Former National Geographic editor says humans have become dominant force on the planet MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former National Geographic environment editor Dennis Dimick offered a dose of reality to the debate on the world’s changing climate Monday, but noted that humans have the ability to provide solutions to complex challenges. “The basic equation that stands today is that we have benefitted greatly by the use of ancient carbon fossil fuels, like coal and…

K-State ag economists rank state’s farms based on 10 years of KFMA data MANHATTAN, Kan. – A pair of Kansas State University agricultural economists have taken a look at the characteristics that make farms successful in Kansas, and have found that bigger doesn’t always mean better. Greg Ibendahl and Terry Griffin reviewed 10 years of data from the Kansas Farm Management Association to develop a ranking of several hundred farms based on their…

New KARL class members come from farming, banking, corporate, community and more MANHATTAN, Kan. – From Kansas City to Garden City and Sharon Springs to Liberty, members of the newest class of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program jumped into their first seminar recently to become better acquainted and hear updates on the state of agriculture and rural communities. And that was just the first night. “Awkward is awesome,” said one new…

K-State economist has released publication taking a look at impact of MCOOL MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University agricultural economist says a law that once required mandatory reporting of the origin of meat sold in grocery stores likely did not have an impact on consumers’ demand for those products. Glynn Tonsor has completed an analysis of meat demand before, during and after the U.S. Department of Agriculture had implemented mandatory country of…

Annual event focuses on increasing profitability, mitigating risk in swine industry MANHATTAN, Kan. – Research updates are the cornerstone of Kansas State University’s annual Swine Day, planned for Thursday, Nov. 21. “Swine Day incorporates the latest K-State research information on feed, pig livability, management, and disease mitigation,” said Mike Tokach, University Distinguished Professor and swine extension specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “We highlight thought leaders from the U.S. and Canada on threats…

See examples of working forestry management and learn how to implement the practices at the Fall Forestry Field Day on Wednesday, Oct. 9, near Manhattan, Kansas. MANHATTAN, Kan. – Share collective experiences and the latest research for the holistic management of Kansas woodlands and related natural resources at the 25th Annual Fall Forestry Field Day on Oct. 9 at the Geyer Forestry Research Center and Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2. The event,…

K-State’s DeRouchey sees common thread among world’s livestock producers MANHATTAN, Kan. – They came from around the world, nearly 300 strong, to talk about raising farm animals safely and protecting natural resources. And when the participants of the annual meeting of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock left Kansas State University last week, there was a similar message they all shared. “What I was really intrigued by was the amount of people involved…

Global challenges and innovations discussed at international conference MANHATTAN, Kan. – A series of presentations from experts in animal health and welfare demonstrated the complexity of the topic during the third plenary session at an international livestock conference on Monday. The Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock brought nearly 300 leaders in industry, government, civil society and academia together at Kansas State University to discuss the present and future of topics including animal husbandry.…

Livestock producers, consumers can reap rewards MANHATTAN, Kan. – Innovation is the key which will unlock greater sustainability, economic growth, and nutritional security for the world’s livestock producers, as they face the challenges of a growing global population and ongoing challenges such as anti-microbial resistance. That’s the core message being discussed at Kansas State University this week. Delegates from 22 nations are here for the 9th annual Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL)…

New research aims to boost rainfed agriculture by improving efficiencies and soil health MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University is leading a multi-agency team focused on improving water and nitrogen use efficiencies and improving soil health in the semi-arid southern Great Plains. The nearly $10 million five-year research effort is led by K-State University Distinguished Professor Chuck Rice and includes a transdisciplinary team from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Oklahoma…