Snyders named Master Farmers, Master Farm Homemakers

FULTON, Kan. -- Farming has run in Kenny and Beth Snyder's families for generations.

The Snyders are one of six Kansas couples who have been named as Kansas Master Farmers and Master Farm Homemakers for 2009 in recognition of their leadership in agriculture, environmental stewardship and service to their communities. All couples were honored at a banquet Friday at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Junction City.

The Snyders were nominated for the award last fall by a Kansas State University Research and Extension Council and found out just a few months ago that they would be inducted into the 2009 class.

"We were surprised," Beth said. "It is a big honor."

Beth, who grew up on a dairy farm, is the fifth generation of her family to be involved in farming, while Kenny is the third generation of Snyders to work the family farm. Their son, Jared, a student at Fort Scott Community College, will be the fourth generation of the Snyder family to farm the land.

"That's kind of the plan, for Jared to take over the farm someday," Beth said. "Once it (farming) gets in your blood, it's hard to get out."

Beth said their involvement in the community, their conservation practices, and the steady growth of the family farm over the years are the main reasons why the Snyders feel they received the honor.

"We're involved in 4-H, community service, FFA," Beth said. "The farm has gotten bigger every few years."

The Snyders support the Bourbon County Fair and the Northeast Scott 4-H, and have helped area 4-H members by allowing them to keep steers at their farm. The couple received the Key Banker Award for Soil Conservation in 2008.

The Snyder's farm is nearly 3,400 acres with wheat, corn, soybeans and grass hay as the principle crops. The Snyders also grow clover and wheat beans. With more than 500 head of beef, the feeder steers are sold mostly to a direct buyer. They maintain several miles of waterway and have added buffer strips to reduce water runoff. Some of their land is leased for deer and turkey hunting, according to the K-State Research and Extension Web site.

The couple were married in 1984 and took over the farm along with Kenny's mother in 2006 after the death of his father. The farm was built in the late 1970s when Kenny's father built terraces and waterways which the Snyders still use and maintain.

Besides Jared, the Snyders receive help with farm tasks from other family members throughout the year. Beth said Kenny's mother and his brother, Tom, help the couple during harvest time, and Kenny's brother-in-law Robert helps out by driving trucks and combines on the farm.

Kenny has been a member of the local Elks lodge and the Bourbon County Farm Bureau for more than 25 years.

He is also a member of the Kansas Livestock Association. The couple are both active with the Fulton Methodist Church. Their other son, Jordan, died in 2005. Both of their sons were active in FFA and 4-H.

The Master Farmer-Master Farm Homemaker program is designed to recognize and highlight long-term farm leadership. Six Kansas farm couples are chosen each year -- one from each of the four extension areas and two that are chosen at large.

"We are pleased to have another Bourbon County couple inducted into the Master Farm-Master Farm Homemaker Association," Bourbon County Extension Agency Delta George said. "Kenny and Beth have been very involved with local agriculture and community activities and are readily available to lend a hand when needed."

Selection is based on growth and magnitude of lifelong accomplishments, with special emphasis on growth of the farm operation, community activities and accomplishments of their children.

"The Snyders exemplify what the association is all about -- long-term agriculture, community and family," George said.

There are several Bourbon County farmers in the association, George added.

The award program dates back to 1927 and is sponsored by the K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Farmer Magazine.