Lending a Hand to KRC

Dakota Welch

I’m a native of southeast Kansas, where I grew up before heading to Pittsburg State University and later completing an economics degree at the University of Kansas. After spending several years in northeast Kansas and the Kansas City metro, my wife Mary and I decided to return to southeast Kansas, where we welcomed our first child, Sophia. We enjoy spending time on the small acreage we own and being close to my parents and other family in the area.

Professionally, I’ve spent most of my career in agricultural lending. A few years after graduating from KU, I spent nearly a decade in the Farm Credit System before pursuing opportunities to support regenerative agriculture—consulting, working with KRC as a farm business navigator, and partnering in an ag-tech startup developing regenerative farm management software. More recently, I chose to return to ag lending and now work as a commercial lender with Landmark National Bank in southeast Kansas.

I’ve always felt deeply connected to the natural world, something I appreciated from a young age. My interest in agriculture grew during my later college years, when I felt called to pursue a career serving farmers. In my early twenties, I became more aware of the challenges within our food system and how they ripple into the environment and public health. That understanding inspired me to get involved and advocate for positive changes that benefit both agricultural producers and rural Kansas.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of our food system and the difficult decisions farmers and ranchers face every day. The more I learn, the more I realize just how many nuanced perspectives shape agriculture. Even so, I remain optimistic about the future of our farm and food system. The challenges can feel overwhelming—and at times isolating, especially in a rural community—but I’m continually encouraged by the resilience of the people who make up and support our food system.

I became involved with KRC over a decade ago, originally pointed in their direction by a fellow advocate. My first interaction with the organization was at their annual Farm and Food Conference back when it was still held in Manhattan. I remember leaving that event feeling inspired and thinking, “I’ve found my people.” Since then, I’ve stayed connected with their outreach and support programs, attended conferences, and built lasting friendships across the state. KRC remains a special organization to me—a place where I know I can find others who share my values and vision for the future of rural Kansas.