Genesis 2.0 Council Grove–Day One
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Submitted by: Ryan Boggs
The most recent KARL Class XVII seminar offered participants a meaningful blend of wisdom, history, and personal growth, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Flint Hills. The pre-program began at the pasture of KARL board member Luke Amend, located just off Highway 56.
There, Luke hosted a thoughtful conversation with Rich Porter and Tom Moxley, who generously shared life lessons and ranching wisdom. With tents providing shade, a refreshing breeze, and sweeping views of the Flint Hills, the setting provided the perfect atmosphere to launch the seminar.
Day One of Genesis 2.0 for KARL Class XII started in the beautiful Territory Ballroom in historic Council Grove. Council Grove is the gateway to the Santa Fe Trail and holds many historic sites. Jill welcomed everyone back for year two and gave some perspective of Genesis 2.0. Francis updated everyone on the plans for the seminar.
Mark Berner is running for mayor of Council Grove to replace retiring mayor. He has served on the City Council for an extended period. He is committed to continuing the growth in the community. Council Grove had a river walk and amphitheater. Council Grove is very connected to the arts and brings many musical acts to the area. He elaborated on the history of Council Grove and its historical significance as the place the pioneers meet the Native Americans on their journey to Santa Fe. They celebrate this heritage every two years at a large event, Voices in the Wind.
Luke Amend, a local cattle rancher, hosted the group at his ranch before for a pre-seminar. Luke spoke more about the Council Grove history. Council Grove holds many historical sites that were the last places connected back to the east as settlers moved west. Council Grove sits in Tall Grass Prairie and has been maintained in the area due to the geography of the Flint Hills. Council Grove is now a vibrant downtown and experiencing moderate growth.
Marci Penner from the Kansas Sampler Foundation lead a lively game of Kansas town history. Half of the communities in Kansas have a population of less than 400. Towns that have 21–39-year-olds who are rural by choice are growing. Power Up was started for this group of people. Communities of the Future help create towns that people want to live in. Marci discussed the importance of towns liking themselves.
Scott Mueller discussed investing in his hometown of Kingman, KS. His company Ninnescah LLC has focused on revitalizing buildings in downtown Kingman He challenged KARL participants to think about three questions. What is your risk profile? What is your why? What is your market? Entrepreneur is someone that wants to be in business and is willing to take on a higher risk. Know your why: passion, purpose, people, profession, profit. Attributes of Success in Rural Kansas: Confidence, Courage, Curiosity, Creativity, and Capital.
Talk5KARL: The afternoon continued with a series of Talk5KARL presentations, where classmates reflected on their summer experiences and shared how their Clifton Strengths surfaced in both personal and professional settings.
Janae McKinney: Birthday, K-State Construction, Michigan trip, Parties, Puppy, and Travel Agent
Megan A: Sick in hospital, travel, fun with people, KLA- Young stockman program
Ryan Boggs: Dogs, Land Sales, Show animals, Family, Foreign Exchange Student and adventures
Marsha: new house, grandkid, harvest, weddings, Kansas Wheat
Dena: Wedding, Honeymoon, House project, Work water project
Edie: Wedding, entertaining family, family time, job interviews, adding puppy, new job
Tyler Cramer: Summer business start-up, Clinic Build, House Leak, Penny antics
Colleen: Baseball, Nan, school starts, Forty party, Hawaii, work marketing project, build new house
Ryan: KARL golf, Travel, concerts, Elvis impersonator, sports, parties, government relations job, back to school
Paige Harding: mom foot broke, worked cattle, new golfing, garden and cats, sister intern, relaxing
Lucas: Mexico, Intellectual thinking, Minnesota visits, crochet, step dog, protest, garden
Maddy: Wildlife refuge, bridesmaid, embroidery machine, cat, drone license, cow shows, royals, Nascar, rodeo
Jose: Mexico insurance, family, mayor, ruby slipper slide
Bailey: Kentucky Derby Party, Leadership group, remodel, concert, fair, FSA, Ireland
Jill: farm, old cars, parades, niece wedding, Lake and sunrise, East Kansas Energy
The first day of Genesis 2.0 ended at the historic Hayes House, one of the oldest restaurants west of the Mississippi. After a delicious dinner, Carl and Mary Ice held a question-and-answer session. Most of their questions were centered around philosophy of giving. Carl is the retired CEO of BNSF. They discussed how to create a vision and process for deciding how to give. If you are blessed with the ability to give it is a responsibility to give.
Genesis 2.0 Council Grove––Day Two
Friday, August 22, 2025
Submitted by: Megan Anguiano
After an overnight stay at the charming Cottage House, the class reconvened the next morning for a reflection on the previous day, led by class member and chair for the day, Kaleb Horne. Following the discussion, we connected via Zoom with Dr. Carlos B. Pires, who will serve as their guide during the upcoming international study tour to Brazil. Dr. Pires outlined the tentative itinerary, shared photos and videos from past delegations, highlighted cultural and agricultural aspects of Brazil, and answered questions, further building anticipation for the trip.
The morning also featured additional Talk5KARL presentations before the class participated in an impactful workshop led by Russell Plaschka, titled “Leader in Me.” Russell challenged participants with thought-provoking questions—Why do we do what we do? What matters most to me? What challenges stand in the way of change?—encouraging deep reflection on personal motivation and leadership journeys. He emphasized the importance of experience, reminding the class that “experiences shape our mindsets, which shape our expressions.”
The seminar concluded with a tour of Neosho Gardens, a family-operated wholesale grower that supplies independent garden centers across Kansas, the Kansas City metro, Omaha and beyond. This visit provided both a practical look at horticultural enterprise and a meaningful connection to the broader agricultural system.
Together, these two days were filled with wisdom, fellowship, and reflection—continuing to shape Class XVII’s journey as leaders in agriculture and rural life.
Dr. Carlos Pires joined the class via Zoom to share introductory insights about Brazil, including its capital, language, currency, population, major crops, and climate.
During the tour, our guide highlighted the four production lines that support the potting of plants. Together, these lines process an impressive 3.5 million plants annually, showcasing both the efficiency and scale of the operation.
The newest facilities expansion adds approximately six acres of greenhouse space. Pictured above are mums— one of the most popular plants grown on-site and a seasonal favorite, especially during the fall months.
