Trudy and Ron Rice have been selected as one of the 10 Kansas Farm Bureau district farm family representatives from across the state. The Rices are pictured at Ron's grandfather's farm, built in the early 1900s.

Ron and Trudy Rice are the Farm Family of the Year for this neck of the woods.

The Rices, whose 500-acre Douglas County farm produces wheat, corn and soybeans primarily with the no-till method, were selected as one of 10 Kansas Farm Bureau district farm family representatives from across the state.

“They have distinguished themselves through participating in Farm Bureau programs and leadership, family activities, community and civic service, as well as displaying good farm operations management,” said Angie Sutton, member relations and promotion director for the bureau. “The Rices have been active in agriculture production for 36 years and have both been active with Farm Bureau since the early 1980s.”

The Rices have contributed to the Farm Bureau for about 25 years. Trudy Rice, Douglas County Extension director, served on the state committee of Farm Bureau Women from 1997 to 2006. She served on the Douglas County Farm Bureau board for six years as president, vice president and women’s chair. Ron Rice served on the county Farm Bureau board of directors in the 1980s and 1990s, holding such posts as president and vice president.

Concerning civic responsibilities, Trudy Rice has served on the Douglas County planning commission, the Horizon 20/20 committee and now serves as chairwoman of the ECO2 commission.

Ron Rice also has volunteered his time to area high school students, offering them days or semester experiences on the farm.

Trudy Rice said she and her husband believe strongly in giving back to the community.

“It’s very important for us to give back to the community through service,” she said.