Pub. 13 2024 Issue 4

Robert Rugan Central Kansas Market President Farmers Bank & Trust, Great Bend Robert Rugan, a banking professional with a unique background, is a fifth-generation farmer and banker. Hailing from Claflin, Kansas, he was raised on his family farm, which was homesteaded by his great-great-grandparents in the 1870s. His family’s migration from Germany to the area, driven by the Homestead Act, established a well-diversified, irrigated and dry-land farm with a cattle operation, growing alfalfa, soybeans, corn, wheat and sorghum. Robert completed his high school education at Claflin High School in 1986. His upbringing on the farm and active participation in Future Farmers of America have significantly shaped his interest in ag banking due to the leadership development opportunities, record keeping and business acumen it requires. Robert Rugan and his twin brother, Richard, presenting their lamb as their 1984 FFA project. Robert Rugan’s grandpa Emmett Rugan in the early 70s on the combine. Robert Rugan’s great grandpa Henry Bortz with the family wagon and mule in front of their barn in 1912. Robert Rugan, Central Kansas Market President, Farmers Bank & Trust, Great Bend. Robert Rugan’s great grandpa Henry Bortz with great grandma Emma Bortz with his grandma Laura Bortz on the family homestead in 1912. 18

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