To create customer, employee and partner success to provide a safe and sustainable food supply.
Partner with customers to successfully navigate the complexity of modern agriculture and industry.
The success of our business will be determined by our ability to focus on safety, courtesy, image and innovation.
Without a doubt, when MKC initially adopted the tagline “Shared growth. Shared success.” it was aspirational. But at the time, we couldn’t have envisioned what that simple tag line would lead us to accomplish over time. We couldn’t have imagined what it would mean for the success of the cooperative, what it would mean for our employees' dedication each and every day, and how it would help our owners achieve personal success.
MKC is a full-service farm cooperative offering a complete line of supplies and services for both farm and urban customers throughout Kansas. With a current membership of nearly 10,000 members, MKC specializes in grain, agronomy, energy, feed and risk management. More than 375 employees play an important role in the growth and success of the cooperative. MKC was founded in 1965 by the merger of three neighboring cooperatives in Moundridge, Buhler, and Groveland. Since its' founding, it has grown in size and territory through mergers and acquisitions to meet customer needs.
MKC is committed to helping our rural communities prosper and prepare for tomorrow. Developing leaders within our communities, alleviating hunger and enhancing ag education and community safety are just some of the programs that we are proud to support. Over the past five years, more than $500,000 has been donated to these types of programs including the following 4-H Leadership Development, Mennonite Relief, community food banks, FFA, Ag in the Classroom, community festivals and more.
Thank you for your interest in MKC. Whether you are looking to become a member, establish a charge account or add a Fuel 24 card, you have come to the right place. To complete the application and sign the document electronically, an email address is required. If an email is not available, please scroll down and download our paper application. Click the button below to access MKC electronic membership and credit documents. If you have any questions regarding our membership and credit forms, please email us at contactus@mkcoop.com or call us at 620-345-6328.
Complete application online and submit. If applying for a membership, mail $50 membership fee to: MKC Attn: Tindy Graber P.O. Box D Moundridge, KS 67107 Click here to view the bylaws and articles of incorporation of MKC.
Allan Wegner operates a dryland corn and soybean operation along with a commercial cow-calf operation near Onaga, Kansas. Allan has served on the MKC Board of Directors since 2014 and was elected chairman in 2017. Prior to merging with MKC, Wegner served on the board of directors for Farmers Cooperative Association for 12 years. He also serves on the board of directors for Team Marketing Alliance, LLC. Allan believes the cooperative system must continue to grow and adapt to best serve our producers as their needs continue to evolve. He believes to do so, the cooperative system must have progressive leadership. Allan earned a B.S. in architectural engineering from Kansas State University. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children, Grace and Isaac. In their spare time, they enjoy landscaping, gardening, and being involved in their kids’ activities.
Jason Gaeddert and his wife, Kristy, are involved in a diversified grain operation with his father, uncle and cousins. Jason was elected to the board of directors in May 2007. Jason believes today's cooperatives must be competitive with other agri-businesses in providing the best products and services around. He sees the cooperative's role as a provider of agronomy products, fuel, fertilizers and other services necessary for farmers to successfully grow a crop. Key to a successful cooperative is the people associated with it. Having talented, knowledgeable staff is important, but for the co-op to be successful, it is also important to have the support of the patrons. He believes that the co-op is only as good as its employees and its patrons. Jason believes the board's role is to assist in guiding the direction of the company so that it is an even better cooperative in the future.
David Mills operates a diversified grain farm that is primarily dryland, and a cow/calf herd near Abilene. David was appointed to the board of directors as an associate board member in February, 2008 and now represents District 2. David believes the on-going consolidation in agriculture has had a big impact on ag producers. This same consolidation is happening with the suppliers of our inputs and buyers of our products, which makes it even more important to have our cooperative organization. He believes members benefit by being able to build the co-op into an organization that provides all of the critical needs of the farm operation. Members also have the added bonus of sharing the profits at the end of the year. David believes that to further build MKC requires board members to guide and direct the cooperative to make sure it grows and changes to meet the ever-changing needs of the ag industry. Over the years, David has served on a number of local boards including Community Foundation of Dickinson County and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.
