Starting 2023 with a Bang!

As we get settled into the new year, I can't help but think of all the wonderful things that have already happened in 2023 and all the things yet to come!  I want to thank all of you who attended our first ever Agritourism summit! It was such a great turnout and I hope you all enjoyed your time learning and networking with others from around the state! 

In the month of January, along with the summit, I also got married! My new name will be Kelsey Wendling, as soon as I get my name officially changed, I will be sure to let you all know how to reach me at my new email!

It has been such a wonderful and exciting start to the year, I cannot wait for what great things are to come! 

Wishing you all the best

- Kelsey Wendling 

Kansas Day Celebration!

Be on the lookout for a special newsletter coming January 29th, 2023. Each year gets bigger and better as we throw an epic birthday party for Kansas. We need your help celebrating the momentous occasion, stay tuned for the details to come!

New Registered Members!

Women Managing the Farm

From ag advocacy at large and small scales to the impact of military aggression on
global food security to mental health, the 2023 Women Managing the Conference
offers women the chance to explore how to grow their operations, their communities.
and themselves. The conference will be held Feb. 15-17 in Manhattan, Kansas.
Register at: http://womenmanagingthefarm.com/registration.

Broadband Access 

We need your help to challenge the new Federal Communications Commission broadband service location and availability maps.  The FCC recently published new broadband availability maps to help determine how much federal funding states will receive to shore up gaps in internet service. As part of process, states (in partnership with residents, cities and counties, businesses, etc.) can challenge the accuracy of these maps.

Please find information on the FCC Challenge process below. Essentially, this map shares where/how internet coverage areas exist and where service gaps are perceived. However, metrics used are showing areas covered when they indeed might not be. 

IMPORTANT: This map from the FCC will determine how much funding Kansas receives. Currently the FCC shows KS at 5% unserved. We are more likely closer to 15% unserved, and that difference will have a negative direct impact on the dollars we receive.  Not $10.00 but 100s of Millions of dollars!  We can challenge/change this map, but it will take a strategic concerted effort across the state and through our networks. 

Our ask is that you share this information with your members/neighbors and friends and encourage them to go to the website to check to see what buildings are shown as covered. We need them to share their stories, challenge areas “served” and make sure their voices are heard.  

Please note: “Community anchor institutions (CIA) such as schools will return a map result reading, 'Location is not broadband serviceable and does/would not subscribe to a mass market service.'"  This means that checking information for your city buildings may not be possible.  HOWEVER ensuring that your home and CIA’s are accurately reflected on the map helps the OBD reflect the need in your community, which could impact and improve your museum's broadband options in the future.

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Morgan Barnes
Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
morgan.a.barnes@ks.gov
785-480-8555
kansascommerce.gov

 

Farmers' Market Regional Workshops

Farmers’ markets and direct-to-consumer sales continue to be an important source of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and other value-added agricultural products from small towns to large metropolitan areas. To learn all about Farmers' markets join the KDA as they host the 2023 Farmers' Market/Direct-to-Consumer Workshops that will be held virtually February 6-10, 2023.

Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are:

Monday, February 6, 2023, noon to 1 p.m.: Accepting EBT/SNAP & Double Up Food Bucks

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, noon to 1 p.m.: Meat and Poultry Regulations; Kansas Value Added Meats Lab

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, noon to 1 p.m.: Kansas Sales Tax Information

Thursday, February 9, 2023, noon to 1 p.m.: Food Safety Regulations; Kansas Value Added Foods Lab

Friday, February 10, 2023, noon to 1 p.m.: Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program*

Register Now

If you have any questions, please contact:

Sammy Gleason
Kansas Department of Agriculture
sammy.gleason@ks.gov
(785) 564-6755

 For questions and inquiries about the Kansas Registered Agritourism Program contact: