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Matt and Janna Splitter from Sterling are this month’s Ag Heroes because they understand their role as stewards of agriculture, passing on its traditions from one generation to the next.
Matt and Janna own Splitter Farms, a fifth-generation row crop operation where they grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and grain sorghum. After Matt’s father died in 2010, he and his wife took over the 1,400-acre farm and have grown the operation substantially. Matt once said, “After my father passed away, we weren’t given a whole lot of assets. I think that we were just given the opportunity.”
The Splitters are going beyond their farm to contribute to Kansas agriculture. Matt and Janna were awarded the Top Producer Horizon Award in 2021, which recognizes farmers under 35 who represent the next generation of farm leaders. Matt is on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Corn Growers Association and serves on the Federal Communications Commission on the precision ag connectivity task force. Janna volunteers with Common Ground Kansas, an organization that connects women agriculturists throughout the state, and serves as a co-leader for the local 4-H club. Matt and Janna are also both active members and volunteers within their church community. “Our roots are here – our farm isn't moving,” said Janna. “We want our kids to grow up in a place they are proud of, and if they choose, will have a place to put down their roots as well.”
The Splitters have two daughters, Laikyn and Landry, who are already involved in the family business. “A key in our operation is to take what we’ve been given, the opportunity and the assets, make them better, and then give them to the next generation,” Matt said. “I think there’s a clear distinction between heritage and legacy. Heritage is the assets you can inherit. Legacy is what you did with it.”
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