James Mosiman and his family operate Mosiman Farms east of Newton. In addition to their cow-calf operation, their family farm consists of dryland acres where they raise corn, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum. James has served on the Harvey County Fair Board, Harvey County Extension PDC Board and the Harvey County Livestock Association.
He believes MKC is very good at placing people in positions to meet the member-owners' needs and appreciates the service-oriented business focus of MKC. James believes MKC is forward-thinking and is at the forefront of the changing times in an array of areas, from technology to implementing cover crops for conservation and livestock.
James believes it is a director's role to keep MKC growing and to move forward to help members navigate today's markets. He thinks it is vital that members are made aware of all of the available opportunities to make the best decisions for their operation. For James, the opportunity to serve as a director is important to keep the cooperative moving forward, allowing MKC to build the foundation of the cooperative structure and pass it on to the next generation.
Duane operates a diversified dryland and irrigated farm and cow-calf operation located between Lindsborg and Marquette. He has served as chairman of the Farmers Union Elevator Board of Directors at Lindsborg. Most recently, Duane served on the MKC board from 2000-2009 and was re-elected in 2011. Duane believes the key issues facing MKC today are keeping the cooperative profitable and protecting the equity of all our members while meeting the challenge of upgrading grain handling facilities. Strategic planning for short and long-term goals is very important in order to adapt to change and new challenges that face the co-op. MKC serves a variety of producers, from small to very large. He believes we need a co-op that can meet the needs of all its patrons. Duane believes the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to hire the CEO, establish operating policies and set objectives for the co-op. He feels attending educational courses is an excellent source for directors to not only learn strategies that other organizations are implementing, but also to share ideas and gain insight from other co-op board members from around the country. Duane and his wife, Dee, reside near Lindsborg. For over 30 years, Dee has operated an income tax service.
Sara Hasty and her husband, Will, operate a diversified dryland crop operation with her father near Hesston. Sara also works with her father in a tax accounting business, specializing in agricultural businesses. Sara was appointed to an associate director position in April 2016. She believes the way the cooperative system shares profits with the members give the system a huge advantage over independent companies. Not only can the members benefit from the current year’s profits, but they can also be a part of helping fund further development of infrastructure and services that will help their operations to succeed in the future. She thinks it’s critical to continue a growth strategy with the future of all producer-members in mind. Sara believes the role of the directors is to represent the interest of all the members and help management evaluate the opportunities and risks the organization needs to take to best position the cooperative to serve current and future members.
Hal Mayer and his wife, Jill, operate a stocker operation near Alta Vista and raise corn, wheat and sorghum silage in Wabaunsee, Morris and Geary counties. Their primary MKC location is Alta Vista. Prior to merging with MKC, Mayer served on the board of directors for Farmers Cooperative Association for more than 20 years. Mayer believes in the cooperative system and the benefits it brings to patrons. While competition is stiff, he believes the future of the cooperative looks bright. In order to be successful, he says MKC must continue to grow to meet the needs of the patrons. He believes the board should provide oversight to ensure MKC and its patrons are profitable. In addition, he says the board is tasked with ensuring the co-op has safe, up-to-date facilities and hires the best employees.
Ben Schrag and his wife, Tina, are involved in a dryland wheat, corn and soybean operation near Canton. In addition to their cropland, they have a stocker cattle operation. Ben was appointed as an Associate Director in 2016. He believes the largest challenge facing producers and co-ops is staying profitable in an always changing and tightening market along with balancing member equity and the expenses of a co-op such as new infrastructure and locations. Ben looks forward to serving on the board to learn more about the cooperative system and provide input in a business that directly impacts the local economy. He looks to help develop strategic plans along with forward thinking to help MKC succeed. Ben says what makes a local co-op important is the built-in advantages over independent companies such as allowing patrons to purchase inputs and market grain collectively. MKC serves as an important role in the rural economy by providing jobs and providing producers with a place to conduct business and deliver grain.
