If it’s lucky, a successful business is known by its people.
In Allen County Farm Bureau’s case, that would be Debbie Bearden.
After almost 17 years, Bearden is leaving her position as its county coordinator.
A reception to acknowledge Bearden’s service was Friday afternoon.
That evening, she joined the Bureau’s elite group of Lifetime Achievement Award winners at its annual meeting.
As county coordinator, Bearden has kept the 835-member chapter on task. Duties include bookkeeping, collecting the $55 membership dues, keeping its roster up to date and members informed of activities, and registering members for conferences and meetings.
She also worked as an event planner, working with area schools and organizations like FFA and K-State Extension Service on myriad topics including Earth Day, Field Days, Farm City Days and class demonstrations.
One of her favorite activities is to teach elementary students the life cycle of animals, noting the awe of when the chicks begin to hatch.
“It never gets old,” she said.
Over her years, Bearden has become a whiz at writing grants to secure funds for such projects, typically tapping The Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.
“It may be for only $300, but jeepers, that will cover the cost of an incubator,” she said.
Bearden estimates she submitted 12-15 grants a year.
Bearden was a natural fit for the Farm Bureau job.
She and husband, Duwayne, farm south of Iola where they raised goats and pullets in addition to a herd of cattle.
Over the last couple of years, they’ve winnowed their operation to just cattle.
