Progress Ag, Oil and Gas Industry 2023

Land sales setting record levels in several states

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

The land market momentum that began in late 2021 accelerated into 2022 and was driven by competition for high quality cropland, including land in Kansas and Barton County, said Kevin Keller with Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency Inc. in Great Bend.

He was responding to a report released earlier this month by Omaha, Neb.-based Farmers National Company. This momentum resulted in both record sales and overall increases in land values across the country.

“We are pretty much mirroring that around here,” he said. “Things are still selling very well.”

Strong demand across all of the country’s regions brought opportunities to landowners interested in capitalizing on the current land market, according to the report. Aggressive land buyers continue to drive competition through public/online auction methods, giving us a true market value in those specific areas.

This boom has been rolling for the past two to three years, Keller said. But, increasing interest rates are slowing appreciation and stabilizing the market some.

As for the cost for an acre of farm ground in Barton County, he said it varies by type.

Irrigated cropland sells for $4,000-6,000 (depending on location and the equipment in place), dryland sells for $2,000-3,000, and pasture land sells for $1,2501,750 (depending on the location and availability of a water source).

Looking at the region

According to the FNC, the south-central region, made up of Kansas and Missouri, held a number of strong land auctions throughout Kansas and western Missouri during the late fall and early winter.

“Across these states, we’ve seen high participation in our crowds and online bidding with new market highs being established,” said Steve Morgan, Farmer’s National area sales manager - South Central Region. “Over

8,500 acres traded hands through simulcast land auctions in the final months of 2022. Sales continued to show high demand for good to excellent cropland and strong demand for hunting properties. We’ve seen another 10 percent increase in quality dry cropland across Kansas and Missouri since midyear numbers. Irrigated land continues to have a very strong value in the marketplace, when it comes available.”

Morgan said the areas continue to see strong demand with cooperative input pricing, crop prices, weather conditions and world headlines. Investors are participating; however, many of the farms are still being purchased by local producers.

Across the nation In most cases,

landowners selling property experienced values never-beforeseen for their farmland. The final results at these auctions set records in several states and have increased year-to-year values between 20 percent to 34 percent across Corn Belt states, according to the most recent report from the Kansas City Federal Reserve. Landowners continue to turn to Farmers National Company to market their farmland assets, which has resulted in a new record sales volume of $766 million during 2022. This sales volume exceeds the previous record set in 2021 of $750 million. The majority of these sales came through competitive auction methods (76%) with increases in both total transactions and

acres sold.

“What we are seeing is a true supply/demand scenario. There are simply more buyers willing to bid on the limited amount of land coming to the market. Current commodity markets and strong cash rents provide buyers with the necessary returns to meet their investment criteria while giving them the opportunity to expand operations or add land to their investment portfolio,” explained Paul Schadegg, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Operations for Farmers National Company. “Our anticipation is that these values will remain strong coming into the new year with continued strength in the ag economy although we may see less and less of the record sales.”

Who are the land buyers? Farmers National Company reports seeing the traditional local farmer-operator as the successful buyer of farmland 75 percent of the time.

“With that being said, land investors are certainly part of the equation as they have been active bidders at most sales to a point that has set the floor on values. While the investor may not always be the buyer of land, they are part of the competition driving the values higher,” Schadegg said. “We also expect this trend to continue as many investors see the long-term value of farmland, the opportunity to diversify investments and the value of land as a hedge against rising inflation.”

What factors will continue to drive the land market or slow its growth?

“Commodity markets will continue to be the main driver in land value. When coupled with the supply/demand scenario, the outlook for continued strong land values remains strong moving into 2023. However, we are cautious as interest rates continue to rise and inflation becomes a large factor in cropping inputs. These factors have the impact to decrease net farm income, erode operator equity and subsequently pressure farmland value,” Schadegg said. “So we sit at a somewhat precarious point in time where opportunity exists for both land sellers and buyers, but is dependent on the continued strength of the agriculture economy to stabilize or grow.”

TRIBUNE PHOTO

A Barton County center-pivot irrigation system is shown at sunrise. A recent report notes farmers are leading the way in land purchases.

BCC trustees set to review bids of $3.7 million complex

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

Plans continue for Barton Community College to build a $3.7 million Agriculture, Farm Machinery and Transportation Complex. The facility will be located on land east of the campus (behind Community Christian Church at 253 NE 30 Road).

Vice President of Administration

Mark Dean said he anticipates ground will be broken this spring. Over the winter break, the college had Wichita State University complete a survey of the land as required by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), making sure there were no Native

American burial grounds on the property. “They did not find any remains on the grounds,” Dean said.

The Barton Community College Board of Trustees will review bids when it meets at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. Assuming they approve, the contractor selected will start ordering supplies and lining out the subcontractors.

What’s included

The complex will have instructional and lab space for numerous agriculture and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) certificate and degree programs, including the pending new Case New Holland

(CNH) Top Tech Training program to expand the current CNH partnership with BCC, co-locating high-wage, high-demand programs.

