not because of prejudice. Instead, the family’s daily life was so typical, so suburban, so&nbsp;American, the show simply lacked the drama that reality TV viewers expect. Just another American family, nothing to see here.Immigration enriches our culture. For example, German immigrants brought us the Christmas tree.&nbsp; Today, more and more Americans observe&nbsp;Dia de los Muertes&nbsp;(Day of the Dead), a celebration of our ancestors. The day originated in Mexico and is becoming mainstream here.If you’re looking to binge watch something patriotic this weekend, I recommend&nbsp;Finding Your Roots&nbsp;with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.&nbsp; Streaming on the PBS app Passport, the show features famous Americans whose ancestors come from all over the world.&nbsp; For most guests, researchers document their family history in the old country as well as their journeys to the United States, uncovering stories of courage, sacrifice, and hard work. &nbsp; Of course, some find scandal in their genealogy too.&nbsp; Many guests are brought to tears when Gates shows them a timeline of their family history.&nbsp; Even when records are unavailable, DNA testing and other research can help uncover more information about their past than they ever imagined possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;This Fourth of July, celebrate something that really makes the USA great. Welcome immigrants into your community and learn their American stories—and yours.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Immigration is Patriotic

Good friends can have a good time no matter what they are doing together. That is how I ended up helping with a Yoga on the Farm event at Hildebrand Dairy near Junction City recently. The event was organized by CommonGround Kansas, an organization of farm women in Kansas who share information and personal stories about farming and the food they grow.

Yoga on the farm events have been around for years but this was my first time attended one. I was pretty impressed to see around 50 people show up on a hot June weekend to moo-ve through poses on a lush green lawn next to cattle grazing in a pasture. The cows didn’t make anyone too self-conscious because they only stared at the humans in the strange poses for a little while before they got back to snacking on the grass.

Participants in the event got a lot more than a yoga session. Melissa Hildebrand Reed, one of the farm owners, gave a tour of the farm including a sneak peak of two milking robots they are installing. Participants were also able to learn what the dairy cattle eat by building a trail mix version of the ration, and everyone got delicious soft serve ice cream at the farm’s dairy store.&nbsp;One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to see Melissa and her staff connecting with curious people. She does such a good job of teaching people about the farm, showing them how they take care of their cows and explaining how they make the dairy products you can buy in their farm store or at grocery stores throughout the state.

Looking around the crowd it was obvious some people were hardcore yoga enthusiasts, others were there for the novelty of a unique experience, a great photo op, to see the cows or for the post-workout ice cream. Regardless of the reason, everyone walked away having met a real life dairy farmer, more clearly understanding of how dairy farms work and having a great story to tell their friends about where dairy products come from.

Events like this are so powerful because they demystify farms, give people the chance to ask questions and help the public build confidence in how their food is grown or produced. The farm women who volunteer for CommonGround Kansas are really effective advocates because in addition to being farmers, they are wives, mothers, caretakers, grocery shoppers and so many other roles. They have so many of the same concerns, fears and goals as all of the rest of us — we have so much common ground.

One of the most important needs we all have is to be well fed. Meeting a farmer and realizing you have something in common can completely change your perspective. Having the opportunity and comfort to ask questions about how food is grown can lead to confidence and peace of mind. Opening farms to the public creates more informed, loyal consumers.

