High Plains Farm Credit Newsletter | Vol. 26, No. 2,
Q2 Photo Contest Submission “Boys of Summer”
Submitted By: Holly Mettling
Location: Graham County, Kansas
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS... SEE THEM FEATURED
Have you submitted your pictures of the plains for the chance to win the $100 quarterly prize and to earn a spot in our 2026 calendar? It’s not too late! Each quarter, we select finalists from our growing collection and take to Facebook to vote on a winner. We also love to share a variety of submissions across our publications!
Ready to Enter? Here’s How:
Step One
Highlight the natural beauty of our rural region and select your favorite photo(s)! You can participate as many times per year as you’d like.
Step Two
Prepare your submission by including a photo title, description, location, and photographer name. (Hint: Check out our website for more details!)
President’s Insights
After nearly 30 years with Farm Credit, HPFC President and CEO, Kevin Swayne, reflects on the keys to farming and his career. 3
1,099 Steaks Later...
You put our grill master to the test during Stockholder Appreciation events. Catch the recap! 4
Caring for KS Water
Water sustainability challenges hold big impacts for farmers and ranchers. Learn more from the HPFC Student Board of Directors. 6
HPFC Election Results
Your vote counts! The 2025 Director Election is complete and the winners are... 8
HPFC Scholarship Winners
We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2025-2026 school year scholarships. Share your congratulations with the students! 9
Crop Insurance
FAMILY AND FAITH
ON AUGUST 22ND, I WILL CELEBRATE MY 30-YEAR Farm Credit career milestone. Newsletter topics that seemed natural to consider were to reflect on the things I have seen throughout my career or even predicting what the future holds for Farm Credit. However, I would rather focus on two of the most important things in any farming operation and my career: Family and Faith.
Family is often the backbone of farm life. Many farms are multigenerational, with knowledge, land, and responsibilities passed down through families. This continuity fosters a strong work ethic, shared purpose, and a deep emotional investment in the land. When family members grow up working together, they develop trust, resilience, and a culture of cooperation—qualities that are essential for navigating the unpredictable nature of farming. I recently had somebody ask me, “Why do you farm? Don’t you have enough stress in your life?” It has everything to do with family. Mom and Dad worked their tails off to keep our operation together and grow. It is a blessing to spend time with my family and work beside my parents, uncle, sister, wife, and kids to get the job done. I often think about those that do not farm and how they crave family time that comes natural with taking care of the land and animals that God has entrusted with us. The truth of the matter is this world was a much better place when farmers and ranchers were a larger percentage of the population.
I grew up on a small dairy farm and would ride along with Mom and Dad to
the Farm Credit office. As a kid, I did not know everything, but I did know when there were good times and not-so-good times. Farm Credit supported my folks during all those times, and it always stuck with me. Thirty years ago, I had a choice to either take a job in Omaha or apply for a job at Farm Credit. It did not take me long to decide to work for a company that has the most noble mission of all: Helping Farmers and Ranchers. Faith often provides spiritual grounding and emotional strength. Farming is filled with uncertainty— weather, markets, and crop yields can all shift dramatically. Many farmers turn to faith as a source of hope, patience, and perseverance. It also reinforces values like stewardship of the land, care for animals, and service to the community. I am a devoted Christian man. I know it is may not seem politically correct or even as popular as it used to be, but that should not deter anyone from expressing their faith. I am not sure how you can farm and ranch without faith and I am grateful to have faith to lean on throughout my career. I have also been blessed with an amazing partner in life and Christ, my wife, Jo. She has witnessed and supported me through the challenges and sacrifices it takes to not only farm but also have a career in Farm Credit.
in this area and within Farm Credit.
Someday my time in Farm Credit will be over and per tradition there will be a retirement party. On that day, I will not stand alone at the podium for long. I will call Jo up to stand with me so she can see all the people in the room and get the recognition she deserves. I would not have achieved as much in my life without her love, support, and strong Christian example.
