Nominating Committee - Heartland

2026-2027 Nominating Committee Candidates

Candidate information includes a brief description of their farming operation, role in that operation, and/or business experience.

HEARTLAND

Cindy Baldwin – McPherson, KS

My husband and I operate a diversified grain operation with a mix of dryland/irrigated and owned/rented acres in central Kansas. We also have a small sheep flock. In addition, we own Blaze Fork Enterprises LLC through which we market our home-grown popcorn under the Papa Baldy’s brand name in retail outlets and our online store. I am the office manager/bookkeeper for the farm and the popcorn business and assist in a variety of ways with the day-to-day operations. In addition to farm-related experience, I also own my own business providing editing and writing services to print publications. I was the owner/publisher/editor of The Country Register of Kansas, a niche special interest newspaper with readership and distribution throughout Kansas from 2009-2023.

Larry L. Hoover – Winfield, KS

3rd Generation of Family Agribusiness Operation in South Central Kansas, consisting of Commercial Beef Cowherd, Dryland grain production- Wheat, Corn, Soybeans.

Matthew Martin – Towanda, KS

Currently I am running a sheep operation as owner/operator alongside my wife. Before that I worked as an owner-operator truck driver and was self-employed doing various types of trucking.

Aaron Pauly – Viola, KS

My farming operation is located in south central Kansas. I produce dryland corn, soybeans, and wheat.  In addition to crop production, I also operate a dairy farm. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State in May 1999, I returned to the family farming operation. I became a minority owner in the family corporation with the retirement of my grandfather in 2007. Currently I hold the title of President of our family Corporation and manage the crop production enterprise. I have been in this role since 2017. Previously, I served 3 terms on the board of our local grain coop holding various leadership roles. I have also served on the Kansas Dairy Commission and Kansas Dairy Association. I have held various leadership roles within these organizations. My wife and I have two young boys.