J Daniel Eakes of Plains, Kansas, operates an irrigated and dryland farm in Meade and Seward Counties where he raises corn, sorghum, wheat and cotton. J Daniel is a proud, fifth generation farmer with a deep appreciation and respect for the generations before him. Prior to merging with MKC, J Daniel served as an associate director on Plains Equity Exchange and Cooperative Union Board. He was appointed to serve on the MKC board in June 2019 for a one-year term and elected for his first term in 2020 as an at-large director. J Daniel believes the cooperative system is the best way for farmers to maintain their economic freedom. He also feels the co-op should serve all farmers no matter their size or demographics.
C.J. Blew and his wife, Beckie, of Castleton, farm in a family partnership that includes irrigated corn and soybeans, dryland wheat, milo, and soybeans, and a commercial cow-calf operation. CJ was elected to his first term on the MKC Board of Directors in 2005 and served as chairman, vice chairman and secretary. In 2010, CJ was elected to the CHS Board of Directors. He has served on the CHS Resolutions Committee and attended the CHS New Leader Institute. He serves on the Hutchinson Community College Ag Advisory Board, and is a member of the Kansas Livestock Association, Texas Cattle Feeder's Association and the Red Angus Association of America. CJ holds an applied science degree in farm and ranch management from Hutchinson Community College, and has recently achieved Board Governance Fellowship status from the National Association of Corporate Directors. CJ believes local cooperatives have an important role because they can offer the service and convenience that often isn't available from independent companies. However, that also means that today's cooperatives must be more competitive with independent companies than they may have been in the past to keep member business. To become more competitive, CJ believes it is important to eliminate inefficiencies between locations and take full advantage of recent mergers by viewing MKC as one company rather than each branch as a separate entity. Board members should serve as a listening body for the members and strive to have the right people in place to carry out the day-to-day management decisions, he believes.
John Borth and his wife, Ginger, operate a center pivot irrigation and dryland farm operation in southwest Kansas near Plains. They raise corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum in Meade and Seward Counties. John was appointed to the MKC Board of Directors at the merger of Plains Equity Exchange and Cooperative Union and MKC in June 2019. John will serve a three-year term. Prior to merging with MKC, John served as a board director for Plains Equity Exchange for more than 20 years. John was excited to serve as a director on the MKC Board after the merger of his local co-op. He says being part of a larger cooperative with talented, motivated and energetic personnel and the ability to use those talents over a wider area is what attracted him to MKC. He looks forward to utilizing the technology and organizational skills of MKC and seeing the value passed down to local patrons. John says technology and organizational strength were pieces of the business that were more difficult to afford and deliver as a smaller cooperative. He believes a director is selected from among the owners, so the interest and motives of directors must be most closely aligned with those of ownership.
Brad Stedman serves as president and CEO of MKC and has since April 2020. Brad grew up on a family farm south of Omaha, Nebraska where his family still farms today. His experience in the industry began in 1991 when he went to work for Farmland Industries in South Dakota. He has held leadership roles across the cooperative system in sales, marketing, supply chain, and strategy. His most recent position was with Land O’Lakes as Business Unit Lead for WinField United. Brad and his wife, Kerry, have two daughters.
Danny Posch serves as the chief financial officer and senior vice president for MKC. Before joining MKC, Danny was a partner with Lindburg Vogel Pierce Farris. Danny serves as a director for the Cooperative Finance Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and is a member of the Finance Council for Land O’ Lakes. He graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in business administration. Danny and his wife, Jill, have four children, Gabbie, Grace, Todd and Derek. During his free time, Danny enjoys boating, skiing, wakeboarding, and watching his children participate in basketball and volleyball. “Being a trusted advisor for our members and customers is critical to MKC,” Posch said. “Providing value to the customers through our products and service offerings delivered by knowledge and committed employees. The most rewarding part of working for MKC involves participating in growth and financial success of the company and being a part of a progressive, growth-oriented company.”