Over the years I have made some tough decisions and delivered difficult news numerous times. Jo led Children’s Ministry for over 20 years and before she would do a Children’s Moment or lead a group of children she would pray and end her prayer with, “Father, please let my words be Your words.” I have prayed a lot over the years and ended some of my prayers in the same manner. Fifteen years ago, I told her we could make a difference for our family and other families if I took a 30% pay cut and move to Hays from Wichita. I felt called to move and like most difficult things, it was not an immediate “Yes,” but we did move our young family. Our lives have been enriched by those we have met
Family and Faith are deeply rooted rural American values which create a culture of responsibility, self-reliance, and long-term thinking. I try to run High Plains Farm Credit with these values at the forefront, just like you run your operation. Our HPFC team strives to establish long-term relationships with our customer-stockholders and our staff. When employees join our team, they become members of our family. We are not a family just because we work together. Instead, we are a family built on respect, trust, and care for each other and our stockholders.
I meet with every new employee for about an hour to tell them about High Plains Farm Credit and what a special place it is to work. The most important thing I tell them is this: Think about your favorite farmer and rancher – for me it is my mom and dad – and imagine them looking over your shoulder while you work. At the end of the day if you think you made them proud, then you had a good day at work and you understand the mission here at High Plains Farm Credit.
I am aware that times are getting tougher out there. I encourage you to lean on the strength of your family, your steadfast faith and High Plains Farm Credit to carry you through. Thank you for blessing and trusting us to be a partner in your family’s operation.
Kevin
Dee & Bonnie Swayne Wheat Harvest
Kevin & Jo Corn Harvest
That’s
STEAKS LATER...
a Wrap on 2025 Stockholder Appreciation
least for two weeks out of the year!
Those two weeks of 2025 Stockholder Appreciation Events were a whirlwind of good food, fun prizes, and our favorite… fellowship with our customerstockholders.
We’re grateful for the chance to shake hands and share a meal with everyone who made it out to this year’s events. Even with some of the wild weather, 2025 brought record-breaking turnout that put our grill master’s skills to the test!
without Cory’s grilling, the help of HPFC employees, and of course, our customers.
Each year, we look forward to this opportunity to celebrate the hard work, resiliency, and success of those in the ag industry. Through thick and thin, good and bad, we’re proud to partner with our customer-stockholders and provide support for today and generations to come.
As we move full steam ahead into 2025, our team is excited for what
I think it’s important to celebrate our customers because they are the backbone of our country.... They work hard throughout the year and it’s one little thing we can do to tell them we appreciate them.
MariKate Crouch, Loan Officer
Cooler WinnersGiveaway
Janna Landgraf
Dodge City Event
Kim Lampe
Pratt Event
Gary Yost
Larned Event
Pam Pavlu
Ness City Event
Donna Jarvis
Phillipsburg Event
Robert Vopat
Hays Event
Grand Prize Winner
of the Henry 30-30 Lever Action Rifle
Greg Ebert
Larned Event
Top: Each of the six customer events provides a great opportunity for HPFC staff to connect with the farmers and ranchers we serve. Center: During the dinner, our team completes a prize drawing for a variety of prize baskets and other items. Pictured are HPFC loan officers in Pratt with the winner of that event’s large RTIC cooler. Bottom: Steak dinner wouldn’t be complete without a slice of chocolate cake!
The High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors
The High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors is a group of Fort Hays State University juniors and seniors who gain exposure to the function of a board of directors while developing decision-making skills related to a financial cooperative.
Each year, the program concludes with the presentation of a research project to the HPFC Board of Directors. This year, the group researched and presented on “Agriculture and Water Availability Issues in Kansas.”
Thank you to Kassadee Dickey, Chloe Ecord, Rylie Miller, Takira Blick, Zoey Sneed, Amy Foos, Dylan Bruntz, Pierce Applegate, William Tice, Bryson Warner, and Garrett Parr for your excellent work this year!
CARING FOR KS
WATER IS ESSENTIAL TO AGRICULTURE. Without it, our crops cannot grow, farmers and ranchers cannot work, and rural communities struggle. The importance of exercising responsibility in consumption and preservation of this valuable resource is particularly pertinent to Kansans.
This year, the 2024-2025 High Plains Farm Credit Student Board of Directors highlighted two key water sustainability challenges impacting our territory. They explored the effects these issues have upon the agriculture industry, local communities, and our economy.
While the challenges seem vast, individuals and organizations at the local and state levels are working to meet the need for enhanced water sustainability solutions. These adaptations are being implemented with the goal of preserving our water resources for generations to come.
