Palco Couple Named Master Farmer, Homemaker

PALCO, Kan. – With half the normal rainfall, Kendal and Barbara Grecian came off of a difficult year in 2002 that was marked by record-breaking drought.

"Farming is based on hope," Ken said. "It has always been challenging, however, this drought we are facing makes the immediate future look rather bleak."

The Grecians cannot control the weather, but they have found strategies to sustain their operation. Current provisions allow ranchers to graze Conservation Reserve Program land, an advantage not available as an emergency backup in the 1930s. Hauling water, installing solar pumps and fencing off additional stocks helped the Grecians feed and water their livestock.

"Our goal is to maintain the cow herd that has taken years to develop to the quality we enjoy now," Ken said.

For their commitment to a better future, the Grecians will be recognized as a 2002 Kansas Master Farmer and Master Farm Homemaker during ceremonies at the Holiday Inn in Manhattan on March 14 at 6 p.m. Friends can make reservations for the banquet and program by calling 785-532-5820 by March 6.

The program, which recognizes six Kansas families every year, is co-sponsored by Kansas State University Research and Extension and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nominated by the Extension Council in Graham County, the Grecians will become lifetime members in an association dating back to 1927.

Ken earned an animal science degree from K-State in 1970 before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Barb graduated in 1971 with a degree in home economics. The couple married in July 1971.

Ken completed a number of further educational opportunities through the Army, including jump school, advanced individual training and officers’ candidate school. He served a three-year commitment and returned to the farm in 1974.

The Grecians started their operation with land rented from a friend. In their first year, they bought 20 heifers from a neighbor and 40 cows from Wyoming. Seven died from a blood disease, and they sold 30 due to a drought.

"We moved back the year of $5 wheat, but when our crop was ready to harvest the price dropped dramatically as well as the cattle market," Ken said. "Our first experience taught us about failure and tough times."

However, the couple did not give up. Instead, they learned from the experience.

"We learned to start slow, build a profitable farm and not carry a large debt load," he said. "Financial independence is a key guideline to our success."

In 1979, the Grecians had the opportunity to rent another farm, which allowed them to expand their cow herd and increase their crop production. They also made their first land purchase at that time.

More than 20 years later, their operation includes 295 cow/calf pairs and 50 heifers, with 3,000 acres of cropland and 400 acres of land in the CRP program. The Grecians use a rotation with wheat, no-till sorghum and fallow.

"Conservation has been important to us," Ken said. "We have built more than 31,000 feet of terraces, put highly erodible, low production land in CRP and planted more than 1,500 trees."

The windbreaks provide protection for the farmstead and cattle feeding areas. EQUIP [conservation] funds allow the Grecians to improve stream drainage, build approved lagoon systems and pens with fence line bunks.

To add value to the Grecians wheat crop, they have a certified seed wheat business. They also became members of the 21^st Century Alliance with part ownership in flour mills located in Texas and New Mexico.

"We were looking for a marketing outlet with a little premium," Ken said. "If well managed, the investment should return a premium on our wheat in the future."

Ken and Barb raised three children. Working with their parents on the farm, the children developed a strong work ethic and money management skills. While growing up, they were involved in the total production of crops and cattle. They were active in United Methodist youth fellowship, high school athletics, forensics, debate, 4-H and FFA.

"Our children were our best crop on the farm," Barb said.

Their son, Brent, graduated from K-State in 1999 and works as relationship manager for Wells Fargo Bank in Bellevue, Wash. His wife Stacey teaches second grade.

The Grecian’s daughter, Jennifer, married Derek Durbin in 2001. Both attend the University of Nebraska School of Dentistry, and plan to return to Derek’s family practice near Topeka.

Stephanie, the Grecian’s youngest daughter, attends K-State, and majors in finance and political science. She participates in many leadership activities on campus.

Both Ken and Barb grew up in 4-H, and they wished the same life skills for their children.

Because there was no 4-H club in the area, however, the Grecians helped to charter the Eastside 4-H Club.

"We worked closely with the kids, teaching them the skills that would be beneficial to them in the future," Barb said. "4-H is a unique youth organization in that all ages of kids and families work together. The older members help the younger members, and they all learn from each other."

The Grecians said community involvement can make a better future for agriculture. They are active in the Kansas Livestock Association and Kansas Farm Bureau.

"Involvement in our community and church, trying to be a good neighbor and working on agricultural issues is important to us," Ken said.