Kansas ag bankers are investing in research and fueling the success of Kansas wheat farmers. Last year, KBA’s Kansas Ag Bankers (KAB) Division contributed a lead gift of $10,000 toward research being conducted at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center (KWIC) in Manhattan. The lead gift has paved the way for member institutions to join in supporting their local ag customers.

“Kansas wheat producers and Kansas ag bankers have been partners since the mid-1850s, working together to fund the growth of agriculture in the state,” said Doug Wareham, KBA President and CEO. “Successful wheat crops are rewarding for both the farmer and banker, many of whom are farmers themselves.”

In recognition of the support of wheat research by Kansas ag bankers, a wheat farmer salute display was installed in the Wheat Innovation Center. The Wheat Farmer Salute wall debuted during the Kansas Ag Bankers’ Conference in Manhattan in March. Kansas Wheat and the Ag Bankers Division hosted an evening reception, complete with tours of the facility and refreshments including wheat beer. The Wheat Farmer Salute Wall acknowledges and celebrates the relationships forged between local ag lenders and farmers. The display includes a video showcasing the working relationship of wheat growers and ag lenders along with recognition plaques displaying the logos of Gold and Silver sponsors.

To date, major sponsors of the Wheat Farmer Salute Wall are:

Gold Donors, $10,000:

• Kansas Ag Bankers
• Western State Bank
• Rosetta Snyder Durner
• United Bank & Trust

Silver Donors, $5,000:

• Centera
• Peoples Bank & Trust
• Security State Bank – Scott City
• Central National Bank

Bronze Donors, $2,500:

• Community First National Bank
• Bank of Hays
• Denison State Bank
• Farmers Bank & Trust
• First Bank of Kansas
• First National Bank Cimarron
• Solutions North Bank
• The Bennington State Bank
• Heartland Tri-State Bank
• KS State Bank
• Emprise Bank

All gifts to the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF) above $2,500 earn a listing on the Wheat Farmer Salute Wall located inside the KWIC research wing entrance. To learn more about supporting wheat research and your local wheat farmer customers, contact Tammy McClellan, Donor Relations Manager at KWCRF, tmcclellan@kswheat.com.

“We invite ag lenders to join us in funding research as one way to support their local wheat farmer customers. The Kansas Wheat Commission spends over $1.3 million on research projects every year. Support from local ag lenders helps us get improved wheat genetics into the hands of farmers faster for increased profitability,” said Ron Suppes, Dighton, KWCRF Chairman.

In Dec. 2012, Kansas wheat farmers opened the doors on the KWIC in Manhattan. The $15 million Center was built by the Kansas Wheat Commission (KWC) through the wheat checkoff. The KWIC represents the single largest research investment from Kansas wheat farmers in history. Located on Kansas State University’s campus just north of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the Center consists of 10,000 square feet of office space, 15,000 square feet of laboratory space and a 23,000 square-foot greenhouse complex. Since opening, over 10,000 visitors from all walks of life from across the world have visited the Center to learn about wheat research.