John Cook

Calvin Boyd
Calvin and his wife, Carla, farm approximately 5000 acres in Pratt and Barber Counties, of which 2000 is irrigated full and short season corn with soybeans after wheat harvest.  Irrigated acres consist of a rotation of Corn, Soybeans Milo and Wheat.  Dryland acres have been predominantly wheat with a rotation of wheat, corn, milo, soybeans, sunflowers, cotton and feed.  All acres are No-till.

Together, Calvin and his wife, Carla, have been farming over 30 years.  They have a son Christopher who graduated from Kansas State University and has joined the operation with an Ag Business, Business, and Animal Science degree.  His knowledge, technology and energy have been a blessing to us.

The Boyd operation consists of farming and ranching.  Calvin and Carla were both raised on farms and always active in the livestock industry with cow-calf or currently a stocker operation.  They operate and run cattle on 4000 acres grass. They run stocker cattle as time permits; and background feeder cattle for area farmers.  

Raising wheat has always been important and we raise certified wheat of KSU and Agri-Pro varieties.  We are always looking for a better seed that has genetic strengths to increase disease resistance and increase yield potential with drought tolerance.  

Corn that is raised is marketed and fed to cattle we raise.  Corn is marketed at the local cooperative or feedlot.  Late planted corn has also been chopped for silage.

Soybeans have been used in the operation as a full season crop or under irrigation following wheat.  Generally, the following spring the ground is seeded to corn.  

It has been important in our operation to keep up with changing technology to maintain efficiency of equipment whether it is in usage of diesel fuel per hour or accuracy of fertilizer application.  We use a Great Plains air seeder and no-till drill or a Kinzie no-till planter.  Crops are harvested with a New Holland combine.  Adjusting to auto steer, mapping and computer technology have and will continue to add value by accuracy of application.  A good crop consultant that stays up on diseases, pests, and chemicals is also valuable.  Taking short cuts is not always the best.

We have been blessed with good seasonal help and feel efficiency has been a unique characteristic of our operation.  

Matt Cantrell

Ann Cargill

Courtney Pilkington
Courtney was born and raised in Barber County and has been involved in farming her entire life. Her deep roots in agriculture have given her a strong appreciation for the land, the farming community, and the importance of responsible stewardship of natural resources.

As a Crop Claims Specialist with RCIS, Courtney works closely with agricultural producers, helping them navigate the crop insurance claims process with professionalism and care. Her lifelong connection to farming allows her to understand the unique challenges faced by those who make their living from the land. 

Outside of her career, Courtney enjoys reading and traveling. She is also the proud mother of a daughter, Madison, who lives in Wisconsin. Courtney is excited to contribute her experience and passion for agriculture to help further conservation efforts in Barber County and support initiatives that will benefit future generations.