Michael Welch

My farm operation includes corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and native prairie hay in Haddam, Kansas. We also have a cow/calf operation and beef feedlot.

I graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy. I spent 5 years after graduation working for a major agriculture OEM in Marketing and Sales. I most recently returned home to join the family farm and have begun farming on my own. My wife and I operate our own consulting business in addition to our farming operation. I also have had the opportunity to serve on our county Farm Bureau Board and City Council for the City of Haddam since returning home.

I am interested in serving on the CVA Board of Directors as an Associate Board Member in order to gain a more detailed understanding of how the Cooperative model works as well as provides benefits to its members. As a young producer, I feel this is a great way to become more involved in a growing business that supports the communities in which it serves.

Being a young producer I feel I can bring a different perspective to the board. I do my best to think through issues thoroughly before coming up with solutions and I am able to work well with others.

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world of production agriculture, producers need services and resources to help them be more efficient and competitive in the local and global markets. The cooperative system provides solutions and opportunities that help producers with the challenges they face.

My vision for CVA is for the Cooperative to be the preferred partner of choice of the producers within its business territory, both today and in the future.