There will be three multi-use classrooms, three dedicated shop spaces, CDL vehicle and equipment storage, farm animal corrals, coordinator and instructor offices, an equipment loading dock, and a CDL examination testing area to provide licensure testing locally.

Matching grant, tax credits and Grow with Us capital campaign

Last spring, the college was awarded a 1:1 matching grant

from the Kansas Board of Regents, totaling $1,843,594, to construct the complex. The grant requires a 1:1 local match, meaning Barton must raise $1,834,594 in funds for the project.

This must be completed in June, according to Lindsey Bogner, executive director of institutional advancement at the college.

In order to raise the funds, the “Grow With

Us” Ag Complex capital campaign was launched through the Barton Community College Foundation.

See GROW, 4

Ready, set, sold

Gavel Roads of Wichita is the place to go to buy and sell equipment. We are an online auction designed to provide the easiest way for buyers to find what they are looking for and sellers to move equipment in the marketplace. Born and raised from our sister company, Gene Francis & Associates, our staff has obtained over 100 years of combined live auction experience. Gavel Roads has brought our live auction experience to online users and expanded to included everything from real estate, construction equipment, farm machinery, sporting goods, classic cars, and much more. At Gavel Roads, we know auctions.

Tyler Francis

With over 20 years of experience in the auction industry, Tyler has focused his attention on a career in the heavy highway and road construction industry while significantly participating in his family’s business, Gene Francis & Associates. Tyler started his career in the construction industry after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Kansas State. Tyler graduated from Missouri Auction School in 1994 and has been a licensed real estate agent for over 15 years. A few of the strengths Tyler has developed in his career include working within teams to develop growth, consulting with State DOT’s, County, and City agencies, and developing relationships with contractors, business partners, and suppliers to construct positive results.

Gene Francis Gene Francis, along with his wife Connie, founded Gene Francis & Associates in Wichita in 1984. Together they have built a strong

and successful real estate and auction business.

Gene Francis & Associates conducts live auctions consisting of quarterly farm machinery consignment auctions, biannual sporting goods and gun auctions, real estate auctions, and estate sales. In regards to real estate, Gene and his associates spend their energy marketing farmland, ranches, residential, and recreational property. Gene graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University in 1970, graduated from the Missouri Auction School in Mason City, IA, in 1982, and has been a licensed real estate agent for over 35 years.

Lori Rogge

Lori Rogge has leveraged her professional experience and strategic insight to successfully assist clients in their real estate, equipment, and asset management.

Lori is an auctioneer and licensed real estate agent in Kansas with Gene Francis & Associates. Before joining Gene Francis & Associates and Gavel Roads, Lori held positions at the Kansas State University Foundation. Rogge was senior director of development for the College of Engineering for the KSU Foundation leading the formulation and implementation of plans in support of individual and corporate philanthropy for the college. She was also an academics and athletics fundraiser with broad experience in major gifts, gift planning, and

capital and endowment campaigns. Rogge assisted donors with integration of their charitable intentions with their investment portfolio including transferring stocks and real estate, and designating their future gifts to Kansas State. Prior to joining the KSU Foundation, Rogge was a personal financial advisor for more than 10 years. She specialized in retirement, estate and tax planning. Rogge earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kansas State University and graduate of the World Wide College of Auctioneering.

Connie Francis Connie Francis began her sales career in 1982 becoming a licensed real estate agent. In 1984, Gene and Connie founded Gene Francis & Associates, real estate brokers and auctioneers. Connie ensures a service-oriented, resultsdriven experience for each client. Her continued success is dedicated to the commitment she shows to every buyer and seller. With over 30 years of experience in the real estate and auction industry, she has a high degree of knowledge in her field and has a great deal of enthusiasm for her interest in the business.

Locally, contact sales associate Jon Briel in Great Bend at 620-786-0646 or by email at jabriel1@cox.net. Gavel Roads is located at 12140 W. K-42 in Wichita. Call 316-425-7732 or email connect@gavelroads.com.

There are many ways to make a charitable donation. In addition to cash gifts, individuals can donate stocks or securities, real estate, and other property, such as grain or livestock. One-time donations and multi-year pledges are accepted. Gifts are tax-deductible when made to the Barton Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. There are also State of Kansas tax credits available. These 60% tax credits are available for donations of $1,000 or more.

“It’s a win-win for our donors and for the college because tax credits allow a donor to support a project like ours, while lowering their Kansas state tax burden,” Bogner said. “For example, if you give $1,000, you get a $600 credit on your state taxes.”

Barton is eligible for up to $500,000 in tax credits and as of this month only $100,000 of that has been claimed, she said.

Because tax laws change and everyone’s tax situation is so different, college officials encourage prospective donors to consult with their tax preparer for specific details and strategies.

Promotional materials from the Foundation explain the need for the facility as well as why community members might want to contribute to the capital campaign:

“By expanding these program offerings and improving the current programs, you are investing in Barton students and their futures while meeting the workforce needs of our communities. The regional job outlook is 8% growth in agricultural technicians, covering a wide range of positions, 6% for heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers, and 9% for ag machinery mechanics.

