The Kansas State Fair has long been a showcase of the state’s rich cultural heritage, agricultural prowess, and local industries. In 2024, Kansas Strong, The Kansas Oil & Gas Resources Fund (KOGRF), is taking center stage at the fair to educate visitors about the vital role that oil and gas play in the state’s economy and daily life. Through interactive exhibits, informative sessions, and hands-on activities, KOGRF is set to engage the public with facts, history, and the benefits of Kansas’s oil and gas industry.
“For the next 10 days they’ll be coming by our booth and I’ll be spending my nights here in the RV,” Executive Director Warren Martin said. “Our goal is to help people understand what we do, how we do it, why we do it, why, it’s important to them, and why oil and gas development matters to the world.”
Kansas has a long and storied history with oil and gas, dating back to the late 1800s when the first commercial oil well was drilled.
“Education is really a key to people having a better understanding of the oil and gas industry, and also having a better understanding about our energy future,” Martin said.
Today, the state ranks among the top oil-producing states in the nation, with thousands of active wells and a robust network of local operators contributing significantly to the economy. The Kansas oil and gas industry provides thousands of jobs, generates millions in tax revenue, and plays a crucial role in supporting schools, infrastructure, and community services across the state.
“I’ll go into schools, and sometimes the principal say, is it really necessary for you to come in and talk to our kids about oil and natural gas,” Martin said. “So I’ll sit in that principal’s office, and I’ll ask the principal if you can find one thing in this office that is not made utilizing oil and natural gas, then I’ll agree with you that I do not need to come into your classroom.”
Martin said no one has been able to find anything that isn’t touched by oil and gas development.
The interview segwayed into the unique business and companies involved in Kansas’ oil and gas industry.
“Here in Kansas the vast majority of us are independent oil and gas producers,” Martin said. “The average oil company here in Kansas only has 3 employees.”
The Kansas oil and gas industry is characterized by a diverse mix of operators, ranging from small, family-owned businesses to larger, well-established companies.
“We have almost 2,000 independent producers that are in the state,” Martin said. “We only have one company that could even really be considered a major that’s doing actual production. We have lots of pipelines, refineries, those types of things.”
These local operators are not just economic contributors but are also deeply embedded in the community, often leading local philanthropic efforts and supporting local events, including the Kansas State Fair.
“You can go into any area of Kansas even places where we don’t produce oil and gas and you will see oil and gas’ donations,” Martin said. ‘Look at any of the nonprofits are out there, look at the art centers, look at the exploration centers, look at the discovery centers, look at the theaters and go look at the roles of the donors that have made the donations to keep those things going, to keep those things moving forward.”
Martin added most of those donations are made anonymously or are from the family’s name rather than the oil and gas company.
They also employ many Kansans, contributing to a robust job market that extends beyond the energy sector into manufacturing, transportation, and service industries.
Benefits of Oil and Gas in Kansas
- Economic Impact: The oil and gas industry is a significant contributor to Kansas’s economy, bringing in billions of dollars annually. It supports nearly 120,000 jobs directly and indirectly, providing livelihoods for families across the state.
- Energy Independence: Kansas’s oil and gas production contributes to the energy independence of the United States, reducing reliance on foreign oil imports and enhancing national security.
- Community Support: Revenue generated from the industry supports public services, including schools, roads, and emergency services. Local operators are also active in community engagement, sponsoring local events, scholarships, and various charitable initiatives.
- Technological Innovation: Kansas has been at the forefront of embracing new technologies in oil and gas extraction, such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. These innovations have allowed operators to extract resources more efficiently and responsibly, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing output.
Touchdown for Teachers is a program sponsored by Kansas Strong that donates $100 for each touchdown scored by the University of Kansas football team.
“So every time that the University of Kansas scores a touchdown we put $100 into a kitty, and last year, I believe it was $5,900 that we gave to a teacher,” Martin said. “So all the teachers that sign up we draw one of them out of the hat, and we gave it to a teacher last year who was a shop teacher that taught taught shop and mechanics, and they used the money to build a Hovercraft as a as a school project.”
“So any Kansas teachers right now you can sign up and it might be drawn out and get a chance to win some money to use in your classroom any way that you want,” Martin said. “You’re able to use it the way you want to use it in the classroom, but it’s just a way to kind of give back to education.”
Kansas Strong’s presence at the 2024 Kansas State Fair is a testament to its commitment to educating the public about the importance of the oil and gas industry. Their booth features interactive displays that showcase the history, technology, and future of oil and gas in Kansas. Visitors can explore a drilling simulator, see real-time data from active wells, and learn about the cutting-edge technologies that make modern energy production possible.
One of the key attractions is a series of educational sessions led by industry professionals. These sessions cover topics like the environmental measures taken by local operators, the economic benefits of the industry, and career opportunities within the sector. Kansas Strong also emphasizes the industry’s commitment to responsible stewardship of natural resources, highlighting initiatives for reducing emissions, recycling water, and rehabilitating land post-drilling.
The Kansas State Fair, held annually in Hutchinson, is the largest celebration of all things Kansas. Established in 1913, the fair has grown from a small agricultural showcase to a sprawling event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It serves as a platform for local farmers, businesses, and industries to present their products and services to the public.
Over the years, the fair has become synonymous with family fun, featuring livestock shows, concerts, food stalls, and educational exhibits. It is a reflection of Kansas’s rural heritage and the spirit of community that defines the state. For many families, the fair is a cherished tradition that spans generations.
The Kansas State Fair 2024 provides the perfect stage for Kansas Strong to connect with the public and share the vital story of the oil and gas industry’s role in the state. Through engaging displays, educational outreach, and community interaction, Kansas Strong is helping to ensure that Kansans understand the benefits of this essential industry. As the fair celebrates the best of Kansas, the KOGRF booth stands as a testament to the state’s rich history, innovative spirit, and commitment to a prosperous future fueled by its own resources.
For more information on Kansas Strong, click here.
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