My first time at Yoga on the Farm was delightful, and I look forward to more opportunities like it in the future. If you have the opportunity to attend yoga or any other event on a farm, I hope you will take advantage because you will likely learn something new, make powerful connections and may even get a cute selfie with a farm animal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By: JACKIE MUNDTPratt County farmer and rancherGood friends can have a good time no matter what they are doing together. That is how I ended up helping with a Yoga on the Farm event at Hildebrand Dairy near Junction City recently. The event was organized by CommonGround Kansas, an organization of farm women in Kansas who share information and personal stories about farming and the food they grow.Yoga on the farm events have been around for years but this was my first time attended one. I was pretty impressed to see around 50 people show up on a hot June weekend to moo-ve through poses on a lush green lawn next to cattle grazing in a pasture. The cows didn’t make anyone too self-conscious because they only stared at the humans in the strange poses for a little while before they got back to snacking on the grass.Participants in the event got a lot more than a yoga session. Melissa Hildebrand Reed, one of the farm owners, gave a tour of the farm including a sneak peak of two milking robots they are installing. Participants were also able to learn what the dairy cattle eat by building a trail mix version of the ration, and everyone got delicious soft serve ice cream at the farm’s dairy store.&nbsp;One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to see Melissa and her staff connecting with curious people. She does such a good job of teaching people about the farm, showing them how they take care of their cows and explaining how they make the dairy products you can buy in their farm store or at grocery stores throughout the state.Looking around the crowd it was obvious some people were hardcore yoga enthusiasts, others were there for the novelty of a unique experience, a great photo op, to see the cows or for the post-workout ice cream. Regardless of the reason, everyone walked away having met a real life dairy farmer, more clearly understanding of how dairy farms work and having a great story to tell their friends about where dairy products come from.Events like this are so powerful because they demystify farms, give people the chance to ask questions and help the public build confidence in how their food is grown or produced. The farm women who volunteer for CommonGround Kansas are really effective advocates because in addition to being farmers, they are wives, mothers, caretakers, grocery shoppers and so many other roles. They have so many of the same concerns, fears and goals as all of the rest of us — we have so much common ground.One of the most important needs we all have is to be well fed. Meeting a farmer and realizing you have something in common can completely change your perspective. Having the opportunity and comfort to ask questions about how food is grown can lead to confidence and peace of mind. Opening farms to the public creates more informed, loyal consumers.My first time at Yoga on the Farm was delightful, and I look forward to more opportunities like it in the future. If you have the opportunity to attend yoga or any other event on a farm, I hope you will take advantage because you will likely learn something new, make powerful connections and may even get a cute selfie with a farm animal.

INSIGHT KANSAS FARM BUREAU: Finding common ground

June is the month that tests my schedule and patience as we await the start of wheat harvest. For years my replies to a variety of invitations and requests have always defaulted to something to the effect of, “That’s June, so if we’re harvesting wheat we won’t be able to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

June is the one month out of the entire year where I fully exercise being noncommittal.

Our June days are determined by whether the wheat is ready or not. If it’s not ready, a last-minute invitation to have a friend over or spend a few hours at the city pool are possible. But if the wheat is ready, the day has already been intentionally made clear and our efforts are directed to getting the wheat out of the fields as quickly as possible ahead of any summer storms.

We generally have a pretty good idea of when our wheat harvest will take place on our farm based on history and memories posted on social media. Yes, some years we’ve started harvest earlier than normal, but we have established a “normal” harvest window give or take a few days based on the weather.

But there are exceptions, and this year is definitely one of those. We’ve passed the halfway point of the month of June, and with that, we have also passed our “normal” harvest window.&nbsp;

Normally we are in the thick of wheat harvest by this time of the month. I often joke that we will more often than not celebrate Father’s Day with naps because everyone is experiencing a level of tiredness that only occurs during wheat harvest.

But not this year. We are still quite energized at this point in the month mostly because we have had so much rain. The rain has essentially halted all work. From finishing up soybean and sorghum planting to swathing hay and harvesting wheat, we have been unable to get into the fields simply because it’s too wet.

We generally have completed our wheat harvest by the Fourth of July, and I begin thinking about and planning some family activities we’d like to do with the kids before they return to school in August. But this year, that might be pushed back as there’s a pretty good chance that we’ll still be harvesting wheat in early July.

I know the summer heat will soon turn up. I know that the Kansas winds will blow again. And I know that soon we will have dry fields and it will be “go time.”

The combines are ready. The trucks are ready. The workers are ready. And as soon as we can go, we will.