David Spears currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of MKC. In this role since 2009, he directs all sales and marketing activities in agronomy and oversees Rice County Aerial, LLC. He also advises on the product development and marketing activities in the areas of grain, energy and risk management. Prior to his professional career, Dave worked on his family’s diversified livestock and grain enterprise in north central Kansas and is still actively involved in agriculture production. He received his B.S. degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University in 1979. After graduating from college, he joined the lending division of the Wichita Bank for Cooperatives (later CoBank), as, among other positions, Assistant Vice President, responsible for supervising the delivery of financial services and products to Cobank's customers. During this period, he also served on various bank management, advisory and loan committees. Starting in 1989, Dave held several senior staff positions with the office of U.S. Senator Bob Dole. He served as Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a position appointed by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate. For seven years, Dave served as Director of Kansas Farm Bureau – Agriculture Solutions, Inc. Agriculture Solutions, Inc. was a new company within Kansas Farm Bureau formed to match profitable risk management tools, services, ventures and value-added opportunities with production agriculture. In 2002, President Bush appointed Dave to the Federal Prison Industries Board of Directors. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Dave and his wife, Pam, have two children.
Erik Lange serves as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for MKC. Before being promoted to his current position, Erik served as the director of southern operations. He studied biology and chemistry at Emporia State University. Erik is still actively helping with his family farm that has been producing food for the world in south central Kansas for more than 100 years, currently operated by the 5th generation of his family. Prior to joining MKC, Erik was the general manager for Haskell County Grain Company and a location manager for Irsik and Doll Feed Services. Erik and his wife have three children. He stays heavily involved with his children’s activities as a youth group leader, recreational sports coach and a Cub Scout leader. “Through our engaged and responsive employee group, MKC supplies a broad range of high-quality products, services, information, and risk management strategies that help our customers and members be successful in their endeavors,” Lange says.
Anne Warren joins our administrative office as the executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Anne received a bachelor's and master's degree from Wichita State University, and has also earned two HR certifications; one with the Senior Professional in Human Resources and the other with Society of Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professionals. Anne has worked in the HR field for nearly 18 years. While in school, she worked full-time for the City of Wichita in their finance and IT departments. Anne was promoted to their director of human resources, overseeing HR services for 3,500 employees. Following the City of Wichita, Anne worked at EagleMed, an air medical company, where she served as their national human resources director. She then moved to be the director of human resources, U.S. for Curo Financial Technologies. Anne looks forward to being able to bring a new perspective to the company for HR, and help MKC grow and continuously improve. She looks forward to working with everyone to enhance talents and skills through continuous education, as well as promoting, attracting, hiring, and retaining great employees. Anne and her husband reside in Maize and have been married for 14 years. During her free time, she enjoys reading, learning, traveling, volunteering and spending time with her family.
Nathan Eck serves as the Director of Western Operations for MKC. He graduated from Kansas State University with a major in agriculture economics and a minor in agronomy. Prior to joining MKC, Nathan was a location manager for the Manhattan Co-op in Onaga. Nathan’s community involvement includes serving as a volunteer firefighter. Nathan and his wife, Haley, have two children, Alaina and Hayden. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and fishing. “I feel MKC provides its customers with shared growth and shared success,” Eck said. “I truly believe that MKC cares about our customer’s success. The most rewarding part of my career at MKC has been helping to build talent among the company.”