“Local and regional employers are in desperate need of employees in these industries. You can make a difference in your community by prioritizing the growth of these programs and enhancing the quality training of students entering the workforce. Your investment will continue to yield for generations.”

For more information from the Foundation Office, contact Bogner via email at bognerl@bartonccc.edu

or call 620-786-1141.

Certificate Programs offered:

• Crop Protection Application

• Beef Cattle Production

• Commercial Driver’s Licence Class A and B

• Commercial Driver’s License Passenger/School Bus Endorsement (customized training)

• Case New Holland Top Tech Level 1 (pending approval)

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. Non-Transfer) degrees:

• Agriculture Business Management

• Crop Protection Application

Associate of Science (A.S. Transfer) degrees:

• Agriculture • Agronomy • Agriculture Business

Management

• Agriculture Economics • Park Management and Conservation

Case New Holland Barton Community College has a long-standing partnership training Case New Holland employees that dates to 1995. Now the college hopes to expand that to provide training in agriculture mechanics to anyone interested in such as career. Last June, college trustees first discussed plans to offer the CNH Top Tech Level 1 program. Mary Foley, executive director of Workforce Training & Economic Development, said the program is intended for students seeking to work at an agriculture equipment dealership. Students will receive instruction on the basic knowledge and skills of repair of agricultural equipment.

“CNH will provide the curriculum and loan equipment to us,” Foley said. “They’re also going to help with promotion and provide scholarships for the students.”

Like other businesses, CNH is seeing an aging workforce and needs to fill the pipeline with new employees, Foley said.

As of this month, the program has been fully approved by the Kansas Board of Regents, Foley said. The college is now waiting for approval from the Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Department of Education.

With local office, Baker Hughes is a global company

Company involved in all aspects of energy industry

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

With 54,000 employees in over 120 countries, Houston, Texas-based Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that has a diverse portfolio of equipment and service capabilities that span the energy and industrial value chain. Its two operating segments are organized based on the nature of our markets and customers, and consist of similar products and services.

Oilfield services and equipment

The Oilfield Services and Equipment (OFSE) segment provides products and services for onshore and offshore oilfield operations across the lifecycle of a well, ranging from exploration, appraisal, and development; to production, rejuvenation, and decommissioning. The segment is organized into four product lines: Well Construction, which focuses on drilling and its components (drill bits, drilling fluids, and drilling services); Completions, Intervention, and Measurements, which encompasses well completions, wireline

services, and pressure pumping services; Production Solutions, which spans artificial lift systems and chemicals; and Subsea & Surface Pressure Systems, which facilitates the safe and reliable control and flow of hydrocarbons from the wellhead to production facilities.

Beyond its traditional oilfield concentration, OFSE is expanding its capabilities and technology portfolio to meet the challenges of a net-zero future. These efforts include expanding into new energy areas such as geothermal and CCUS, strengthening its digital architecture and addressing key energy market themes, and never wavering

from a longstanding and recognized commitment to safety and execution.

Industrial and energy technology

The Industrial & Energy Technology (IET) segment combines a broad array of domain expertise, technologies, and services for industrial and energy customers. Our solutions

unlock the ability to transform, transfer, and transport energy efficiently, while capturing and cutting emissions, solving a fundamental challenge behind the energy transition: reducing environmental impact, while maximizing efficiency, productivity, and reliability.

The IET organization

consists of four solution platforms which all build on Baker Hughes existing and strong foundation of rotating equipment, electric-power, pumps, valves, gears, sensor, precision instrumentation, and industrial software technologies and services: Gas technology; Solutions that deliver reliable gas at the

ciency. IET is a leader in designing, manufacturing, testing, and installing Gas Technology solutions that serve the entire gas value chain including shore, pipeline, LNG, gas storage and gas

Industrial technology: Improving industry productivity and ensuring reliable quality and safety.

IET provides Industrial Technology solutions that serve a broad array of industries including petrochemical & refining, nuclear, aviation, automotive, mining, cement, metals, pulp and paper, and food & Climate technology solutions: Decarbonizing energy and hard to abate

IET’s Climate Technology Solutions span carbon capture, utilization and storage, hydrogen, clean power and emissions management capabilities to enable energy operators as well as broader industry, in particular the hard-to-abate sectors to achieve a reliable, net-zero energy system.

Industrial asset management: Optimizing industrial asset performance with simple, flexible, connected hardware and software solutions.

IET’s Industrial Asset Management Solutions combine sophisticated hardware technologies with enterprise-class software products and analytics to connect industrial assets, providing customers with the data, safety and security needed to optimize operations reliably and efficiently. The local office is located at 5801 10th St., Great Bend.

DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

Baker Hughes, located at 5801 10th St., is the local office for a global energy company.

DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

The Great Bend division of Baker Hughes focuses on upstream chemicals.