But until then, I’ve decided to extend my practice of being noncommittal into a portion of July as well. Afterall, our wheat harvest is turning out to be anything but normal this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin, Insight" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin, Insight</figcaption>
 </figure>By: KIM BALDWINMcPherson County farmer and rancherJune is the month that tests my schedule and patience as we await the start of wheat harvest. For years my replies to a variety of invitations and requests have always defaulted to something to the effect of, “That’s June, so if we’re harvesting wheat we won’t be able to.”&nbsp;&nbsp;June is the one month out of the entire year where I fully exercise being noncommittal.Our June days are determined by whether the wheat is ready or not. If it’s not ready, a last-minute invitation to have a friend over or spend a few hours at the city pool are possible. But if the wheat is ready, the day has already been intentionally made clear and our efforts are directed to getting the wheat out of the fields as quickly as possible ahead of any summer storms.We generally have a pretty good idea of when our wheat harvest will take place on our farm based on history and memories posted on social media. Yes, some years we’ve started harvest earlier than normal, but we have established a “normal” harvest window give or take a few days based on the weather.But there are exceptions, and this year is definitely one of those. We’ve passed the halfway point of the month of June, and with that, we have also passed our “normal” harvest window.&nbsp;Normally we are in the thick of wheat harvest by this time of the month. I often joke that we will more often than not celebrate Father’s Day with naps because everyone is experiencing a level of tiredness that only occurs during wheat harvest.But not this year. We are still quite energized at this point in the month mostly because we have had so much rain. The rain has essentially halted all work. From finishing up soybean and sorghum planting to swathing hay and harvesting wheat, we have been unable to get into the fields simply because it’s too wet.We generally have completed our wheat harvest by the Fourth of July, and I begin thinking about and planning some family activities we’d like to do with the kids before they return to school in August. But this year, that might be pushed back as there’s a pretty good chance that we’ll still be harvesting wheat in early July.I know the summer heat will soon turn up. I know that the Kansas winds will blow again. And I know that soon we will have dry fields and it will be “go time.”The combines are ready. The trucks are ready. The workers are ready. And as soon as we can go, we will.But until then, I’ve decided to extend my practice of being noncommittal into a portion of July as well. Afterall, our wheat harvest is turning out to be anything but normal this year.

INSIGHT KANSAS FARM BUREAU: Waiting on wheat

There's something I really love about old-school town halls. Real people showing up, asking the tough questions, and—when things go right—actually getting straight answers from the folks who represent us. That's what's happening on June 29th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lowe Auditorium on the WSU campus. Or it would be if any of Kansas's elected officials actually show up. 

In lieu of that though we are honored to welcome Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut and Representative Maxwell Frost from Florida who are making the trip to Wichita—not for some fancy press event, but to sit down and have real conversations with Kansans about what's actually on our minds.

Now, some people might think this is just another political rally. It's not. We reached out to everyone—Left, Right, Middle, you name it. This isn't about picking sides. It's about the people sitting in those auditorium seats asking the questions that desperately need answers.&nbsp;

Honestly, that's exactly why we need more of this. Our politics don't even feel just broken these days, they feel abandoned in the cold.&nbsp; Maybe having actual conversations in the same room as elected officials could help. So if you're one of our elected officials, no matter what party you're with, consider this your personal invite. We don't just want you there—we need you there. Showing up sends a message that even when everything feels divided, coming together still counts for something.

Hope to see you there. Because we Kansans deserve leaders who actually listen.&nbsp;

By:&nbsp;JOSH FREDRICKThere's something I really love about old-school town halls. Real people showing up, asking the tough questions, and—when things go right—actually getting straight answers from the folks who represent us. That's what's happening on June 29th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lowe Auditorium on the WSU campus. Or it would be if any of Kansas's elected officials actually show up. In lieu of that though we are honored to welcome Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut and Representative Maxwell Frost from Florida who are making the trip to Wichita—not for some fancy press event, but to sit down and have real conversations with Kansans about what's actually on our minds.Now, some people might think this is just another political rally. It's not. We reached out to everyone—Left, Right, Middle, you name it. This isn't about picking sides. It's about the people sitting in those auditorium seats asking the questions that desperately need answers.&nbsp;Honestly, that's exactly why we need more of this. Our politics don't even feel just broken these days, they feel abandoned in the cold.&nbsp; Maybe having actual conversations in the same room as elected officials could help. So if you're one of our elected officials, no matter what party you're with, consider this your personal invite. We don't just want you there—we need you there. Showing up sends a message that even when everything feels divided, coming together still counts for something.Hope to see you there. Because we Kansans deserve leaders who actually listen.&nbsp;

Announcement for Kansas elected officials invited to speak at Wichita State

Associate Professor of Political Science, Director of&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/first/">K-State First </a>

Kansas is a national leader in renewable energy. Over 40% of our electricity is generated by wind. This has created thousands of jobs, over $11 billion in capital investment, and tens of millions of dollars in revenue to Kansas communities. A new federal tax and spending measure in Congress, though, threatens to stifle this success.