Casey Jones currently serves as the Director of Northern Operations for MKC. Casey earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural systems management from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration in project management and supply chain management from Southern New Hampshire University. Prior to joining the MKC team, Casey worked at various grain companies and cooperatives in upper-level positions and oversaw many projects that improved the efficiencies and general operations of the company’s facilities. He had been familiar with MKC for many years through industry functions and was always impressed with MKC’s strong culture and dedication to the success of its farmer-owners. Casey and his wife, Erika, have two boys, Clayton and Carsten. In his spare time, Casey enjoys spending time with his family and appreciating the great outdoors in every way possible. He especially has a passion for hunting and bow fishing and looks forward to making memories with his boys as they grow older. “I am truly excited to grow as part of the MKC family,” Jones says. “I look forward to improving myself, assisting teammates in their continuous development, and ultimately working to realize MKC’s mission of successful industry collaboration in the creation of a safe and sustainable food supply.”
Jeff Jones serves as the director of eastern operations for MKC. Prior to this role, he served as a senior location manager since October 2011. A graduate of Friends University, Jeff received a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and leadership. Before joining MKC, Jeff was the senior operations manager at Trugreen for 15 years. He is currently the President of the GEAPS International Board of Directors and was the past president of the Great Plains chapter of GEAPS and a past board member of the Hutchinson Community College Agriculture Advisory Board. During his free time, Jeff enjoys to bird hunting, playing golf and traveling with his wife, Nicole. “MKC provides value to the growers through intense passion and focus on customer service,” Jones says. “Our tagline of “Shared Growth. Shared Success.” is what we live by. We understand our partnership flourishes as all partners succeed. I enjoy being a vital solution to the success of our growers.”
Scott Barkley joined the MKC team in May 2019 as the Director of Energy Operations. Prior to MKC, Scott had work experience with the CHS McPherson Refinery and National Cooperative Refinery Association. Scott received his bachelor's in chemistry from Bethany College and an MBA from Kansas Wesleyan University. His community involvement includes serving on the McPherson United Way Board of Directors and as president of the McPherson Youth Football Association. Scott and his wife, Alana, have three children: Bo, Cole and Lyla. "MKC's value shows up to our customers in the form of industry expertise and trusted advisors," Barkley says. "Our customers dont have to be energy, agronomy, feed, grain, logistics, and risk management experts all at once. MKC employs the top talent in each of these fields, so that our member-owners and customers can access the most current information and technologies to make their operations successful."
Jon Brown serves as the director of facilities management for MKC. Before joining the MKC team in July 2010, he was the owner and operator of Brown Construction for 9 years. Jon is actively involved in his community through the Inman Community Foundation, High School Booster Club, coaching sports, and the Central Kansas Crushers baseball and softball academy. Jon enjoys the challenge of building things that will be used by MKC producers and employees. The most rewarding part of his career involves knowing the producers will benefit from the quality of our projects. Jon and his wife, Amber, have five children. During his free time, he loves spending time with his wife and family by being outdoors fishing, swimming, and attending sporting events. “MKC provides a service that is very rare and special. MKC can accommodate all growers and take care of their needs from crop inputs all the way to shipping their grain from one of our new rail loading terminals,” Brown says. “MKC is a one stop shop focused on making the grower more successful.”
Amy Meyers currently serves as the director of strategic initiatives for MKC. Amy received her bachelor’s degree in management at Pennsylvania State University. Before joining MKC, Amy worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines aboard the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America in Honolulu, HI. She served onboard in hospitality management roles and in the shore-side training operations at the Harry Lundberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, MD. She also has experience at Marriott and Hilton hotels, record labels and large entertainment venues. Amy is a recipient of the Balanced Scorecard Professional Certification from the Balanced Scorecard Institute, Strategy Management Group and is a Key Performance Indicator Professional. She enjoys cheering on her favorite sports teams from Pittsburgh, PA and taking care of her physical health, proudly serving on the MKC Wellness Committee. Her hobbies include water sports and spending time with her husband, Aaron, and daughter, Sierra. “The most rewarding part of my career is helping people reach success through effective strategy management,” Meyers says. “Celebrating positive end results and achievements big and small is truly priceless.”