The Issues
Throughout the year, the student board directors focused their research efforts on two main water sustainability challenges impacting farmers, ranchers, and communities in Western, Central, and Southwest Kansas.
Rattlesnake Creek Watershed
This water source is a surface water system that empties into the Arkansas River and impacts Southwest and Central Kansas. Farmers and ranchers in the area rely on the Rattlesnake Creek as an important source for irrigation in a semi-arid climate.
Discussions and disputes surrounding the water rights and uses are long-standing and the student board explored a timeline dating back to 2013, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) filed an initial claim for impairment.
Ogallala Watershed
The Ogallala Aquifer is one of the largest sources of freshwater in the world. It provides nearly 30% of the groundwater used for irrigation in the United States.
The aquifer spans eight states
including Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Within our state, the Ogallala is particularly important to Western Kansas.
In fact, it is critical for the irrigation of wheat, corn, and other crops in the arid region. It also supports livestock operations and economic activities in rural communities.
Overuse of this water resource has become a primary concern for farmers and ranchers that utilize the aquifer, as water withdrawals exceeding natural recharge rates have caused levels to drop in key areas.
This issue is becoming particularly pronounced in the part of the aquifer beneath Western Kansas.
The Impacts
Regardless of the water source being discussed, the student board highlighted impacts farmers and ranchers may experience because of water availability issues.
The preservation and responsible use of our water resources is tied closely to the continued success of the ag industry in our state. In turn, this industry is essential to the Kansas economy. In fact, the student board reported that agriculture and agriculture-related sectors contribute a total of $81.2 billion in output and 253,614 jobs in Kansas.
One of the core impacts of water sustainability issues is the potential for economic instability in agriculturedependent livelihoods. As irrigation costs climb and job losses in farming and related industries increase, rural populations may decline and the ripple effect may impact other pillars of our communities.
The Adaptations
The protection of agriculture in Kansas and the responsible use of our water resources must be an effort involving all stakeholders.
The student board underscored the fact that water management ensures that water resources are shared fairly among all users. This includes agriculture, industry, households, and ecosystems.
For those involved in discussions
surrounding the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed, this means the cooperation of GMD 5, USFWS, the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources, and many others. As these stakeholders move through the planning phase, they have set goals for the design and implementation stages in 2026 and 2027.
Meanwhile, individuals and groups addressing the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in Western Kansas are focusing on new water management policies and water conservation technologies to preserve water supplies for the future.
The five-year management plan includes voluntary water rights buyouts and leasing programs, as well as precision irrigation technologies and soil moisture monitoring systems. Farmers in the area may also transition to drought tolerant crops requiring less irrigation.
Even as these practices are implemented, education surrounding irrigation practices is essential to decreasing the strain on water supplies. As Kansas increases allocations to the State Water Plan Fund and many organizations look to a new farm bill that includes support for the Ogallala, each individual has a role to play in understanding the water sustainability challenges impacting our rural communities today.
To learn more about the HPFC Student Board’s research, check out the full presentation below. 2024-2025
THE NUMBERS ARE IN! HPFC Election Results
HIGH PLAINS FARM CREDIT ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING RESULTS OF THE 2025 DIRECTOR ELECTIONS. The stockholders returned 295 ballots (16.88%) electronically or by mail from 1,748 eligible voting stockholders.
As of the close of elections on July 1, 2025, a quorum was reached in accordance with association bylaws. The seats depicted below have been certified by Survey and Ballot Systems, acting as independent tabulator.
Those who participated in the election
TERRITORY 1
TERRITORY 2
process play an important role in HPFC’s success. We would like to convey our most sincere appreciation to those who agreed to serve as director candidates, nominating committee members/ candidates, and to all those stockholders who cast their ballots.
Thanks to your active participation in the election, High Plains Farm Credit will donate $7,500 ($25 per ballot) to the Kansas 4-H Foundation.
Board and nominating committee elections are an essential part of our cooperative structure. Please consider
Nominating Committee Final Results
The following members and alternates were elected to the nominating committee for a one-year term.
running for the board of directors or the nominating committee, as there are positions open in all territories. If you are interested, scan the QR code below to complete an online form or contact any member of the 2026 nominating committee listed.
