By Sheridan Wimmer on October 27, 2026
Kansas Farm Bureau's Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year Award Winners
Since 2024, Kansas Farm Bureau has celebrated individuals who are championing decreased stigma and increased resources surrounding mental health
Kansas Farm Bureau has made concerted efforts to make rural mental health part of its mission of strengthening agriculture and the lives of Kansans. In 2024, with support from passionate members, the grassroots organization established a way to honor individuals who are working compassionately to connect Kansans to support services and resources through its Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year awards program.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a difficult time, please reach out to 988. For other resources and to learn more about mental health initiatives, visit www.kfb.org/ruralmindsmatter.
2024 Winners
Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year: Will Stutterheim, a Phillips County Farm Bureau member and instructor at Fort Hays State University
Rural Minds Matter Young Advocate of the Year: Destiny Johnson of Stafford County, who worked to provide mental health services to students in rural Kansas school
2025 Winners
Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year: Sarah Gideon, executive director of Health Innovations Network of Kansas (HINK)
Rural Minds Matter Young Advocate of the Year: Thomas Eisenbarth, a farmer, rancher and founder of Grounded Ag
2026 Winners
Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year: Crystal Bashord, K-State Extension agent in Morton County
Rural Minds Matter Young Advocate of the Year: Dalton Black, executive director of United Way of Harvey and Marion counties
The 2027 awards will open in January 2027 here.
Sheridan Wimmer
Born and raised in Kansas, Sheridan Wimmer has an appreciation for the state’s agricultural diversity. Representing the best interests of Kansas farmers and ranchers is Sheridan’s jam (or jelly, no discrimination). Great food and wine are at the top of Sheridan’s sustenance list and she knows it wouldn’t be here... Read more