P&S Electric: A one-stop shop for electrical needs

With decades of experience, P&S serves various needs

been serving the people and businesses of the state of Kansas since 1989. Our customers include residential, manufacturers, retailers, schools, professional service providers, plants, factories, feed lots and more. Our approach is always carefully tailored to meet the specific requirements of the owner, manager, or contractor. We pay attention to details and quality so our work will meet or exceed the customers’ expectations. With our team of electricians and oilfield technicians, supported by

a professional office staff, P&S Electric can provide:

• New construction electrical service rewires

• Electrical service upgrade

• Solar energy systems

• Breaker panels, new and upgrades, and home and business electrical inspections

• Outlets and switches

• 24/7 emergency calls, maintenance and troubleshooting lighting, all kinds.

• Panel fabrication underground

• Control panels

• Motor shop and bearing replacement

• Variable frequency drives

• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

• Stand by generators, sales and service

• Electrical maintenance and troubleshooting

• Security and camera systems

Our oilfield services include:

• Trencher, backhoe and

KanEquip is invested in Great Bend

KanEquip is a Case IH dealer for farm and construction equipment located in Great Bend at 214 SW 40 Avenue. Whether it’s new or used equipment – tractors, combines, hay tools, skid steers, or precision farming solutions – they provide what is needed to get the job done right. The dealership also sells genuine Case IH parts and has an exceptional service department to keep their customers out in the field and on the job. The Wamegobased company traces its roots back to 1967 when it began as a family-owned single location farm equipment dealer before growing to 14 locations across Kansas and Nebraska. Central to that growth was the 2019 acquisition of Straub International locations in Salina, Wichita, Hutchinson, Pratt and Great Bend. Not surprisingly, family and community are important to the company.

store manager Scott Dewerff

“For smaller communities to thrive, agriculture has to be part of the equation and educating kids is an important first step.”

The Barton County Fair Board seems to agree with Dewerff ’s approach, naming KanEquip Business of the Year in 2022 due in large part to his work as the committee chairman of Kids Ag Day.

The Great Bend location employs 23 people. In addition to Case IH

branded merchandise as well as Case IH branded toys and clothing plus Louisiana Grills available for purchase. Store hours are 8 a.m.

once planting begins each year. Hours are extended during harvest and afterhour parts and service are available around the clock 365 days a year.

COURTESY PHOTOS

An

of P&S Electric works on a control panel.

Scott Dewerff

New BTI building coming along

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

In June, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce joined Great Bend Economic Development and community leaders to commemorate the groundbreaking and start of construction on the new Bucklin Tractor and Implement’s new location in Great Bend.

Today, that project is underway, said Cody Dick, general manager of the Great Bend store located south of town. Completion of the structure is expected in 2024.

Great Bend BTI will build a new John Deere Implement building across the road from its current store south of Great Bend on U.S. 281. This build ensures that BTI will be able to care for its customers and employees now and into the future. The build is located catty-corner from the current Great Bend Store on the west side of the highway.

Store Manager Cody Dicks says, “We hope to be in there by the end of this year, but realistically it will probably be the beginning of 2024.” The expansion is going well and moving along as the weather permits. Dicks says, “The weather has been the main hold up for construction.”

The work includes building a 100,000-plus-

square-foot building will be state-of-the-art, he said. This will make the Great Bend store the largest of the Bucklin-based BTI’s six locations.

It will include a 60,000-square-foot service shop as well.

Employing approximately 200 people, BTI serves 23 counties of agriculturalists throughout the Midwest. The business has grown to six locations after opening in 1944. At Bucklin Tractor & Implement Co., they value the opportunity to create a long-term relationship with their customers, and they do that by giving the best customer service available, said BTI CEO Kelly Estes. BTI’s motto is, “our family in partnership with your family.”

More in the community

In additon, BTI offers the Ag Tech program, a full-ride scholarship that includes tuition, fees, books, campus room and board, and a tool loan that the student will pay back

interest-free. This is all provided with a five-year commitment to work for BTI after graduation.

The Ag Tech program is a two-year program that allows students to graduate with an associate degree from a community college that has a John Deere sponsored Ag Tech program. BTI partners with Fort Scott Community College, Garden City Community College, and Southeast Community College in Milford, Neb., and allows students to select the best fit for them. Students learn not only in a classroom setting, but they take what they have learned and head out to the shop and apply it in a hands-on setting. The program also includes internship opportunities at the student’s BTI location during two scheduled program internships as well as school breaks, such as summers and spring break. During these internships, students learn from experienced Service Technicians

and get paid during their internship.

Learn more about BTI at any of its six locations in Bucklin, Greensburg, Ness City, Great Bend, Hoxie and Pratt. Follow BTI on Facebook at Bucklin Tractor & Implement, Twitter @BTIequip, and Instagram @btijohndeere.

Pictured is the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting event at BTI last June.

PHOTO

(Top) Completion of BTI Great Bend’s new 100,000-square-foot building is expected in 2024. (Bottom) BTI Great Bend is in the process of building a new state-of-the-art building.