John Blackwell, Joss Briggs, Rhonda Goddard, Jared Petersilie, and Chelsea Steffen (Alternate - Cole Dinges)
Territory 1 Territory 2
Jerod Horchem, Kirk Larson, Lindy McMillen, Diana Paris, and Brad Werner (Alternate - Brent Diel)
Matt Thielen 4-Year Term
Daniel Cossman 4-Year Term
Colby Greving 4-Year Term
THE HPFC TEAM IS PROUD TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND THE future of agriculture by offering college scholarships to the children and grandchildren of customerstockholders.
Get to know each of the 2025-2026 scholarship recipients and congratulate them on their commitment to academic
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
excellence, leadership, and positive community impact.
The HPFC team is also accepting applications for 2026-2027 HPFC scholarships. Check out the program details and learn more about how to apply online, or reach out to Shannon Schmidt (Shannon.Schmidt@HighPlainsFarmCredit.com) with questions.
HPFC Scholarships Renewed ($1,000 Each)
Luke Fischer – Larned, Kansas
Erin Schwertfeger – Turon, Kansas
Leah Lindenman – Morland, Kansas
Allyson Rietcheck Gardner, Kansas
Allyson is attending Kansas State University and is pursuing a degree in feed and pet food science. Allyson is the daughter of Michael and Jennette Rietcheck from Gardner, Kansas.
James Seeman Larned, Kansas
James is attending Fort Hays State University and is pursuing a degree in animal science. James is the son of Dale and Audra Seeman from Larned, Kansas.
Kelsey Selensky Park, Kansas
Kelsey is attending Kansas State University and is pursuing a degree in ag business. Kelsey is the daughter of Kelly and Jynette Selensky from Park, Kansas.
Tana McDonald Mullinville, Kansas
Tana is attending Fort Hays State University and is pursuing a degree in diagnostic medical imaging. Tana is the daughter of Darren and Amy McDonald from Mullinville, Kansas.
Allyson Rietcheck
James Seeman
Tana McDonald
Kelsey Selensky
ASSOCIATION NEWS
HPFC STUDENT BOARD
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT
Abby Lloyd and Grant Cantrell were married on April 12, 2025, at Kiowa United Methodist Church in Kiowa, Kansas. Abby has worked for High Plains Farm Credit since January 2023 and serves in the Pratt office as a Capital Markets Credit Analyst. Grant is a loan officer for a local community bank. The couple lives south of Pratt with their beloved corgi, Doc.
CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATES
Caitlin Walker (HPFC Employee Graduation)
University of Florida, Master of Science in Agriculture Education & Communications (Leadership Development Specialization)
Kaci Kirmer (HPFC Employee Graduation)
University of Tulsa, Master of Science in Cyber Security
Xander Swayne (Kevin & Jo Swayne)
Wichita State University, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Faith Ewert (Doug Ewert)
Fort Hays State University, BBA in Marketing
Plans to pursue a business marketing position.
Tristan Schwien (Barry & Sharla Schwien)
Wichita State University, BBA in Finance & Minor in Economics
Moving to Hays to begin his career with Emprise Bank.
Kobe Senn (Dan & Leigh Senn)
University of Minnesota - Cookston, BS in Finance & Minor in Management
Searching for a full-time position after completing his last year of baseball.
Coleston Senn (Dan & Leigh Senn)
Fargo Davies High School
Plans to attend North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in Statistics or Law.
Maycie Holdeman (Travis & Michelle Holdeman)
Hays High School
Plans to attend Fort Hays State University for Speech Pathology.
Thank you to this year’s student board for your diligent work and dedication to learning and sharing information!
We’re excited to welcome our 20252026 board members: Kassadee Dickey, Chloe Ecord, Megan Jacobs, Sarah Jones, Ethan McPherson, Kaylee Noll, Jaiden Pfannenstiel, Camden Rietcheck, Jessie Ruff, Zoey Sneed, and Tera Wistuba.
Coy Stutterheim (Jamie & Will Stutterheim)
Hays High School
Plans to attend Fort Hays State University for Information Networking and Telecommunications, with a concentration in Digital Media Production and Journalism.
Aidan Koonse (Misty & Jerrad Koonse)
Blue Valley West High School
Currently earning his Plumbing Technology Certificate at Johnson County Community College and plans to continue his education by earning a journeyman license.
