Mid-Kansas Cooperative (MKC) is putting an emphasis on its next generation of leaders.
Through Kansas Farm Bureau’s Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program (RKAP), the cooperative has selected five new full-time employees to train for leadership roles:
- Tristen Burger
- Matt Pauly
- Mark Perry
- Anthony Redar
- Kyle Sherwood
“The Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program is a crucial part of our people strategy to build a robust and skilled workforce,” says Anne Warren, chief talent officer at MKC. “By investing in these apprentices, we’re not only strengthening our company but also contributing to the economic vitality of rural Kansas. Our apprentices gain invaluable hands-on experience and leadership training, positioning them for successful careers with MKC.”
The apprenticeships will last for one year and focus on leadership development. Throughout that year, the five participants will rotate through multiple MKC locations to train in agronomy, grain, risk management, feed, energy, information technology, human resources, accounting and safety with experts in each division.
Kansas Farm Bureau created RKAP at the end of 2022 to help address the workforce needs in rural communities across the state. MKC previously participated in 2023 with seven apprentices and currently has additional openings for CDL drivers.
“The goal is to create trained and skilled workers for companies operating in rural Kansas,” says Kylee Stout, Kansas Farm Bureau’s business development manager. “RKAP gives employers the ability to create pathways for workers to acquire practical skills that lead to well-paying jobs in any role where a company has a need.”
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