The bill, supported by the Trump administration and referred to by some as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” proposes severe cuts to clean energy tax credits that have propelled Kansas to a leadership position in wind energy. Presented as a way to cut expenses and encourage conventional energies, the legislation risks undermining the very industry that has brought economic development and energy independence to our state.

The House bill includes unrealistic timelines. Developers would have just 60 days after enactment to start construction, and projects must be completed by the end of 2028 to qualify for tax credits. For large wind farms that take years to plan and finance, this is simply unworkable. These provisions would effectively exclude nearly all future solar and wind projects from federal assistance.

The bill also imposes strict supply chain rules. Beginning in 2026, projects using major components made in China or Russia would be ineligible for tax credits. While meant to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, the rules ignore reality. Most critical materials are no longer made in the U.S., and substitute supply chains are note yet available. This could stall or stop Kansas wind projects entirely.

It also threatens Kansas' clean energy supply chain. Tax credits for wind factories would expire in 2028, endangering thousands of local jobs. The bill would also end leasing incentives for small-scale solar, making it harder for families and small businesses to access clean energy.

The Senate version tempers some of the House’s provisions but still poses major risks. It keeps restrictions on foreign materials but adds flexibility for publicly traded firms using Chinese-sourced materials. Notably, it allows projects to qualify for credits based on when construction begins, not when they finish. Still, it phases out wind and solar tax credits through 2028 while ramping up support for nuclear, hydropower, and geothermal.

Resistance to renewable energy is not purely ideological. Concerns about land use, aesthetics, and community effects draw skepticism across the partisan divide. In Kansas, where windmills sweep the prairie, opponents have raised objections about visual impact, noise, and land use.

But Kansas is not a left outlier on clean energy. Most clean energy jobs created since the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act have been in Republican districts. Kansas has benefitted from this boom. These are jobs that can’t be outsourced. They can energize our economy and communities.

This bill threatens to roll back that progress. Instead of locking in a clean, affordable, and jobs-rich energy future, it ties Kansas' renewable energy economy up in red tape and uncertainty.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750441394328.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder</figcaption>
 </figure>By: BRIANNE HEIDBREDERAssociate Professor of Political Science, Director of&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/first/">K-State First </a>Kansas is a national leader in renewable energy. Over 40% of our electricity is generated by wind. This has created thousands of jobs, over $11 billion in capital investment, and tens of millions of dollars in revenue to Kansas communities. A new federal tax and spending measure in Congress, though, threatens to stifle this success.The bill, supported by the Trump administration and referred to by some as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” proposes severe cuts to clean energy tax credits that have propelled Kansas to a leadership position in wind energy. Presented as a way to cut expenses and encourage conventional energies, the legislation risks undermining the very industry that has brought economic development and energy independence to our state.The House bill includes unrealistic timelines. Developers would have just 60 days after enactment to start construction, and projects must be completed by the end of 2028 to qualify for tax credits. For large wind farms that take years to plan and finance, this is simply unworkable. These provisions would effectively exclude nearly all future solar and wind projects from federal assistance.The bill also imposes strict supply chain rules. Beginning in 2026, projects using major components made in China or Russia would be ineligible for tax credits. While meant to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, the rules ignore reality. Most critical materials are no longer made in the U.S., and substitute supply chains are note yet available. This could stall or stop Kansas wind projects entirely.It also threatens Kansas' clean energy supply chain. Tax credits for wind factories would expire in 2028, endangering thousands of local jobs. The bill would also end leasing incentives for small-scale solar, making it harder for families and small businesses to access clean energy.The Senate version tempers some of the House’s provisions but still poses major risks. It keeps restrictions on foreign materials but adds flexibility for publicly traded firms using Chinese-sourced materials. Notably, it allows projects to qualify for credits based on when construction begins, not when they finish. Still, it phases out wind and solar tax credits through 2028 while ramping up support for nuclear, hydropower, and geothermal.Resistance to renewable energy is not purely ideological. Concerns about land use, aesthetics, and community effects draw skepticism across the partisan divide. In Kansas, where windmills sweep the prairie, opponents have raised objections about visual impact, noise, and land use.But Kansas is not a left outlier on clean energy. Most clean energy jobs created since the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act have been in Republican districts. Kansas has benefitted from this boom. These are jobs that can’t be outsourced. They can energize our economy and communities.This bill threatens to roll back that progress. Instead of locking in a clean, affordable, and jobs-rich energy future, it ties Kansas' renewable energy economy up in red tape and uncertainty.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas renewable growth faces uncertainty amid federal policy shift

