Welcome Dakota Welch to the Backwoods Team!

Dakota grew up in southeast Kansas and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Kansas. Upon entering the professional world, he worked for a few years in sales and financial services but has spent most of his career as an ag and rural lender. He has worked for nearly a decade in both Northeast Kansas and, more recently, in West Central Missouri near Harrisonville.

Dakota and his wife, Mary, recently relocated to Fort Scott, KS, as he is eager to live in a small community and be closer to the agricultural producers he serves. Dakota enjoys spending his time helping manage a small cow-calf herd on their acreage, and when time allows, he and his wife enjoy traveling and the great outdoors.

Helping farmers and ranchers achieve their goals is a passion for Dakota. He has spent most of his career assisting traditional family farm operations with their lending needs, including farm purchases. He sees the opportunity to better serve agriculture by facilitating seamless transitions between landowners and producers, ensuring that the next generation can continue to steward the land.

In addition to his work with farm and ranch operations, Dakota brings a valuable network from his lending career to this new chapter in real estate. This network includes recreational land buyers and individuals interested in investing in land in rural Kansas and Missouri. Dakota is also a partner in a company that provides farm management plans, focusing on profitability through proven conservation practices that enhance wildlife habitat.

Whether you are a landowner considering passing on a legacy, or a farmer or rancher looking for opportunities to begin, grow, or expand your operation, Dakota is eager to assist you every step of the way.

Dakota is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.