Bartlett projects benefitting local farmers

New beancrushing plant, more rails among improvements

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

In the past year, projects undertaken by Kansas City, Mo.-based Bartlett Grain, both at its location east of Great Bend and in Montgomery County, will benefit local agricultural producers, said Del Adcock, origination manager of the Great Bend facility.

“This summer Bartlett Great Bend completed a rail expansion project that doubled our track space on site,” he said.

“The expansion allows us to handle inbound and outbound rail traffic with greater ease. This was a needed improvement as we navigate the additional throughput from adding soybeans to our mix of commodities that already included hard red winter wheat, hard white winter wheat, yellow grain sorghum, and yellow corn.

“The investments in our site and handling capabilities further exhibit our continued commitment to serving local farmers and commercial elevators,” he said.

Meanwhile, after the June 17 ribbon cutting featuring Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, construction is underway on a $375 million soybean crushing facility in southeast Kansas that will provide an important source of feedstock for producing renewable fuels, food products and animal feeds, and capable of handling approximately 45 million bushels of soybeans annually to crush into soybean meal and refined soybean oil. The Bartlett plant will create about 50 permanent jobs when operations commence in early 2024, and support

additional jobs and economic activity during construction. The plant’s location in Montgomery County, near the town of Cherryvale, provides easy access to highways 160, 166, 169 and 400. The South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, owned and operated by WATCO, will provide rail services for the facility, connecting the plant to a network

of Class 1 carriers. Ground preparation work is currently being performed by Crossland Construction Company for the processing plant, grain elevator and loop track system. Although located near the town of Cherryvale, the operation will pull beans from a wide area,

“This will be something new in the mix,” Adcock said.

“As part of this investment, Bartlett will have the challenge of sourcing 45 million bushels annually to feed this plant. This effort will be felt locally as Bartlett Great Bend will begin handling soybeans in the

participate in this market for years to come,” he said. “This is great news for area farmers who have been gradually increasing the soybean acres in their rotations. We will also look to provide a competitive outlet for commercial elevators and cooperatives for soybeans they are currently

later, the Vision and Legacy

Luke — lives on in a global

hard work, and reliability. We move and manage what matters in people’s daily lives, enabling our Customers and Partners to Feed the World, Power Our Lives, and Sustain the Planet. Nothing is more important than safety at Savage, as we strive to always Do the Right Thing, Find a Better Way, and Make a Difference for our Customers, Team Members, and communities.

The Barton County operation is located at 15 NE 60 Avenue between Great Bend and Ellinwood has been in operation since 2015. More information about Bartlett is available on the company’s website at www. bartlettco.com.

This was the company’s 10th elevator in Kansas, including one at 3311 N. Emporia in Wichita. Bartlett is a family owned and managed company which has been operating grain elevators in Kansas since 1907. Bartlett operates facilities in Scott, City, Healy, Levant, Moscow, Wichita and three in the Kansas City

Over 115 Years of Dedication, Strength, Stability & Great Service to Central Kansas!

COURTESY PHOTO

The Bartlett Grain facility east of Great Bend has doubled its rail capacity, allowing for more train traffic.

COURTESY PHOTO OF KANSAS COMMERCE

In June, Bartlett Grain held a ribbon cutting for its new soybean crushing facility in Montgomery County. The plant will take beans from around the state, including Barton County.

The Great Bend Bartlett Grain east of town is expanding its services to meet the needs of area ag producers.

American Plains Co-op experiences growth

After a series of mergers, Great Bend Co-op has become American Plains Co-op.

From humble beginnings in 1959, as the Great Bend Co-op , now American Plains Co-op has grown to 16 elevators, 13 fueling sites, agronomy, seed, feed, bulk fuel, grain, and farm supply services across Kansas and Oklahoma.

A new chapter

A merger between Great Bend Co-op and Farmers Cooperative of Carmen, Okla., initiated the name change that began Oct. 1, 2022.

On June 30, 2022, members of Farmers Coop of Carmen gathered in Cherokee, Okla., for a special meeting.

They cast ballots on the proposed merger with Great Bend Co-op and the proposal passed with an overwhelming majority vote.

Growers from the area attended meetings held at all of the Farmers Co-op locations earlier in that week to gain insight on the merger, including benefits and challenges,

and to voice concerns or ask questions about what it would look like if the proposal was to pass. At the July 30 meeting, Great Bend Co-op CEO Chris Wagner and Farmers Coop CEO Lakin Dreiling were in attendance and took some additional questions before the merger was put to a vote. The media announcement in September noted that board members then worked diligently to identify a name and logo that represents their new, more powerful company. With a vision of growth for the future and a focus on the pride of the hardworking producer, the name American Plains Co-op was born.

Members, employees, and leadership of both cooperatives were excited about the merger and the opportunities it brings. In today’s market, size and location both make a huge impact in procuring products and providing services to meet the growing demands of our member owners across all scopes of the co-op including grain merchandising, agronomy

Lang Diesel fullservice implement dealership

Founded more than 20 years ago, Lang Diesel, Inc. started in Hays, when Brian Lang, president, literally opened a repair shop out of his toolbox. Since then, LDI has grown to a full-service implement dealership with extensive sales and product support.

