Kansas Ag Hero Spotlight: Andrea DeJesus Turns a Family Tradition into an Agritourism Legacy

by Derek White

In Rep. Tracey Mann’s latest "Kansas Ag Hero of the Month" feature, the spotlight shines on Andrea DeJesus, a fourth-generation farmer from Manhattan, Kansas, who has turned a reluctant return to her agricultural roots into a flourishing agritourism enterprise that’s inspiring communities across the state.

Though she once swore off farming as a teenager, Andrea’s journey came full circle after years spent in accounting and raising a family. Alongside her husband Hugo, an Army veteran, Andrea returned to her family's land and gradually transformed it into the dynamic A&H Farm. What began with a single tent and generator to make ends meet has evolved into one of Kansas’s premier agritourism destinations.

Today, A&H Farm draws tens of thousands of visitors annually with events like the Strawberry Festival, Pickle Festival, and Fall Pumpkin Patch. Visitors enjoy live music, fresh produce, petting zoos, and hands-on agricultural experiences that bridge the gap between rural life and suburban communities.

Andrea also serves as president of the Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan and supports farmers markets across the state, mentoring new vendors and expanding community outreach. Her commitment to education, sustainability, and connection defines why she’s more than just a farmer—she’s a leader in Kansas agriculture.

Rep. Mann praised Andrea for “feeding her community—and teaching it,” commending her efforts to make agriculture accessible and inspiring for future generations. For her contributions, Andrea DeJesus is a true Kansas Ag Hero.