Born and raised on a farm in Northwest Kansas, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges the agricultural community faces. As a child, my parents had to fight to keep our farm, and I saw the mental and emotional toll these challenges placed on our family.

Years later, I took a job as a therapist in a rural community just miles from my parents’ farm. I saw the need for education on the effects of stress in agriculture, but I also saw the stigma associated with talking about mental health. Kansas was hit hard by drought, and the effect of the stressors could be seen on our farms and in our rural communities.&nbsp;

I saw the community struggling and decided to give my first presentation on the effects of stress in agriculture. The stigma surrounding mental health was very strong 20 years ago and only three people ended up attending that first presentation. Stigma has always surrounded mental health; however, in agriculture, it’s almost ingrained in the profession.

“Rub some dirt on it,” “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” and “tough it out” are some well-known phrases in farming communities. While “toughing it out” might work on a minor physical injury, it isn’t the best way to recognize, understand and manage your stressors during times of uncertainty.

In the past 20 years, I have seen significant improvements in the stigma surrounding mental health. Instead of getting lost in the stigma and ignoring mental health needs, people are starting to recognize the symptoms of stress earlier and how that can affect mood and anxiety. This is critically important, because like any challenge, the quicker you are to respond to your mental health needs, the more likely you will be successful.

They also recognize and understand that much of their stress is from challenges they have little to no control over. Instead of blaming themselves for challenges outside of their control, hardworking farmers and ranchers are finding better ways and resources to manage their stress, anxiety, depression and overall mental health. The stigma is still there, but it doesn’t have the same grip that it used to, and this allows people to think about mental health differently.

It’s not just the agricultural community that is getting better; the people and resources supporting the community are changing as well. I have seen so many great people and organizations take on the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture. The next generation of farmers are taking the time to talk about and prioritize mental health. Small communities and agricultural organizations are working tirelessly to spread information and resources to those who are struggling. Families that were once reluctant to discuss the effects of stress now come together to talk and support each other through challenging times. Rural communities are full of amazing people and resources working to overcome the mental health stigma and finding ways to support those in need.

While I worked as a therapist, I was always fond of saying that stress and mental health issues are not an excuse or a weakness like the stigma suggests. They are a challenge.

Improvements are still needed regarding mental health and the stigma surrounding mental health — I’ve seen firsthand the substantial steps that have already been taken to improve mental health in agriculture. My first crowd may have consisted of only three people, but since then, I have given similar speeches to thousands of farmers and ranchers in numerous towns across Kansas.

Amazing people are working tirelessly to break down this stigma every day, and there’s a way to honor their advocacy: Kansas Farm Bureau’s Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year Award. It was humbling to receive the inaugural award last year, and I am excited to see the program continue to celebrate the impact of mental health advocates in rural communities. Their dedication can be truly life changing. To learn more about the awards or to nominate an advocate, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=2969998f0a&amp;e=f3a072990a">www.kfb.org/ruralmindsmatter</a>.

Farmers and ranchers are recognizing the need for bootstraps while also recognizing the toll these stressful times are having on them. If we work on this challenge in the next 20 years like we have in the last 20 years, I can’t wait to see the advancements the next generation of farmers and ranchers make to further break down the stigma surrounding mental health.&nbsp;