LDI currently has 10 locations across Kansas, including a location in

products and services, and beyond.

The Cooperative has grown significantly, with annual sales totalling nearly $250 million dollars and 175 fulltime employees. Their headquarters is located in Great Bend, which is centrally located.

At American Plains Co-op, stewardship means being responsible with

Ellinwood and one location in Iowa, as well as resident sales and service specialists.

Throughout its history, LDI has represented numerous AGCO brands, but is also proud to be the new source in Kansas for RoGator and TerraGator, the leaders in application equipment, as well as the full line of Challenger farm equipment. From the sales process to full-service product support, LDI is dedicated to “doing what it takes” to deliver an ownership experience that matches the professionalism you’ve come to expect from AGCO.

inputs and protecting the land. Helping a grower put the right product at the right rate, at the right time of plant development, ensures getting the most out of every unit of input. Encouraging the use of cover crops or no till, helps prevent the erosion of topsoil and the retention of soil moisture. By doing these things, not

only helps a grower get more output per unit of input, but also to be better stewards of the land.

Currently, American Plains Co-op growers can apply for the 2023 Truterra® Carbon Offer. This program streamlines the process for growers to receive carbon credit dollars from major companies looking to purchase carbon offsets.

The Farley Machine Works Company

The Farley Machine Works Company was founded in Kansas in 1919. Farley is currently owned and operated by Eric Reigle, the great-grandson of one of the original founders. Farley currently operates two shops with the premier shop located in Great Bend. Under the direction of Foreman Dan Murray, Farley has adapted to the ever-changing business environment with the addition

Through American Plains Co-op and Truterra®, growers will provide data showing that one of the following practices has been incorporated into their growing operation; reduction in tillage and/ or the addition of cover crops within the last 1-3 years. To learn more, please visit their website at www. apcoop.com.

of personnel and vehicles to best suit industry needs.

Farley Machine is committed to the Great Bend community. Serving the local area in repairs and maintenance is just part of our outreach. Participating in homecoming parades and being a part of Great Bend Schools (USD 428) and the Radiator Springs event this past summer were highlights of 2022. Farley Machine proudly flies the American Flag year round. Drive by our location at 112 South Patton Road to see our unique one-of-a-kind flag pole.

MIKE GILMORE Great Bend Tribune

After a series of mergers in 2022, Great Bend Co-op has grown to 16 elevators, 13 fueling sites, and expanded services such as agronomy, seed, feed, bulk fuel, grain and farm supplies. Now known as American Plains Coop, the organization is headquartered in Great Bend.

ILS Compost Day March 25

Innovative Livestock Services is again offering its free compost day March 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Great Bend Feeding and Ward Feed Yard in Larned.

ILS Communications Specialist Lauren Akers said that as in past years, those needing compost need only to drive up and staff will load them up.

“Obviously, a large byproduct of feed yards is manure,” said Akers. “The best use of manure is to put on our farm ground. We don’t have enough ground for the amount of manure we have. There is also no better fertilizer. This is a way to reach out to the community and help with their spring gardening.”

ILS has been hosting the free compost day since 2017. Bring a shovel, buckets or a pickup truck to load the compost away.

Great Bend Feeding is located at 355 Northwest 30th Avenue and Ward Feed Yard is at 1190 100th Avenue in Larned.

About ILS

What began in the 1960s with Ward Feed Yard and Great Bend Feeding as a strategic partnership, has flourished into a leading cattle feeding and ag-

riculture business in the United States. While growth and change continuously occur within ILS, the organization remains committed to be the pillars of our founders, including embracing technology, economic and environmental sustainability, responsible water use and best cattle care practices.

ILS has also strategically developed a sister farming operation. The crops grown on the farm provide high quality nutrients for the healthy growth of its cattle. The composted manure from the feedyards is then applied to the farm to sup-

Barton Community College to offer spring stick welding class

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to weld, now is your chance thanks to Barton Community College’s spring stick welding class, which will be offered from 6-9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday nights from March 6 through May 11 in the welding lab in the Technical Building.

Executive Director of Workforce Training and

Economic Development

Mary Foley said the class is designed to give students the skills to weld for personal applications and gain skills that could help them land a job.

“This is a great skill to learn for hobbyists wanting to build their toolkit for various repairs and projects, but it can also be a springboard to a career in welding,” she

ply crops with the nutrients they need. This closed-loop nutrient cycle is a tremendous value for both the farm and the feedyards.

Active in Education ILS has become active in education, with its Immersion Day programs both at the feedyard and at the farm.

Initiated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, ILS member Ward Feed Yard hosted high school students for its first Immersion Day in 2021. Born out of conversations at the KDA’s annual Agriculture Summit, the immersion concept

said. “Classes like this one are a great way for people to try out welding to see if it’s something they might want to do professionally, and it also counts for three hours of college credit.”