Nichole Gouldie serves as the communications and brand manager for MKC. She joined the team as an intern in May, 2013. Before joining MKC, Nichole was the associate director for Ranchland Trust of Kansas, an affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association. She received a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in 2010, majoring in agricultural communications and journalism and animal sciences and industry. Nichole spends her free time working with her husband, Jake, and kids, Harper and Owen, to own and operate Gouldie Club Lambs. She also enjoys attending K-State football games, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. "At MKC, we are focused on being a partner to our member-owners for their operation and we do this through a diverse set of resources including local experts, facilities, technology, communication and more," Gouldie says. "The most rewarding part of my career is getting to help tell the MKC story. I am thankful I get to work with other team members to bring news, stories, education and events to our member-owners, other employees and local communities. My passion for agriculture runs deep and working for MKC allows me to work within the diverse industry."
Hilary Worcester joined MKC in July 2014 as the coordinator of talent and industry partnerships. She received her bachelor of science at Kansas State University and a master of physical therapy at Kansas Medical Center. Prior to joining MKC, Hilary worked for Menorah Medical Center, Geary Rehab, Self Regional Healthcare, Bartlesville Physical Rehab, and Poudre Valley Hospital. Her community involvement includes being executive committee member of the Flint Hills Farm and Ranch Club, standards advisor for Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Little Apple Bikes volunteer and an FFA volunteer. Hilary enjoys cycling, hiking, traveling, and cooking with her husband, Jake. “MKC provides access to global markets, financing, technology, speed and space, subject matter experts and strategic vision to help producers reach their goals. Provided all through one partner,” Hilary says. “The most rewarding part of my career here at MKC is seeing past interns that graduated and are now working full time for MKC and adding value to the company early in their career.”
Troy Walker is currently serving as the agronomy field and precision ag manager for MKC. He was a graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in geography and a minor in agronomy. Before joining MKC in 2016, Troy served as a precision ag manager for Ceres Solutions in western Indiana. Troy is involved at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton and was a participant of the Indiana Ag Leadership Program. He enjoys grilling, cooking and traveling during his free time. Troy and his wife, Kata, have two children, Paul and Mary. “The two most rewarding parts of my job are working with an exceptional team and being on the cutting edge of agriculture and technology,” Walker said. “Every one of us at MKC is here because we love agriculture and we want to help the farmers of Kansas be as successful and profitable as possible.”
Nathan Larson grew up in Kensington, Kansas on a small farm. He graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in May 2016. Nathan interned with MKC two summers and then was hired full-time after graduation as an assistant field marketer and Winfield-United associate. He transitioned to a strategic account manager in November 2016 serving producers in the Manhattan, Onaga and Alta Vista area. In the fall of 2020, he was again promoted to a regional sales manager position. Nathan is married to his wife, Carly. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and hunting whitetails, quail and pheasant. "Our full-service agronomy, grain, feed, fuel and risk management core areas of business allow producers to link every aspect of their operation to make profitable decisions when the opportunities arise," Larson says. "A rewarding part of my career is being able to help make big picture decisions for MKC that can have a positive impact on many producers throughout our footprint."
Kent Nichols currently serves as a regional agronomy sales manager for MKC. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in agriculture economics. Before joining MKC as a field marketer in 2005, Kent worked with Agriliance. His community involvement includes the Bayer advisory board. Kent and his wife, Emily have two children, Jack and Claire. During his free time he enjoys playing golf, helping on the family farm and spending time with his family. “Finding new ways to improve our member-owner's operations is important," Nichols says. "I also feel the most rewarding part about my career with MKC is seeing how our daily activities make a positive impact on the grower. Agriculture has always been a part of my life and this allows me to remain close to my roots.”
