Operation Description:
Aaron is a fourth-generation farmer in Barton County, Kansas. Alongside his brother, Richard, they farmed with their father, Don, until 2009 when Don was in a car accident and became paraplegic. Together Aaron and Richard stepped up to the challenge and took over the farm, Circle K Farming Partnership. Since that time, they have continued to grow the operation and farm 3,000 acres of corn, soybeans, winter wheat, milo, and industrial hemp for fiber production in Barton and Stafford County. They have focused on regenerative and sustainable practices for over a decade. Aaron and Richard also have a 2,500 head cattle backgrounding yard.
I am an independent crop research scientist and have my own business, Performance Crop Research. For the past ten years I’ve conducted research studies (on Aaron and Richards ground) from clients who develop new crop genetics, production methods and/or pesticide, bio stimulant and fertilizer products. Through extremely detailed data collection we can help companies build strong portfolios of products. My work is critical for the industry’s development because the products will be submitted to the EPA and then out for commercial use by farmers throughout the world. It is extremely gratifying seeing the products I was studying 5-7 years ago reach my friends and families farms and helping their operation with better yields, weed control and healthier soils/plants.
Together, Aaron, Richard and I opened South Bend Industrial Hemp in 2020, which provides services from seed to final sale to help farmers diversify their operation and grow industrial hemp for fiber production. We have 24 farmers in our “Grower’s Group” who will contract their crop to allow us to continue to supply manufacturers across the United States for more sustainable paper, plastic, and insulation products. We were the first commercial fiber processing facility in the United States and continue to see growth because we incorporate our family farm principles in our business model. Family, hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and unshakeable faith give us the ability to operate at a high level. Through the farm, research company and the processing facility we provide 15 full time employment positions. We also provide consultation services for growing industrial hemp for fiber production, and opening fiber processing facilities. In 2022 alone, we did 92 tours throughout the growing season, with 742 people traveling from 33 states and five countries to see our operation. We are blessed to share our way of life and different facets of agriculture to multitudes of people.
Through 2023 and beyond we will continue to build upon our models to grow the farm, our research company, and the processing facility. We never lose focus of our roots, which are family, education, advocacy and being a good steward of the industry.
Farming History
Circle K opened its farming gates in the early 1970’s with the primary crops being corn, soybeans, and winter wheat. Aaron and Richards dad Don, alongside his father Pete, opened the cattle backgrounding yard as well as a local Great Bend Finishing Feed Yard. Don and Pete managed and owned the 7,000 supporting acres to supply cattle with the necessary ingredients for their high-quality diet. At this time, Aaron, and Richard, when not in school, were a part of the supporting staff. Upon Pete’s death, the farm was split and Don, with his sons Aaron and Richard continued farming 5,000 acres. As stated above, Aaron and Richard took over day to day activities, grain merchandizing and all farm operations in 2009 after their father’s accident. In 2018, Aaron and Richard began the succession plan of purchasing the remaining acres from their mother.
I was blessed to join the team in 2014 alongside Aaron as his girlfriend and continue now as his wife. When not doing research collection I serve as an integral part of day-to-day operations and assist where needed. From driving tractors, spraying, harvesting or organizing administrative work I help where needed. I sometimes even provide a home cooked meal to the field (haha), but not very often.
As you can see since the beginning our operation has always been a family affair.
Family Community Involvement
There is no power for change greater than serving your community. Aaron serves on the Kid’s Ag Day Board, which is a group that organizes an on-Farm Tour for hundreds of 4th grade students in Barton County and has served in that position for the past 10 years. Richard has volunteer at the event for the last 10 years and I started helping volunteer at the event in 2019 and oversee an education station. Aaron, Richard and I host a radio show the first Tuesday of the month to discuss industrial hemp and the developing industry in Kansas. We also cover current farming trends and new discussion topics and have over 10,000 listeners per episode. Aaron, Richard and I host an open house and educational farming event in July each year, with over 250 people from 26 states and 2 countries attending each year. Aaron and I serve on the Planted Association of Kansas board as well as nationally on the Global Hemp Association advisory board. I am active with the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants and Kansas Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants and serve on several volunteer roles within the organizations. We are fiercely passionate about advocating for agriculture and look to invest in the younger generations to develop leaders and innovations.
Describe your vision of the future of agriculture and your beliefs on the role Farm Bureau should take.
Agriculture continues to evolve at a rapid rate, but I found it encouraging that the trend is changing to the consumer wanting to be more involved. I realize this is a double-edged sword because consumers are so removed from the farm, but this gives us an amazing opportunity to open the door to conversations. Using the power of social media and a willingness to meet people where they are at, we can educate and give accurate information. Farm Bureau needs to continue see the broader picture of diversification in ag to grow membership and allow people to take advantage of the many benefits of Farm Bureau.
Describe you and your farm's participation in Farm Bureau. Please highlight the last 3-5 years of activity on the county, state, and national level.
Aaron and I enjoy supporting our local community in various ways. I have served on Barton County Farm Bureau board since 2019 and my current role is Vice-President. Aaron always rises to the occasion for every volunteer activity whether that be setting up for our annual meeting, organizing kids at the Kid’s Tractor Pull at the fair or helping with tours for community and Farm Bureau members. At our farm and processing facility we’ve hosted 15 Farm Bureau events. Our goal is to educate about specialty crops in agriculture that work seamlessly into Kansas cropping rotations, advocate for food choice and sound farming practices, and develop leaders in our community. I serve as the Young Farmer and Rancher’s Chair on our board. Together Aaron and I organize events to bring together ag supporters to promote comradery, friendship, and network connections.
At the State level, Aaron and I serve as District #7 Young Farmer and Rancher Committee Leaders. Aaron and I help facilitate our Kansas Young Farmer and Ranchers Annual Meeting in Manhattan in conjunction with other district leaders. We host district events with our surrounding counties because we strongly believe in promoting connections with like mind-set individuals who will bring the agriculture industry to the next level and into future generations. We also served as voting delegates at the Kansas Annual Meeting for the past five years. We exercise our duty to be the voice of this grassroots organization by listening to fellow farmer’s and voting accordingly at the state meeting. In 2020 we were speakers at the YF&R Conference to discuss industrial hemp for fiber production and helped develop plans of actions for farmers to diversify their operations, provide contracts for their commodity and lay the foundation to build more economic developments in rural communities.
Nationally, we attended the 2022 American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher’s Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky and the 2023 American Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico as Kansas representatives for District 7’s Young Farmer and Ranchers Program.
Aaron, Richard and their mother, Karla Kirkman.
Aaron, Melissa and Richard being recognized at the Barton County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.