For program information or to apply, visit welding.bartonccc. edu or contact Foley at foleym@bartonccc.edu or 620-792-9278.

came from a need to connect high school students with agricultural industry partners in a hands-on experience.

Last November, ILS went solo on its first Immersion Day at the farm five miles southwest of Great Bend. The farm played host to 22 high school students from Great Bend, Ellinwood, Larned and Macksville and included ag vendors Mid America Seed, BTI, Valley Irrigation and the Barton County Cottonwood Extension District.

The best takeaway from the event was getting students in touch with agriculture, noted

ILS communications specialist Lauren Akers, who coordinated the event.

“The kids got so much more out of this than we anticipated,” Akers said. “I think our major takeaway was that we are exposing these kids to local agriculture career opportunities. You don’t have to move far away; don’t have to go straight into college after school.

“You can have a rewarding career within our allied partners,” Akers noted. “We have kids thinking about their future in agriculture, which makes a difference for all of us.”

A student welds in the stateof-the-art welding lab on the Barton Community College campus.

TRIBUNE PHOTOS

With 22 area high school students invited to its farm site west of Great Bend in November, Innovative Livestock Services premiered its Immersion Day to showcase new technologies, agricultural services and careers as a companion program exposing youth to agricultural opportunities along with its feedyard program unveiled in 2021.

Hammeke Electric wears many hats

Hammeke Electric was established in 2001 by Tim Hammeke and his wife Kim. Tim earned his Master Electrician license at the age of 21, the youngest possible age to attempt this accreditation, while Kim earned her business degree from Barclay College. The company’s Mission Statement, written over 20 years ago, focuses on a commitment to honor God through excellence, honesty, and integrity and remains in the forefront of all they do.

Hammeke Electric meets power needs of communities throughout Kansas, with locations in both Great Bend and Emporia. The Emporia branch is managed by electrician Jack Deiter, while Ryan Hammeke, who recently earned his Master Electrician accreditation, manages large scale projects alongside Tim. Mike Dobson and Mic Huddleston play integral roles in the day-to-day operations overseeing inventory, equipment, and transportation.

Both locations offer residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial electrical services. An Automation and Special Systems Division is led by Dustin White and

a Security Division is overseen by Brant Harms. Hammeke Electric is also a Generac Generator Power Pro Elite Plus Certified Dealer, specializing in sales, service, and installation. In 2022 Hammeke Electric also became one of only a few Woodmaster Clean Fire Furnace dealers in Kansas.

Petroleum Electric Services, established in 1972 was acquired in October of 2020 and the name was changed to Petroleum Electric Services, Division of Hammeke Electric.

Tim grew up familiar with the mechanical operations of the oil field and was influenced by his father Mike Hammeke, who worked in the industry. Mike is credited with inventing and patenting a formation injection tool for down bore disposal, a tool that is widely used in oil production today. Chuck Conaway, who has been with Petroleum Electric for many years, continues to oversee operations while he and his crew work with oil companies and leases throughout Kansas. Petroleum Electric has one of the largest inventories in central Kansas for motors, VFDs, pumps and panels.

Miller Plastics and Warehouse: Call us first, we appreciate you!

For more than sixty years, the Miller family has been servicing the oilfield and agricultural industries in central Kansas. Today, Miller Plastics & Warehouse, 115 South Patton Road, an award-winning Great Bend business, is owned and operated by Kim Miller-Sneath, Sean Miller and Chance DeForest, carrying on the family business and tradition.

Their slogan is, “Oilfield, Farm or Home – No Need to Roam!” Miller Plastics offers a broad range of pipe, fittings, hose, insulation, parts and supplies too numerous to list for oilfield, agriculture and home projects, Kim said.

It all started in 1961 when Cy Miller started a PVC fabrication shop in his garage. He opened a headquarters at 3929 10th St., where Burger King is today, with Cy, his son Tim Miller and five employees. Currently there are six.

In 1973 they moved to 4700 West 10th St. and in 1976, Tim Miller, having taken over ownership of Miller Plastics, moved the business to its current location on South Patton Road, expanding with a state-of-the-art

Kelly’s Garden Sense

Kelly Meier-Moeder got her start with three pots, annual plants, and an eye for design. What started as a seed of inspiration has now grown and bloomed into Kelly’s Garden Sense, the color expert and a premier Commercial and Residential Landscaper in Great Bend. There’s no place like home and it’s Kelly’s mission to increase the curb appeal of her hometown, Great Bend, one landscape at a time!

“It’s my goal is to create anything but ordinary,” said Moeder. “I don’t design simple landscape or seasonal pottery. My designs layer a mix of color, texture and unique plants that thrive in Kansas.”

fabrication shop and also a large addition to the inventory to include fiberglass pipe and fittings.

Kim Miller-Sneath, Tim’s daughter, has been part of the family business since she was 13 years old and now her son Chance represents a fourth generation of the Miller family working for the company.

In 2011, Miller Plastics earned the Business of the Year Award from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development.

