Nick Levendofsky, Kansas Farmers Union executive director, was surprised with a We Kan! award October 25 at Irrigation Ales microbrewery in Courtland.
The presentation was made by Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, with help from Susie Haver and Michelle Bombardier of Cloud County Tourism. The Inman-based non-profit has been choosing recipients every year since 1993 to show appreciation for dedicated work in helping preserve and sustain rural culture.
Levendofsky’s award featured a colorful round plate handmade by Greensburg artist Stacy Barnes — engraved with the fitting title “Secretary of Swagriculture.” “
Though the award name is a fun nod to Nick’s penchant for handing out Farmers Union stickers and buttons,” Penner said, “his deep rural roots and passionate support for the economy and lifestyle of family farms has elevated his status in the agriculture world. He has recently become a respected national spokesperson for farmers, and it wouldn’t be surprising to someday hear him introduced as a high-ranking official. For now, he’ll endearingly be called our Secretary of Swagriculture.”
Levendofsky is the fourth of ten to receive the We Kan! award in 2025. The first three were Shelly Hansel, Harper County; Caryl Hale, Norton; and Sarah Kessinger, Marysville.
To see a list of all previous We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.
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