AG Connection

" Since 1964, the Fort Hays State University Rodeo Club and Team has provided students with valuable opportunities to hone their skills in an arena environment. Coach Guy Forell has led the team into its 59th year, continuing the education and entertainment experiences that rodeo provides. "

-FHSU Rodeo 

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Team member is able to speak on rodeo events and horse care. 

Meet Nathan Staab, a 3rd generation farmer and rancher. Nathan works alongside his family on their farm, to operate VJS Polled Herefords, providing cattle to purebred and commercial customers. They also grow wheat, milo and dryland corn

In addition to his work on the farm, Nathan is also a board member of the Kansas Hereford Association and the Ellis County Farm Bureau Association. He is passionate about supporting the agricultural community and advocating for the industry.

Nathan would be happy to share his involvement in local agricultural organizations, cattle or crops.

Allen previously served as Senator of the 36th Kansas District representing ten rural counties in Northcentral and Northwestern Kansas. He also served a four year term on the Kansas Board of Regents which governs the six state universities and supervises the community and technical colleges in Kansas. Allen is an Army Veteran who retired as a Colonel from the Army Medical Service Corps after serving for 32 years. He completed his career on active duty as the Deputy Commander for Readiness of the Army Reserve Medical Command, a command of 27,000 Soldiers and 230 medical units nationwide. Allen is a native of Ellis County, Kansas, where he was raised on a fifth generation family dairy farm north of Hays, Kansas, which has since been transformed into Resurrection Vineyard and Winery operated by Allen and his son.  He and his wife, Ellen, have 9 children and 26 grandchildren.

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Allen is able to educate on the topics of Army, State Government, dairy farm, community service, and vineyard production. ​

Retired Dairyman turned crop farmer and beef producer from Victoria, Kansas. With years of experience in the industry, he has gained valuable insights into the world of agriculture. 

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Randy can speak on the topics of crop farming, dairy cattle, and beef producing. 

I was raised on a dairy farm and was an active 10-year member of the Pawnee County 4-H. Currently, I serve as the Secretary of the Cottonwood Extension Board encompassing Ellis and Barton Counties, Secretary of the Ellis County Historical Society Board, and a Board Member of the Hays Lions Club.

I am a retired Ellis County Clerk/Election Officer and a retired Ellis County 4-H Leader with 25 years of service. In 2024, I organized the Ellis County Historical Pioneer Days event, involving 176 third-grade students who learned about dairy cattle and Kansas wheat.  Additionally, I was hired by Kansas Dairy to present two dairy demonstrations at the 2023 Kansas State Fair, promoting dairy products through tastings of purple cow, pancakes, and a healthy dip. I have judged exhibits at 4-H and Open Class Kansas Fairs, as well as the Kansas State Fair for several years. In 2024, I will be judging at ten county fairs and the Kansas State Fair.

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Topics Donna can educate on are 4-H, local government, Ellis County History, and dairy cattle. 

My name is Kashli Diederich! I am a Fort Hays State University alumni where I studied AgBusiness, and I am now going on my third year as a Sales Agronomist with Midland Marketing! Since I was young I have always been involved in agriculture from raising livestock, being a farm hand, and being involved in 4-H and FFA. Through the years and into adulthood, I have learned everyday just how important the agriculture industry is to our lives! As being a woman in this industry, I strive to show that anyone is capable of what they set their mind to, and to always be listening and learning along the way! 

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Key topics to talk about:

• Being a woman in agriculture and the importance of confidence and communication/networking

• Work/Home life balance juggling an agriculture career and my husband’s blue collar business

• General farm and ranch knowledge (can focus on certain topics based on grade school level)

Jacob is originally from Brighton, Colorado.  He attended Fort Hays State University on a baseball scholarship, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and a Certificate in Agricultural Business. Currently, Jacob lives in Hays, Kansas, where he serves as a Loan Officer at Golden Belt Bank.

Jacob was raised in a family that farmed for generations, though they moved off the farm before he was born. During high school and college, he worked in various roles in agriculture from corn production to large cattle feeding operations. Although he is one generation removed from production agriculture, his current role in the banking industry gives him valuable experience and opportunities to work with people and businesses across different industries.

Available to talk about:
-       Careers in Banking
-       Careers in Agriculture
-       Staying Involved in Your Community After School

Mike Eckroat,  co-owner and operator of Branded 5 Stable in Hays, KS, has a diverse agricultural background. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Fort Hays State University. Mike has a variety work experiences, including weed and soil management, crops and hay production, cow/calf care, and horse training.

Mike co-manages the family farm with his wife, Stephanie. At Branded 5 Stable, he orchestrates the care of horses and provides riding lessons to the local community members. Mike's extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the agricultural & technical industry make him an asset to the Branded 5 team.  Mike understands that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of youth in our community, and he enjoys helping and teaching young people.  He is currently employed full time with Fort Hays State Tech North Central as a

co-instructor for a technical program.  

Mike would be happy to visit with the students about: Cattle, horses, crops, hay and technical careers

Jeff graduated from Kansas State with degree in Milling Science.  He worked for Cargill flour milling for 11 years before moving back to Hays in 2008 owning a small custom harvesting operation while also joining his folks in farming where they grow predominantly wheat, milo and corn in addition to alfalfa and feed. Cow/calf pairs make up part of the farm as well.

Jeff can talk about hay, crops, farming, and flour milling.