Drop by or call and chat with friendly staff at 620-792-4388 or 800-772-6060. Visit the website at millerplastic. com or email omwinc@ opiwireless.com.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; they are closed on weekends but have a 24-hour answering service.

In her seventh year in business, Kelly’s team of seven, including husband, Paul Moeder of Great Bend, just finished 400 pots in 2022, in addition to two of their biggest commercial landscaping jobs for Clara Barton of Great Bend and Hoisington.

Kelly’s drive for a standard that goes beyond the typical landscape design is one of the reasons they have expanded to two Greenhouses. Kelly’s Garden Sense will host a ribbon cutting on the second Greenhouse in April and will begin offering retail hours this Spring for shopping her signature pop of color, unique plant varieties and locally grown annuals built for the Kansas heat come summer.

Kelly’s team will continue to bring the Greenhouse to you and offer full-service landscaping and seasonal pottery but with over 8,000 locally grown plants in their greenhouse, you’ll have the opportunity to shop local, too! Learn more and stay tuned for seasonal #POPofColor shopping hours at 134 NE 10 Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530. www.kellysgardensense.com.

Hoisington/Claflin

Great Bend Hays

Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum showcases industry

BY RILEY BRUNGARDT rbrungardt@gbtribune.com

The Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum is a great spot to learn and expand your knowledge about the oil and gas industry and its history. This museum is located just west of Great Bend city limits and the collections are above and beyond.

The Kansas Oil & Gas Museum offers tours to the public, scout and youth group programs, private party rentals, industry safety meetings, and would be the perfect spot for a school field trip. The tour of the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum shows the audience different phases of the production of gas and oil. From drilling to production, this experience shows the start to fi These tours are completely free and they are given by board members.

On top of the tours and collections, there is the Hall of Fame that showcases the portraits and biographies of inductees. Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate for the Hall of Fame; this nominee will then be subjected to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Director Dee Volper stepped into this leadership role less than a year ago and is making a splash. She is working tirelessly to ensure the success and knowledge within this museum gets passed on.

This museum was founded in 1990 and just last June was completely remodeled. Major improvements regarding layout have made this museum a success. Certain handmade elements such as rig models have survived the remodel. The museum has the new challenge of naming the rooms, which will be discussed at the next board meeting.

The next big event hosted by the Kansas Oil &

Among the exhibits at the oil and gas museum is the “Welcome to the Kansas Oil &

Gas Hall of Fame and Museum is this summer, June 10, and it is the fourthannual Rig Brew. Tickets for this event are $30 and available on the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum Facebook page. This event consists of sampling a few dozen wheat beers, pale ales, and summer brews, along with hot dogs and chips

from Yo Dog Wieners that are included with the purchase of each ticket.

To visit the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum they are located at 5944 10th St., Great Bend. Their new hours will depend on the patron’s needs. Their phone number is 620-793-8301 to call and set up a visit.

Hard work, customer service shine at Clarke Well & Equipment

Clarke Well & Equipment Inc. started in Great Bend in 1952 with one drilling rig, three employees and a handful of small seismic and agricultural contracts. Through a philosophy of hard work and superior customer service the company has built itself into a highly regarded firm serving the State of Kansas and the surrounding area.

The staff of Clarke Well & Equipment stay current on the latest technology

and innovations in the groundwater industry, while maintaining extensive relationships with engineering firms and regulatory agencies. This pooling of expertise allows us to safely and efficiently complete your groundwater project in a professional manner

Our original philosophy of hard work and exceptional customer service has continued for three generations in the family owned business.

Nex-Tech keeps area connected

Burgers on the grill. Block parties with the neighbors. Flowers in the yard. Nex-Tech Internet connecting Great Bend homes. Some things just make sense because they make life simpler. At NexTech, we’re in the business of improving the lives of the individuals who make up our local communities.

Providing connectivity that changes lives has been at the heart of our company’s mission since 1951. Throughout the years, Nex-Tech has pursued innovation to keep Kansans connected with leading technology solutions. Nationally, we pioneered Fiber-to-theHome in 1996 and we haven’t stopped since.

Nex-Tech is in the process of connecting Great Bend with the highest level of Internet service that fi-

ber can bring. As we work to complete construction of our fiber network in Great Bend, Nex-Tech remains dedicated to excellent customer service and convenient support from our team of nine local employees.

We are excited to connect Great Bend neighborhoods with fiber Internet so residents can experience the best in buffer-free streaming, realtime gaming, and reliable work-from-home connection. More than anything, we can’t wait to meet residents to share information about our services.

Our local store at 3700 10th St. is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Come with questions – our employees love to provide the answers needed to simplify life for Great Bend residents!

Along with experienced management and highly skill technical support personnel, Clarke Well & Equipment is your “Go To” firm for groundwater projects large and small.

April

March

COURTESY PHOTO The Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum at 5944 10th St. in Great Bend welcomes visitors.

COURTESY PHOTO

Shown is the “Does This Product Contain Petroleum?” Game.

COURTESY PHOTO

Gas Hall of Fame and Museum” pillar.