Creighton Murray (Angie & Jason Murray)
Larned High School
Plans to attend Fort Hays State University for Accounting and Management Information Systems.
Kayden Hudson (Amanda & Josh Hudson/Chris & Megan Broeckelman)
Phillipsburg High School
Plans to enter the workforce after graduation.
Sabryn Copeland (Nathan & Angela Copeland)
Ness City High School
Plans to attend Friends University where she will pole vault for the track team and major in Athletic Training.
Madelyn Schiltz (Shannon & Cory Schiltz)
Oakley High School
Plans to attend Kansas State University and dual major in Ag Business and Ag Communications.
Above: Members of the 2024-2025 student board include: (back row) Kassadee Dickey, Chloe Ecord, Rylie Miller, Takira Blick, Zoey Sneed, Amy Foos, (front row) Dylan Bruntz, Pierce Applegate, William Tice, Bryson Warner, and Garrett Parr.
Summer 2025 Information
FROM CROP INSURANCE
ALL THINGS PRF (PASTURE, RANGELAND, FORAGE INSURANCE)
DRY WEATHER DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN UNCERTAINTY FOR your cattle operation. We all know we can’t control the weather. But we can control the risk management tools we use to combat uncontrollable factors.
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance is designed with the unique risks of ranchers in mind.
What is Pasture, Rangeland, Forage?
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage is crop insurance for ranchers who experience increased costs when grazing or haying cattle during a period of dry weather. How does PRF work?
This risk management tool provides indemnity payments when average precipitation levels fall below an expected rainfall index model.
When purchasing coverage, you’ll choose anywhere from two to six coverage intervals of two months each. These intervals should cover periods of time in which rainfall is most important to your operation. You’ll also select a coverage level as a percentage of historic rainfall average (typically 70 to 90 percent). Finally, you’ll choose a productivity factor for your specific property.
When rainfall drops below the trigger grid established by the historic rainfall average, you may automatically receive indemnity payments.
How is PRF different from other types of insurance?
PRF is area-based insurance, meaning that coverage is not dependent upon only your property. Instead, the expected grid index and final grid index are established by NOAA CPC data. Rainfall levels are monitored during the selected two-month coverage interval and then compared with the 70-year average to
determine if the amount of precipitation falls below your trigger for payments.
Understanding the broad experience of rainfall in your grid can help you determine the best plan for your operation and working alongside crop insurance experts with experience in your area can provide an additional layer of insight.
How are premiums and payments calculated?
PRF requires no upfront premium payments and is a self-funding program. If you receive insurance indemnity payments, you may pay no premiums out of pocket.
Premiums are calculated based on coverage level and the variability of precipitation during the selected coverage interval. Greater variability in precipitation patterns typically results in higher premium payments for the producer. A higher producer-selected coverage level may also increase premiums.
Conversely, PRF payments are calculated based on the percentage rainfall deviates from the grid, county base value per acre by crop type, and the producer-selected productivity factor. Is PRF subsidized?
Yes. Pasture, Rangeland, Forage insurance is a government subsidized program. Subsidies of premiums range from 51 percent to 59 percent and decrease as the level of coverage increases.
Am I eligible for PRF?
PRF policies are intended for those that own or have insurable interest in the livestock. You must be able to provide records demonstrating this interest and that you grazed the livestock. Valid documents can include livestock inventories from within the
state, sales documents from offspring, documentation of purchase, and more. What is the deadline for 2026 coverage?
The final date to lock in your Pasture, Rangeland, Forage insurance policy for next year is December 1, 2025. How do I get a PRF policy?
Contact Cory or Paige to learn from their years of expertise in supporting customers with PRF policies. They can help you through the process of selecting the right coverage intervals, coverage levels, and productivity factor to properly protect your grazing and haying operation.
High Plains Farm Credit
Q2 Photo Contest Submission “Roguing at Dusk” Submitted By: Marit Ehmke Location: Western Lane County, Kansas October 14th
July 10th H Stock Dividends Paid July 1st Premium Billing (Wheat)
July 15th Acreage Reporting Deadline (Corn, GSORG, SBEAN, etc.)
August 15th Premium Billing (Corn, GSORG, SBEAN)
September 1st
Offices Closed - Labor Day
November 27th & 28th
Offices Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday December 25th & 26th
Offices Closed - Christmas Holiday