From farm kid to storyteller: Kylene on 20 years at HPJ | HPJ Talk
Conversations that move production agriculture forward.
In this episode of HPJ Talk, we visit with Kylene, a longtime member of the High Plains Journal team, about the people and experiences that shaped her path—from a farm north of Dodge City to a career built around telling rural stories.
Kylene shares her roots in production agriculture, how she discovered ag communications, what she’s learned about the ag community after years of reporting, and the roles outside the newsroom that keep her connected to farm and ranch families today.
Growing up north of Dodge City
Kylene was raised on a farm north of Dodge City where her dad farmed—mostly wheat and milo, with sunflowers in the mix at times—and also did custom work for neighboring operations. She grew up alongside a twin sister and an older sister, helping where needed (often as “the gophers” running for parts) and building early connections through 4-H.
Finding ag communications
Her interest in writing sparked in high school through yearbook, back when film cameras and photo development were part of the process. A livestock judging coach helped connect the dots and suggested ag communications—something she hadn’t even heard of yet.
Kylene attended Hutchinson Community College, judging livestock for two years, spent a short stretch at Kansas State, then transferred to Oklahoma State, where she rodeoed and earned a bachelor’s degree in ag communications and animal science.
Livestock judging memories
Kylene describes livestock judging as a big influence, starting in 4-H and growing into a competitive, memory-filled experience—one that shaped how she evaluates details, prepares, and performs under pressure.
Two decades at High Plains Journal
Kylene has been with HPJ for about 20 years, starting as a copy editor after gaining experience at a daily newspaper. One of her most vivid memories is her first day—landing on a quarterly all-staff “Pi Day” meeting when the office was packed and introductions came fast.
As her role evolved, she began taking on more features and interviews—stories that let her spend time with the kinds of people who have lived a lot of life and want to share what they’ve learned. She reflects on interviews that stayed with her because of the person behind the story, and how a great conversation can turn into a story she’s proud of long after it runs.
What surprised her after years in ag
Even after a lifetime around agriculture, Kylene says she’s continued to learn something important: people want to help, they want to share, and they want their stories told. She admits cold calls still aren’t her favorite part of the job, but she’s seen firsthand how rural communities show up for each other—especially during hard moments like wildfire.
Community involvement and 4-H with her kids
Outside of work, Kylene stays busy with family and youth livestock projects. Her boys are active in 4-H and show cattle, and she helps with a Ford County program designed to support exhibitors through a banquet-style premium model—helping kids earn support while reducing some of the stress and loss that can come with traditional sale formats.
Photography and professional growth
Kylene also runs a photography business, shooting families, couples, and weddings—an outlet that keeps her creative and connected to people beyond the newsroom.
Professionally, she serves on the Livestock Publications Council (LPC) board and encourages others to get involved for the training, networking, contests, critiques, and monthly learning opportunities. She says the experience has helped her get out of her shell and represent publications like HPJ in broader industry conversations.
Advice to younger professionals
If she could talk to her younger self (or someone starting out), Kylene’s advice is simple: put yourself out there and don’t wait for opportunities to pass by. Growth often comes from saying yes before you feel fully ready.
HPJ Talk delivers conversations and training that move production agriculture forward—webinars, interviews, and deep dives for farmers, ranchers, and ag professionals.
