Bill House
Agricultural Legacy
Bill House’s generosity plays a central role in CFSEK’s ability to support
agricultural education and leadership today. Upon his passing in 2009, he
left 6,300 acres of ranchland to benefit future generations. The proceeds
from its sale now provide the perpetual funding for the Bill House
Agricultural Grants and Scholarships.
About Bill House
Swain William “Bill” House was a towering figure in the American beef cattle industry, whose leadership and vision left an indelible mark on agricultural policy and stability. A Kansas native, rancher, and University of Kansas-educated lawyer, Bill House dedicated his career to advancing the interests of cattlemen across the nation.
Mr. House rose to the highest levels of agricultural governance. He has a legacy of excellence in Livestock and Agricultural Leadership.
Legacy of Achievement
President, 1963–1964
President, 1964–1965
First Kansan, Two-term President, 1968–1969
Exhibited four Grand Champions at the American Royal Livestock Show
Named by Kansas Governor, 1964
1992
About the Bill House Funding
Bill House’s dedication to the agricultural community continues today through the Bill House Legacy Fund, which honors his commitment to the industry he shaped. Grants from this fund will have a tremendous regional and statewide impact by supporting initiatives such as animal husbandry, range management, cattle ranch management, and other agricultural education programs.
Bill House Agricultural Grants
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) Bill House Legacy Fund provides grants
focused on supporting the educational needs of ranchers and farmers across Kansas and Oklahoma,
with a particular focus on the Southeast Kansas area. The grant cycle is open each February.
Grant Recipient Success Story
“The Bill House Grant enabled our FFA chapter to bring
in agricultural experts for hands-on workshops. Our
students learned modern ranching techniques that will
serve them for years to come.”
— Southeast Kansas FFA Chapter
Learn More About Agricultural Scholarships
Bill House had a passion for agriculture and the cattle
industry and wanted young people to have an opportunity to
earn a degree and have a career in agriculture. His legacy
continues through the Bill House Agricultural Scholarship
Fund, which was established to support students pursuing an
agricultural-related degree.
A Legacy Rooted in Kansas and Ranching Leadership
Swain William “Bill” House was born near Cedar Vale in 1916 and spent nearly his entire life in the community he
loved. After briefly practicing law, he devoted himself to building and operating the successful House Hereford
Ranch. By the early 1950s, Mr. House had become a national leader in the Hereford industry, earning Grand
Champion honors at the American Royal in Kansas City four times.
Throughout his career, he served in numerous influential roles, including president of the Kansas Livestock
Association, president of the American Hereford Association, and two terms as president of the American
National Cattlemen’s Association. His leadership and advocacy helped shape state and national legislation
affecting the beef cattle industry, and he contributed to committees responsible for establishing and regulating
beef import quotas—efforts that strengthened and stabilized the domestic cattle market.
Mr. House passed away in 2009, generously leaving his estate to the Bill House Hereford Foundation to support
agricultural leadership programs and scholarships. CFSEK received a gift of nearly 6,300 acres of ranchland in
Chautauqua County, and with the sale of this property in December 2024, the proceeds will provide ongoing,
perpetual funding for the Bill House Grants and Scholarships.