Will Stutterheim has more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families cope with the pressures of agriculture through mental health therapy and education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750082926947.jpeg" alt="Will Stutterheim; photo courtesy of&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Will Stutterheim; photo courtesy of&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>By: WILL STUTTERHEIMFort Hays State UniversityBorn and raised on a farm in Northwest Kansas, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges the agricultural community faces. As a child, my parents had to fight to keep our farm, and I saw the mental and emotional toll these challenges placed on our family.Years later, I took a job as a therapist in a rural community just miles from my parents’ farm. I saw the need for education on the effects of stress in agriculture, but I also saw the stigma associated with talking about mental health. Kansas was hit hard by drought, and the effect of the stressors could be seen on our farms and in our rural communities.&nbsp;I saw the community struggling and decided to give my first presentation on the effects of stress in agriculture. The stigma surrounding mental health was very strong 20 years ago and only three people ended up attending that first presentation. Stigma has always surrounded mental health; however, in agriculture, it’s almost ingrained in the profession.“Rub some dirt on it,” “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” and “tough it out” are some well-known phrases in farming communities. While “toughing it out” might work on a minor physical injury, it isn’t the best way to recognize, understand and manage your stressors during times of uncertainty.In the past 20 years, I have seen significant improvements in the stigma surrounding mental health. Instead of getting lost in the stigma and ignoring mental health needs, people are starting to recognize the symptoms of stress earlier and how that can affect mood and anxiety. This is critically important, because like any challenge, the quicker you are to respond to your mental health needs, the more likely you will be successful.They also recognize and understand that much of their stress is from challenges they have little to no control over. Instead of blaming themselves for challenges outside of their control, hardworking farmers and ranchers are finding better ways and resources to manage their stress, anxiety, depression and overall mental health. The stigma is still there, but it doesn’t have the same grip that it used to, and this allows people to think about mental health differently.It’s not just the agricultural community that is getting better; the people and resources supporting the community are changing as well. I have seen so many great people and organizations take on the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture. The next generation of farmers are taking the time to talk about and prioritize mental health. Small communities and agricultural organizations are working tirelessly to spread information and resources to those who are struggling. Families that were once reluctant to discuss the effects of stress now come together to talk and support each other through challenging times. Rural communities are full of amazing people and resources working to overcome the mental health stigma and finding ways to support those in need.While I worked as a therapist, I was always fond of saying that stress and mental health issues are not an excuse or a weakness like the stigma suggests. They are a challenge.Improvements are still needed regarding mental health and the stigma surrounding mental health — I’ve seen firsthand the substantial steps that have already been taken to improve mental health in agriculture. My first crowd may have consisted of only three people, but since then, I have given similar speeches to thousands of farmers and ranchers in numerous towns across Kansas.Amazing people are working tirelessly to break down this stigma every day, and there’s a way to honor their advocacy: Kansas Farm Bureau’s Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year Award. It was humbling to receive the inaugural award last year, and I am excited to see the program continue to celebrate the impact of mental health advocates in rural communities. Their dedication can be truly life changing. To learn more about the awards or to nominate an advocate, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=2969998f0a&amp;e=f3a072990a">www.kfb.org/ruralmindsmatter</a>.Farmers and ranchers are recognizing the need for bootstraps while also recognizing the toll these stressful times are having on them. If we work on this challenge in the next 20 years like we have in the last 20 years, I can’t wait to see the advancements the next generation of farmers and ranchers make to further break down the stigma surrounding mental health.&nbsp;Will Stutterheim has more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families cope with the pressures of agriculture through mental health therapy and education.

INSIGHT KANSAS FARM BUREAU: Advancing rural mental health

In 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.

It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.

Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.

In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.

The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism’s Director, Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.

Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.

This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.

Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summer

educational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.

The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.

For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.

If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.

Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.

Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

By: ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOODIn 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism’s Director, Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summereducational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Sunflower summer builds more than memories

Elon Musk issued a blistering criticism of the massive Republican bill for President Donald Trump’s agenda, posting on X that it is a "disgusting abomination." At the very least we have one Republican in musk who is not afraid to speak the truth about Trump.

"I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore," Musk wrote. "This massive, outrageous, 'pork-filled' Congressional Republican spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it."

CBO says Trump's bill will add $3-4 trillion to deficit and leave 16 million without health insurance!

It will also add about $3.8 trillion to the federal government's $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

I see nothing beautiful about stripping away people's healthcare, forcing kids to go hungry, denying communities the resources they need, and increasing poverty.

Republicans are raising the SALT deduction to $40,000 for incomes under $500,000 -- a substantive change from the $10,000 cap that was implemented by Trump in his 2017 tax law.

