Wanted: Ag educators

Kansas program aims to support, retain first-year teachers

Amy Hadachek
Feb 5, 2026
Feb 5, 2026

1 of 2

A group of Andale, Kansas FFA members make tie blankets, which were donated to the homeless shelter in Wichita.

Submitted photo

The Andale, Kansas FFA chapter kicks off the school year by hosting its annual water kickball event. FFA members are try to field the ball before another member makes it on base.

Submitted photo

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Amy Hadachek

Andale, Kansas agriculture teacher Hunter Smith chose to teach instead of taking another path in the ag industry because of his passion for FFA and agriculture.

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Freelance writer Amy Hadachek is a two-time Emmy Award winning meteorologist and a storm chaser who earned her NWA and AMS Broadcast Meteorology Seals of Approval. She and her husband live on a diversified farm in Kansas. Reach her at editorial@midwestmessenger.com.