Maria Robbins-Farm Bureau Financial Services

10/12/2026

And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker"
-- so God made a Farmer.
God said, "I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper, then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board"
-- so God made a Farmer.
"I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild; somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait lunch until his wife’s done feeding visiting ladies, then tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon -- and mean it"
-- so God made a Farmer.
God said, "I need somebody willing to sit up all night with a newborn c**t, and watch it die, then dry his eyes and say, 'Maybe next year.' I need somebody who can shape an ax handle from a persimmon sprout, shoe a horse with a hunk of car tire, who can make harness out of haywire, feed sacks and shoe scraps; who, planting time and harvest season, will finish his forty-hour week by Tuesday noon, and then pain’n from tractor back, put in another seventy-two hours"
-- so God made a Farmer.
God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds, and yet stop in mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor’s place
-- so God made a Farmer.
God said, "I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heave bails, yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-combed pullets, who will stop his mower for an hour to splint the broken leg of a meadow lark."
It had to be somebody who’d plow deep and straight and not cut corners; somebody to seed, w**d, feed, breed and rake and disc and plow and plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeder and finish a hard week’s work with a five-mile drive to church; somebody who would bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh, and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says that he wants to spend his life "doing what dad does"
-- so God made a Farmer. ~ Paul Harvey

Happy National Farmers Day from all of us here at Farm Bureau.

06/05/2026

Vote here https://tinyurl.com/sparkeinsuranceagency
& here -> https://tinyurl.com/sparkeagent

06/01/2026

"Brace yourself!" We could really use your "SUPPORT" It takes seconds! Vote https://tinyurl.com/sparkeinsuranceagency AND
here -> https://tinyurl.com/sparkeagent (toddler Ryan has earned it🤣🩼)
That's right folks, it's time to have some innocent FUN with Ryan Sparke and the team. Bring on the meme's, videos and playful reminders to VOTE for your favorite faces, spaces and places! We'd love to earn your daily VOTE!

I adore you all! Thanks for the reactions, emojis and most of all, the daily votes this week only!

Maggie Sparke

05/22/2026

A few weeks ago, Emilyn and I were able to be a part of one of our favorite sponsorship events. The Mullie Classic put on by the Lawrence Humane Society is not only something we look forward to participating in every year, but a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts!!
Our very own office dog Sadie was originally fostered, then adopted by Ryan and Maggie Sparke, from the Lawrence Humane Society and can be found most days working very hard at The Sparke Agency, Farm Bureau Financial Services. She has won "Employee of the Month" every month since she started her position here!! 😉
As a whole, we are an office full of animal lovers, and several of us have recently adopted pets from Lawrence Humane Society within the last several years. Penny the Lab mix found a forever home with Farm Bureau Financial Services - Samantha Smith, Maple the Golden Retriever is now part of the zoo at my house, and Howie and Jagger live their best kitty lives with Emilyn.
I'm grateful to be part of a company that cares so deeply and puts people (and their pets) first!! 🐈🐈‍⬛🐕🐾❤️

05/13/2026

Alright folks, listen up! We have some major accomplished KU graduates WITH accepted job offers to celebrate! 💙

💙 Tricia Garcia has accepted a full-time position with USI Insurance Services in their Oak Brook, Illinois office.
🖤 Cate Mealy has accepted a full-time position with Gallagher as a Client Service Associate in the Achieve Program.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have these two outstanding student interns with us over the past few years. Both of these strong young women have left a lasting mark not only on our agency, but on our entire team.

As I think back to one of my very first student hires, Tricia Garcia, truly blew me away in her interview as she wrapped up her freshman year of college. And of course, the poised, professional, and always impressive Cate Mealy, who continued to raise the bar for future student hires.

Cate brought professionalism, instinctual customer service, warmth, poise, and a strong work ethic to everything she touched. She conquered every challenge thrown her way. Tricia stepped into an extremely busy, growing agency with admirable confidence, remarkable organization, and strong problem-solving skills, quickly taking on leadership in student interviews, training, and client support with professionalism well beyond her years. Each brought their own unique strengths, positive energy, and leadership to our team, and both made an impact that will continue to be felt long after graduation.

We are so proud to watch them step into incredible new roles and have no doubt they will become STRONG FEMALE LEADERS in the insurance and business world. The future is incredibly bright for both of them.

Congrats, grads! I know I speak on behalf of all of us when I say that we will miss you both so much and cannot wait to see all you accomplish! 💙 Better stay in touch and you always have a spot on the SPARKE TEAM in the future.

05/08/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health.

At Farm Bureau Insurance, we recognize the importance of checking in on ourselves, our families, friends, neighbors, and the hardworking members of our agricultural communities. Stress, anxiety, and burnout can affect anyone, and no one should feel alone in facing those challenges.

Taking care of your mental well-being is a sign of strength. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, taking time to rest, or seeking professional support, every step matters.

If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available through the American Farm Bureau Federation “Farm State of Mind” initiative. Learn more here: Farm State of Mind

For too long, farmers and ranchers have been trying to cope with increasing levels of stress on their own. The Farm State of Mind campaign encourages convers...

05/01/2026

🌻🌾In Kansas, family farms aren't just a way of life - they're a legacy passed down through generations.

They're found in the quiet strength of early mornings, the hum of hard work, and the deep-rooted commitment to caring for the land and each other. From wheat fields stretching across the plains to small family operations built on tradition, Kansas farmers embody resilience, stewardship, and heart.

Your story matters. Your work matters. We are proud to stand with you. 🌾🌻

04/24/2026

🌾🌻A big thank you to our hardworking Douglas County Farm Bureau board President, George Hunsinger!! Your dedication and commitment to supporting agriculture and our local community do not go unnoticed! We're so grateful to you for being a strong voice for farmers and for helping keep our rural traditions thriving. We appreciate everything you do!! 🌻🌾

04/07/2026

Easter on the farm with the Sparke family 💐❤️🐮

03/20/2026

Happy National Ag Week, Kansas! 🌻🐖🐄
From wheat fields to cattle ranches, Kansas agriculture is at the heart of what makes our state strong. We're proud to support the farmers and ranchers who keep the Sunflower State growing. Through every season, Farm Bureau is here for you.