Our Blog

Stay updated with our Newsletter

About Us

About

KBFA

KBFA has a long history of working with underserved producers. Founded in 1999 in Nicodemus, Kansas – the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War – the organization aims to preserve the Kansas minority farmer legacy through education, promotion of the agricultural lifestyle, and collective niche product development. Currently, the organization trains new farmers, youth, women, and veteran farmers. KBFA is a national voice in the grassroots effort to support BIPOC farmers.

Our

Mission

The mission of the Kansas Black Farmers Association is to preserve the Kansas minority farmer legacy through education, promotion of the agricultural lifestyle and collective niche product development.

KBFA has a long history of working with underserved producers. Founded in 1999 in Nicodemus, Kansas – the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War – the organization aims to preserve the Kansas minority farmer legacy through education, promotion of the agricultural lifestyle, and collective niche product development. Currently, the organization trains new farmers, youth, women, and veteran farmers. KBFA is a national voice in the grassroots effort to support BIPOC farmers.

Our Goals

Goal 1

Build and strengthen KBFA into a sustainable organization

Goal 2

Promote and fortify the Nicodemus farming legacy

Goal 3

Provide and develop youth education

Goal 5

Promote KBFA through outreach activities

Goal 5

Develop products and marketing strategies

About

Nicodemus

Nicodemus Kansas is the oldest all African American town west of the Mississippi River from the reconstruction period of the 1870s. Nicodemus was founded by five men, one of which was a white land surveyor W. R. Hill. Mr. Hill went on to start his own town, which became the Graham County seat: Hill City. Nicodemus was named a National Park in 1996 by President Bill Clinton!

Our Team

Meet Our

Team

We are here to provide strong support for you, the farmer.

We are here to lay down strong roots for our farmers. Meet the team dedicated to serving you and the community we cherish. From seasoned experts to enthusiastic newcomers, our diverse team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our members to foster growth and cultivate a sustainable future together. 

Dr. JohnElla Holmes

CEO/ President

Dr. Tammy Counts

Director – USDA Organic Certification/ Community Liason

Francessca Petrie

Director – Increasing Land Access Grant

Justin Howard

Director – USDA 2501 Grant Program

Dr. Zeila Wiley

Board of Director

Lateef Dowdell

Board of Director

Chinwe Okoye

Member

Ashley Gonzales

Member

Brenda Russell

Member

Brittany Jones

Member

Chris Horne

Member

Ingrid Perez

Member

Maria Venditti

Member

Michael H

Member

Renee Horne

Member

Ingrid Perez

Member

Renee Horne

Member

Taryn Griffith

Member