Speak for Wheat Spokespersons

Spokespersons from across the state represent Kansas wheat farmers at educational exhibits, programs and farm shows.

Meet the Speak for Wheat Spokespersons

  • Jessica Blake

  • Mary Beth Bowers

    Mary Beth Bowers, a spokesperson since 2003, has represented Kansas Wheat at many school programs focusing on how wheat gets from the field to the table. She has given many presentations to classes...

  • Betty Bunck

    Betty Bunck became a spokesperson after serving on the Kansas Wheat Commission.

  • Cherry Coen

    Cherry Coen graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics Education in 1981 and took her first job out of college with the Franklin County Extension service in East Central...

  • Rita Dawson

    Rita Dawson began volunteering as a spokesperson in 2008. Rita has volunteered at the Kansas State Fair, the National Festival of Breads and has facilitated bread programs at two schools in her local...

  • Anita DeWeese

    Anita DeWeese became a Kansas Wheat spokesperson in spring 2015, just in time to volunteer for the National Festival of Breads in June. She and her husband Jerry raise corn, soybeans, wheat and grain...

  • Ann Domsch

  • Melanie Eddy

    For Melanie Eddy of Syracuse, wheat is more than a crop. She and her wheat farmer husband Kent have turned service to the wheat industry into a family adventure. She first started demonstrating...

  • Randy Fritzemeier

    Randy Fritzemeier is a fourth generation farmer and stockman on the Stafford and Reno County line, primarily raising wheat, cattle, milo and alfalfa. As a spokesperson, he enjoys meeting new people...

  • Carol Ann Flock

    Carol Ann Flock is a retired Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, having taught 31 years at the Eureka School District. Carol became a spokesperson in 2007 and since then has worked at the Kansas...

  • Janice Gates

    Janice Gates became a spokesperson in 1995 and over the years has enjoyed meeting others who are interested in baking with whole wheat flour. Most of all she has enjoyed learning special tips about...

  • Lois Keller

    As a spokesperson since 1991, Lois Keller has given many presentations to extension audiences and school. Her favorite part about being a spokesperson is promoting agriculture products and taking the...

  • Larry and Virginia Kepley

  • Donna Keyser

    Donna Keyser has represented Kansas Wheat at the National Ag Day Pizza Party, Day

  • Steve and Linda Korthanke

    Steve and Linda Korthanke reside in North East Kansas. Steve has been involved in the spokesperson program since 1995, and Linda joined him as a team effort in 2000. They have covered many events for...

  • Krista Kramer

    Krista (Patton) Kramer became a spokesperson in 2000 and has presented 48 presentations reaching more than 1,000 people. Kristen has helped present a county foods leader training that included six...

  • Debra Kruse

  • Ann Kuhlman

  • Donna Martinson

  • Jana Patton

    Jana Patton became a spokesperson in 2001 and has presented 42 presentations reaching more than 1,000 people. She has volunteered at the Kansas State Fair and served as a food leader in her 4-H club...

  • Jan Stephens

  • Jean Ann Troutt

    Jean Ann Troutt has served as a spokesperson since 2005 and has volunteered at the Kansas State Fair, 3 I Show, Festival of Breads and has used Kansas Wheat Commission materials at the Satanta Arts...

  • Becky Wallace

  • Kris Wallace

  • Kathy Walsten

    As a spokesperson since 2008, Kathy Walsten has been involved with the Festival of Breads including the national contest, which has been one of her greatest highlights. She enjoys meeting consumers...

  • Jay Warner

    Jay Warner is a dryland grain farmer in Central Kansas. He plants primarily wheat, as well as milo, soybeans and occasionally corn. A graduate of McPherson College of Kansas, he is married to Amy....

  • Reba White