Friend of the Flint Hills

The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) Foundation will recognize Richard Porter as their 2026 Friend of the Flint Hills at their annual spring event on Friday, April 10.

“It’s an honor to introduce and recognize our 2026 Friend of the Flint Hills, Richard Porter. Few exemplify such humility, dedication, stewardship and unwavering commitment to the conservation of the tallgrass prairie and the agricultural industry it supports. While his methods are often viewed as unique or bold, they reflect his deep respect and passion for the land and a long-term commitment to preserving the ecological and agricultural integrity of the Flint Hills,” said FHDC Foundation President Lyle Butler.

The FHDC Foundation has given the “Friend of the Flint Hills” award to an individual, couple, non-government organization or public institution each year since 2012. The award honors significant time, effort and resources devoted to the cause of conserving the Flint Hills of Kansas and northern Oklahoma.

Richard Porter attended Kansas State University (KSU), graduating with two degrees, a Chemical Engineering degree (1972) and a Master of Agribusiness (MAB) (2004). He also earned a law degree from Southern Methodist University (1975). After graduating, he worked for Bethlehem Steel before returning to the family farm at the age of 29 in 1979 (the year before the farm crisis of the 1980’s).

Growing up, Porter’s original plan was to be in anything but agriculture; therefore, he never paid much attention to management decisions at the ranch, nor did he take any agriculture classes in college. Returning to the family farm in 1979, Porter relied heavily on his Kansas State University roots and the university extension service specialists as resources.

Porter now owns and operates Porter Cattle Company, receiving around 7,000 high-risk calves annually, growing them out to 900 pounds on Flint Hills grass. Porter is deeply committed to ranching and his family legacy, but also to the conservation of the Flint Hills. Through responsible land stewardship and long-term conservation practices, he has helped preserve the region’s precious natural resources while ensuring its sustainability for future generations. Porter leads with responsibility and respect because he believes that we are all merely tenants on this land; the only difference is that some tenants have to pay property tax.

 Porter conducts numerous cattle research trials with KSU, and his cattle consultants; all results are public information. He is a proud member of the KLA and the Livestock Meat Industry Council (LMIC) Board of Directors, serving as president from 2020 to 2022.

Porter served as the lead donor for the Stanley Stout Center. He has generously donated to several other KSU programs and to many other charities.

Among his recognitions, Porter was named the 2025 Stockman of the year by the KSU LMIC, the National Stocker Award by BEEF Magazine, and Distinguished Alumni Award from the K-State Department of Agriculture Economics.

“Richard Porter stands as a defining figure in Kansas ranching, pairing hard-earned agricultural success with a deep respect for land. Through decades of steady leadership, he strengthened local economies, modeled responsible stewardship, and helped preserve the traditions that anchor rural life. His impact lives on in healthier rangelands, stronger communities, and a standard of integrity that continues to guide the next generation,” noted Butler.

Outside of his professional achievements, Porter is most proud of his three children and five grandchildren.

To learn more about the Friend of the Flint Hills April 10 event, please contact Foundation Director, Lesley White at fhdcfoundation1@gmail.com or 785-748-1275 or visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/flinthillsdiscoverycenterfoundation/event/fotfh2026

View past recipients of the Friend of the Flint Hills.

The FHDC Foundation functions to advance the mission and work of the Flint Hills Discovery Center through dynamic and vibrant development programs which identify, cultivate, solicit and express appreciation to donors of the Foundation. The Foundation seeks capital and programming, along with deferred and endowed gifts in support of the Flint Hills Discovery Center.