Frahm named Agricultural Economics Distinguished Alum
The Department of Agricultural Economics selected Lon Frahm as the 2022 Distinguished Alum. The award is given annually to an alum who has demonstrated significant professional achievement related to agricultural economics or agribusiness.
“It is quite an honor to be invited back to speak to students and faculty as part of the Distinguished Alumni program. I am grateful for the opportunity,” Frahm said.
As the driving force behind Frahm Farmland, Inc., he is the 6th generation to farm in Thomas County, KS. Frahm has been at the helm of Frahm Farmland, Inc. since 1986 when his father’s sudden death launched the then-28-year-old into the farm’s lead role. Since then, Frahm has grown the operation from 5,000 acres to more than 30,000 and continues to look for opportunities to enhance the business.
Frahm completed his bachelor’s degrees in business administration and agricultural economics and later his Master of Agribusiness (MAB), all from Kansas State University.
“I’d been out of school for 20 years when I went back to the master’s program. The MAB program helped me figure out what was a big risk and what wasn’t. Those tools helped us make wise decisions about what risks we should take.
“During the program, I learned Word and Excel. The crew all learned it along with me. Today, the farm runs on Excel,” Frahm said. “Education is one of the best investments of your time and dollars. Lifelong learning is part of my mission and vision.”
He has also taken part in numerous professional educational programs, including Kansas Ag and Rural Leadership, Leadership Kansas and The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers with Texas A&M University, and Harvard Agribusiness Seminar. A particular high point in Frahm’s career came in 2009 when he was named Farm Journal’s Top Producer of the Year. He has since been invited to a variety of educational and business venues to speak on farm management and other areas of expertise.
While the vast majority of Frahm’s time and energy is spent managing the business and marketing aspects of the farm, he does find time to pursue his other passions, including landscaping, music, cars, boats, motorcycles, architecture, books and reading, international travel and aviation. He also places great importance on local community development and he has served on a variety of boards and committees, including High Plains Public Radio, the Thomas County Historical Society, Groundwater Management District #4 and the Citizens Medical Center, among others.