America is turning against Donald Trump and his congressional Republicans including the people from the very districts that voted for Republicans. What is crazy they will continue to vote for them!

People across the country are 'furious' that Trump and his Republicans abandoned their campaign promise to bring down costs, instead choosing to smash-and-grab funds that go to kids, families, and seniors to gift massive tax cuts to corrupt billionaires (oligarchs).&nbsp;

Tyranny is possible only if people submit to it. The Trump regime cannot control us through fear and intimidation if we’re energized, mobilized, and organized.&nbsp;This is a time for all of us — and every institution in America even law firms who profess to love democracy&nbsp;— to stand up to Trump’s tyranny supported by these self-serving congressional Republicans.

Dr. Richard A. French, President and business owner, a humanistic scholar, a former Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, High School Principal, Glendale CA, 626-806-4596, prefer: drfrenchfds@yahoo.com&nbsp;to communicate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="opinion" />
 <figcaption>opinion</figcaption>
 </figure>By: DR. RICHARD A. FRENCHElon Musk issued a blistering criticism of the massive Republican bill for President Donald Trump’s agenda, posting on X that it is a "disgusting abomination." At the very least we have one Republican in musk who is not afraid to speak the truth about Trump."I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore," Musk wrote. "This massive, outrageous, 'pork-filled' Congressional Republican spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it."CBO says Trump's bill will add $3-4 trillion to deficit and leave 16 million without health insurance!It will also add about $3.8 trillion to the federal government's $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO).I see nothing beautiful about stripping away people's healthcare, forcing kids to go hungry, denying communities the resources they need, and increasing poverty.Republicans are raising the SALT deduction to $40,000 for incomes under $500,000 -- a substantive change from the $10,000 cap that was implemented by Trump in his 2017 tax law.America is turning against Donald Trump and his congressional Republicans including the people from the very districts that voted for Republicans. What is crazy they will continue to vote for them!People across the country are 'furious' that Trump and his Republicans abandoned their campaign promise to bring down costs, instead choosing to smash-and-grab funds that go to kids, families, and seniors to gift massive tax cuts to corrupt billionaires (oligarchs).&nbsp;Tyranny is possible only if people submit to it. The Trump regime cannot control us through fear and intimidation if we’re energized, mobilized, and organized.&nbsp;This is a time for all of us — and every institution in America even law firms who profess to love democracy&nbsp;— to stand up to Trump’s tyranny supported by these self-serving congressional Republicans.Dr. Richard A. French, President and business owner, a humanistic scholar, a former Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, High School Principal, Glendale CA, 626-806-4596, prefer: drfrenchfds@yahoo.com&nbsp;to communicate.

OPINION: Disgusting Abomination!

Pratt County Farmer and Rancher, Kansas Farm&nbsp;Bureau

The recent tornado that stretched from Greensburg to Plevna went right through the middle of our farm, missing our house and the farm shop by about a mile. The destruction of neighbors’ homes and loss of livestock is incredibly sad, but our entire community has rejoiced that no human lives were lost. Things can be replaced people can’t.

Many Kansans have unfortunately experience storms that have left a lasting terror. In almost every conversation about the most recent tornado, locals have reference having that sick-to-stomach feeling of dread because they saw the tornado headed toward Greensburg and feared the worst again. I moved to Pratt about three years after the Greensburg tornados; I have seen pictures and heard many first-hand accounts, but I don’t think I will ever understand the trauma people in Greensburg and surrounding communities felt through those horrific nights. 

&nbsp;Some people enjoy the thrill of storms. Storm-chasing vehicles are commonly seen in our area each year during storm outbreaks. I always thought of these people as hardcore “weather nerds” but last year’s “Twister” sequel showed another type of chaser. There is no doubt storms inspire awe with their massive ominous clouds, powerful winds or raging lightning. I just struggle to see the appeal for people to travel to Kansas to watch storms destroy our communities as a sort of adventure.

About a year ago the emergency management team in Pratt County started live broadcasting during storms on Facebook from their command center. The response in our community has been pretty incredible because in that short time it has built a huge local following. It is like being a fly on the wall, seeing the weather maps, hearing reports from the storm spotter on the radio and knowing the most up-to-date information about what is happening in the county. People know when to take cover and that is saving lives.

