ASHLAND – Governor Laura Kelly and Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam yesterday completed a two-day series of roundtable discussions in Ashland following stops in Johnson City and Liberal as part of the Governor’s Prosperity on the Plains Tour. Gardiner Angus Ranch was host to the roundtable which included local ranchers, small business owners, bankers, legislators, and education leaders. Topics discussed included the agriculture industry, the state’s water resources, schools, and the Kansas workforce.

“No matter how many Kansas farmers and ranchers I visit with, they never fail to impress me with their wisdom, their determination, and their spirit of community,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “From our high-quality wheat to our first-rate livestock, it's clear why Kansas is a worldwide powerhouse in agriculture. I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen the agricultural community across our great state.”

“Ashland’s agricultural and community leaders appreciate Governor Laura Kelly coming to listen and discuss issues impacting agriculture in Kansas and across the nation,” Mark Gardner, President of Gardiner Angus Ranch, said. “This dialogue will help the state continue to move the needle on important issues that affect Kansas farmers and ranchers.”

Participants in Sep 22nd’s roundtable discussion included:

Senator Ron Ryckman, Sr., Kansas Senate District 38

Paula Rice, Superintendent of Unified School District 220

Mark Gardiner, Gardiner Angus Ranch, Inc.

Neil Kay, Ashland Feed & Seed

Bill Shaw, Shaw Feedyard

Larry Konrade, CS Slaton Accounting Company

Randall Spare, Ashland Vet Center

Roger Giles, Giles Ranch

Jenny Giles, Giles Ranch

Hervey Wright, Home Lumber Supply

Jan Endicott, Stockgrowers State Bank

Jesse Luckie, Snake Creek Ranch

Jeremy Fast, Don Spots Lumber Company

Rick Walker, Beef cattle rancher and farmer

Lindsey Martin, Citizens State Bank