Meet a KSA Board Member: Roger Draeger

I first joined the Kansas Soybean Board of Directors in 2003 when I was asked to take over an unfinished term on the Board of Directors. Feeling led to help the Kansas soybean industry, I accepted the offer and have been representing Cherokee County on the Board of Directors since. I enjoy being a part of the Kansas Soybean Association because it allows me to become friends with many, including other Kansas farmers who enjoy sharing similar and different perspectives that can inspire new ideas for my own farm. I also enjoy being part of KSA because it allows farmers to have a voice in the industry on local, state and national levels.

I have been involved with agriculture my whole life, influenced by my grandfather from a young age. My grandfather had a small farming operation and he taught me the value of hard work and persistence. I carried these lessons with me through my life in agriculture, from the time that I farmed for others in high school to now as I teach my two boys how to manage our family operation.

I farm soybeans, wheat, corn, and run a 600 head cow-calf with my two sons, Dalton and Luke, in Cherokee County. My wife, Elisama, also helps us by keeping our books as well as watching the grandkids while we are hard at work. I started with raising cattle, my favorite part of our operation, which then led me to raise grain crops. It has been very special for me to raise my boys on the farm, getting to teach them valuable lessons similar to those that my grandfather taught me. My favorite part of being a farmer is watching my sons and grandsons develop a love for agriculture, knowing they will carry on the legacy.