Brandon Schrag joined MKC in 2007 as a strategic account manager serving producers in Walton, Peabody and Florence areas. Originally from Moundridge, he grew up on the family farm where they continue to produce wheat and milo. Brandon graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Brandon was recognized by Winfield in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 as a member of their Eagle Squadron and in 2012, 2015 and 2016 he received elite member standings. Brandon was promoted to a regional agronomy sales manager position in the fall of 2020. In his free time, Brandon enjoys golfing and hanging out with friends and family. Brandon and his wife, Mandy, have five children: Braxton, Cooper, Keelie, Kierstyn and Natalie. "I feel the most rewarding part of my career is being able to help our member owners achieve their goals on their operation and be as successful as they can be," Schrag says. "Their success makes me feel success in my career."
Jake Shelton joined the MKC team through the merger of Mid-West Fertilizer in 2020. He started with Mid-West Fertilizer in November, 2016 and is currently the seed manager for both organizations. Prior to this role, he was in sales for Mid-West Fertilizer in the Oswego, KS, Parsons, KS, and Miami, OK, area, and the seed manager for Mid-West Fertilizer. Jake graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business. Jake currently represents MKC on a joint seed treatment policy group with the Agricultural Retailers Association, American Seed Trade Association, and CropLife America. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and spending time with his wife, Nora, and two daughters, Martha and Eliza. "MKC is always looking for new and innovative ways to help our member-owners and customers succeed," Shelton says. "It's exciting to be apart of an organization that is always looking ahead. The most rewarding part of my career is seeing how our efforts have a positive effect on our customers and rural communities."
Byron Bina currently serves as a senior location manager at Lindsborg. Prior to joining the MKC team in 2019, Byron worked as a manager for Gavilon Grain. He is also the owner and operator of Bina Auction Auction Service LLC. Byron received his bachelor's degree in agricultural education with an emphasis in animal science from Oklahoma State University. Byron stays active in his community by serving on the Little River Ag Advisory Board, as a volunteer fire fighter and being part of the Knights of Columbus. Byron and his wife, Sarah, have four children: Audrey, Lakin, Adeline and Dejah. In his free time, Byron enjoys hunting, fishing, working with livestock and spending time with his family. "MKC’s service is a beneficial value we provide to our customers," Bina says. "We take it upon ourselves to reach a little higher than our competitors. You can count on us to be there until the job is finished."
Adam Butler currently serves as a senior location manager at Groveland. Prior to joining the MKC team in 2015, Adam worked for Cargill in Salina and WaKeeney. Adam received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in law from Fort Hays State University. Adam and his wife, Emily, have two sons, Zane and Wyatt. “I really enjoy working for MKC because we get to service each customer face-to-face,” Butler says. “Customers are not just a number or ‘that red truck’. They mean more than that to us and we get to show that appreciation daily. Shared growth, shared success is more than just a motto to us; it is something that we can see each other living by each and every day.”
Matthew Long currently serves as a senior location manager at Haven. Prior to joining the MKC team in 2009, Matt worked in the golf management industry for four years. Matt received his bachelor's degree in agriculture from Kansas State University. Matt has served on the MKC community involvement committee for four years, and says it helps give him opportunities to give back. Matt and his wife, Jenna, have two daughters, Addison and Ava. In his free time, Matt enjoys hunting and fishing. "The most rewarding part of my career is the push to constantly improve," Long says. "MKC is always pushing to improve in any area we can, and it push the employees to push ourselves to always improve personally."
Alex Miller currently serves as a senior location manager at Onaga. Prior to joining the MKC team in 2014, Alex worked as a grain originator and location manager for ADM, an agricultural advisor for USDA-Foreign Ag Services and a department manager for Johnsonville Sausage. Alex received his bachelor's degree in agribusiness from Fort Hays State University. He stays heavily involved in his community by serving on the Onaga City Counsel, the Onaga Wrestling Club Board President and the Onaga volunteer fire department. In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with his kids, Jesse, Jazmine and Sally, and fishing, camping and home improvement projects. "MKC is well-known to be trusted advisors for our customers," Miller says. "We strive to provide the best technology, services, and products to fit every producer's needs. The most rewarding part of my job to me is being able to help our producers find solutions that are tailor fit to their operation."
