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LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE HOSTED AT BENTON LOCATION The MKC Benton location welcomed Congressman Ron Estes on February 3 to participate in a round table discussion with area farmers. The meeting was a time for farmers to voice their concerns and raise questions to the Congressman. Conversation focused on the USMCA trade deal, grain storage and costs, and risk management. “We appreciate Congressman Estes and his staff taking the time to engage with our member-owners and take note on the issues they see as important,” said Dave Spears, MKC executive vice president and CMO. “MKC’s focus is on making our farmers profitable and advocating on their behalf. Estes and his staff have been here to listen and take input back to D.C. to find solutions.” Participating in the discussion were Estes, Spears, MKC Senior Location Manager Spencer Reames, and farmers Aaron Lange, Sumner County; Austin Busenitz, Butler County; Andy Lee, Cowley County; Jeff Varner, Butler County; Tom Page, Butler County; and Walter Burress, Butler County.
Dave Spears, MKC chief marketing officer and executive vice president, explains MKC’s sustainability efforts to Congressman Ron Estes.
Congressman Ron Estes participates in a roundtable conversation with Benton-area farmers.
MKC DONATES TO WALTON RURAL LIFE CENTER
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A large portion of MKC’s donations go toward programs that promote ag education and leadership development; alleviate hunger in its communities; and improve or enhance community safety. As such, MKC donated $500 to the Walton Rural Life Center. MKC has donated to the charter school since August of 2014. Part of the USD 373 Newton Public Schools, the Walton Rural Life Center charter school was the first public elementary school in the nation to completely incorporate agriculture into its curriculum. Kindergarten through fourth-grade students learn math, reading, science and responsibility as they gather and sell eggs, grow vegetables and care for farm animals. “It means so much to our school that our local partners care and support us,” said Jason Chalashtari, Walton Rural Life Center principal. “We are so appreciative of the donation from MKC. The money will go directly to supplies and resources for our classrooms so that our students have everything they need to enhance their learning experience.” Connections
Outside of the monetary donation, MKC supplies livestock feed for the farm animals and delivers the feed when needed to the school.
Charles Dowell, MKC elevator superintendent at Walton, poses with Principal Jason Chalashtari and students from the Walton Rural Life Center.
