HUTCHINSON, Kan. — This month’s Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce breakfast took time to recognize agriculture and the economic impact it has on the state and Reno County.

The meeting included naming the Farm Focus Families of the year. The award was started in 1985 as a chance to recognize farm families in the area. The two families named were Stacy and Robin Krehbiel and Brett and Lori Engelland.

The Chamber also presented the first Ag Business of the Year for the area, presenting that award to Kuhn Krause.

The featured speaker was Ag Secretary Jackie McKlaskey, who spoke on the importance of agriculture, which makes up for more than 70 percent of the Reno County economy. She urged the crowd to inspire and teach the next generation about the importance of farming and the need to keep agriculture in Kansas on the front burner across the country.

The meeting was also attended by four chapters of Future Farmers of America with students from Haven, Pretty Prairie, Fairfield and Buhler high schools.

Finally, the small business award went to Bob and Ann Bush of City Beverage. Bob and Ann have owned the company since they purchased it in 1974. They currently employ 37 workers at their 50,000-square-foot facility.