Manhattan, KS (January 25, 2024)– At the Annual Meeting of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) in late January, the association’s Board of Directors elected Shane Ohlde, Palmer, as Board President for 2024. Former KGSPA President, Kent Winter, Mount Hope, served in the role for seven years and presided over the transfer of the gavel to Ohlde. Winter was re-elected to serve another three-year term on the board and will represent the southern tier crop reporting districts, which includes the state’s southwest, south-central, and southeast regions.
“Through board meetings and countless phone conversations over the past several years, I have come to know Shane as a dedicated, sincere, and visionary board member with an intense passion and desire to enhance profitability for production agriculture,” said Winter. “These traits, combined with his deep knowledge, experience, and connections within the seed industry, collectively form a powerful skill set that will serve Kansas Sorghum well in his new role as Association President.”
Prior to being elected as President, Ohlde served as Vice President of the board. Ohlde farms in Washington and Clay Counties and operates Ohlde Seed Farms with his family, where he currently serves as CEO. Ohlde is also the President of the ag technology start-up, VariMax R.C.S, which helps farmers manage in-season nitrogen applications and irrigation management through their proprietary software.
“It is an honor to have this opportunity to step into a role to follow truly one of the best leaders in Kent Winter. His leadership style exemplifies the type of man Kent is as a Christian, husband, father, and farmer,” said Ohlde. “Kansas Sorghum is in a better place because of his unwavering drive to see Kansas sorghum farmers and industry remain leaders. I am glad to have Kent working alongside our executive leadership team. The quality of leadership at Kansas Sorghum is second to none through past and present efforts and we look to build on the success of the past.”
Ohlde continued: “We will continue to keep our focus on helping enhance markets and policy for Kansas farmers through legislative, regulatory, and industry affairs to drive demand that leads to profitability, stability, and enhanced opportunities. Kansas is the nation’s leading sorghum
producer and we want to ensure the world knows we are serious about producing a highly valuable crop.”
“KGSPA staff and its membership greatly appreciate Kent’s service leading our Board of Directors as President since 2017,” said Adam York, KGSPA CEO. “Kent always stood ready to work through any challenge and plan for success. As we welcome Shane’s leadership, we are thrilled Kent will remain a foundational part of our Board of Directors over the next three years.
In addition to Ohlde’s election as President, Andy Hineman, Dighton, was elected as Vice President; Kelsey Baker, Scott City, was re-elected as Treasurer; Brian Younker, Spearville, was elected as Secretary; and, Andy Hineman was also re-elected for a three-year term, representing the central tier of crop reporting districts. Daniel Riffel was re-elected for a
three-year term on the board, representing the northern tier crop reporting districts.