Not a lot of good comes out of the destruction of tornadoes except maybe the reminder of good people in our community. When we came up from the basement after the tornado, text messages poured in from friends and neighbors checking on our safety. We jumped in the truck to go find out if any neighbors needed help and if any of our damage needed immediate attention.

Driving around felt strangely like a warped block party. There were people keeping traffic away from downed power lines, checking for injured people and animals and getting supplies needed for people with the worst damage. Our local emergency management, storm spotters, first responders, law enforcement and utility workers all deserve gratitude for the way that they selflessly serve and protect people during tornadoes and other storms.

In the days following the storm, the power of community has been on display in our neighborhood and across the footprint of the tornado. Families connected through 4-H, church or other community organizations taking animals to their homes to be cared for, sorting through rubble looking for important family mementos; local businesses donating supplies and showing up with heavy equipment to move tree limbs and debris; utility crews from across the state working to get power lines back up.

Severe weather and tornadoes are an unavoidable part of living in Kansas. Most people know what it is like to experience loss and know it could happen to them next. This reality of disasters and loss has made the people in our communities compassionate, giving and resilient. When bad things in Kansas, you can be sure of one good thing: friends and neighbors will be there to help.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720036224363.jpg" alt="storm, thunderstorm, tornado" />
 <figcaption>storm, thunderstorm, tornado</figcaption>
 </figure>By: JACKIE MUNDTPratt County Farmer and Rancher, Kansas Farm&nbsp;BureauThe recent tornado that stretched from Greensburg to Plevna went right through the middle of our farm, missing our house and the farm shop by about a mile. The destruction of neighbors’ homes and loss of livestock is incredibly sad, but our entire community has rejoiced that no human lives were lost. Things can be replaced people can’t.Many Kansans have unfortunately experience storms that have left a lasting terror. In almost every conversation about the most recent tornado, locals have reference having that sick-to-stomach feeling of dread because they saw the tornado headed toward Greensburg and feared the worst again. I moved to Pratt about three years after the Greensburg tornados; I have seen pictures and heard many first-hand accounts, but I don’t think I will ever understand the trauma people in Greensburg and surrounding communities felt through those horrific nights. &nbsp;Some people enjoy the thrill of storms. Storm-chasing vehicles are commonly seen in our area each year during storm outbreaks. I always thought of these people as hardcore “weather nerds” but last year’s “Twister” sequel showed another type of chaser. There is no doubt storms inspire awe with their massive ominous clouds, powerful winds or raging lightning. I just struggle to see the appeal for people to travel to Kansas to watch storms destroy our communities as a sort of adventure.About a year ago the emergency management team in Pratt County started live broadcasting during storms on Facebook from their command center. The response in our community has been pretty incredible because in that short time it has built a huge local following. It is like being a fly on the wall, seeing the weather maps, hearing reports from the storm spotter on the radio and knowing the most up-to-date information about what is happening in the county. People know when to take cover and that is saving lives.Not a lot of good comes out of the destruction of tornadoes except maybe the reminder of good people in our community. When we came up from the basement after the tornado, text messages poured in from friends and neighbors checking on our safety. We jumped in the truck to go find out if any neighbors needed help and if any of our damage needed immediate attention.Driving around felt strangely like a warped block party. There were people keeping traffic away from downed power lines, checking for injured people and animals and getting supplies needed for people with the worst damage. Our local emergency management, storm spotters, first responders, law enforcement and utility workers all deserve gratitude for the way that they selflessly serve and protect people during tornadoes and other storms.In the days following the storm, the power of community has been on display in our neighborhood and across the footprint of the tornado. Families connected through 4-H, church or other community organizations taking animals to their homes to be cared for, sorting through rubble looking for important family mementos; local businesses donating supplies and showing up with heavy equipment to move tree limbs and debris; utility crews from across the state working to get power lines back up.Severe weather and tornadoes are an unavoidable part of living in Kansas. Most people know what it is like to experience loss and know it could happen to them next. This reality of disasters and loss has made the people in our communities compassionate, giving and resilient. When bad things in Kansas, you can be sure of one good thing: friends and neighbors will be there to help.

Opinion