Spencer Reames serves as a senior location manager for MKC at the Benton location. Before joining MKC, Spencer worked at Mid-America Ag Network. He graduated with a bachelor's of journalism from Fort Hays State University. His community involvement includes church activities and being the past chairperson for the MKC Community Involvement Committee. Spencer and his wife, Jenifer, have two children, Blakely and Cohen. “I believe the most important value MKC offers to our customers is our continual drive to make our customer service the best we can,” Reames says. “Most companies like MKC offer the same products but what continues to set us apart is our willingness and dedication to go the extra mile for our producers. Also, one of the most rewarding parts of my career is watching employees grow and reach their potential daily.”
Jonathan Reazin currently serves as a senior location manager at Plains. Prior to joining the MKC team in 2011, Jonathan interned with MKC. Before interning, Jonathan learned about MKC through his grandfather who worked for MKC in the late 1970’s at the Groveland location. Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. He stays heavily involved with his community by serving as chairman for the Meade County Extension Council and on the advisory board for Southwestern Heights FFA. During his free time Jonathan enjoys woodworking. Jonathan and his wife, Jodi, have two children: Jhett and Jayden. “MKC is a family," Reazin says. "MKC isn’t just a place to work, but it is an atmosphere to build a career. With our progressive and growth-oriented mind-set, MKC allows not only the opportunity to be on the leading edge of technology, but allows for career development and advancement. MKC cares about the success of all of our customers and our employees."
Jon joined the MKC team in September, 2011 at the Walton location. He graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in agriculture technology management and minors in agronomy and agribusiness. He is a graduate of KARL class XI, a two-year leadership program that identifies, prepares, and connects aspiring leaders to spark action that will positively impact Kansas agriculture and rural communities. He is also involved on the Harvey County Fair Board. Jon was promoted to the Abilene senior location manager position in the fall of 2020. "MKC is a customer-driven partner that challenges ourselves to stay at the forefront of technology and new agricultural efficiencies to be one of the best in the business to meet our customer's changing needs," Schmidt says.
Matt Gentry joined the MKC team in May, 2019 and currently serves as the Canton Terminal manager. Matt graduated from Fort Hays State University and has experience in the grain industry working in Wakeeney, Kan. and New Orleans. He serves as a volunteer fire figher and on a rescue team. His hobbies include motorcycles, MMA, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. "The most rewarding part of MKC is the people and seeing how they develop and face that challenges that a terminal at times sends your direction," Gentry says. "MKC is a personal experience where you do not feel like a number on a page."
Lawson Hemberger joined the Sumner County Terminal location in August, 2016. Originally from Argonia, Lawson learned about the new location as it is close to his hometown. Lawson received a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University and worked in the grain industry prior to joining MKC. Lawson is involved in the community as he serves on the K-State extension board and the Cowley County ag board. In his free time, Lawson enjoys hunting, spending time with family (he has five brothers and five sisters!) and hanging with friends. "MKC is the company that customers call because our team is reliable, trustworthy and honest," Hemberger says. "Our assets are safe, reliable and ready for business. Employees are trained and kept up to speed with the every changing environment that we work in. MKC is forward thinking and prepared for the challenges that the future holds."
Every year, MKC offers scholarships to deserving high school seniors and college students from across Kansas. A total of ten scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors and ten scholarships will be awarded to returning college students for their second, third or fourth year. To be eligible for a MKC scholarship, students must be planning to attend or return to an accredited university or college including a community, vocational or technical school. The 2021 scholarship program is now closed. Please check back for details regarding the 2022 scholarship program.