Kansas State University

K-State in the news — January 2024

Some of the top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file (xls) with all of this month's news stories.

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024

National/International

How is This Mild Winter Affecting My Wheat Crop?
1/30/24 Farms.com
If you have more interest in how that process works, Kansas State University wrote a nice article when they were experiencing temperature fluctuations in 2017.

State/Regional

*Tara Ellenz of Tipton receives veterinary training program for rural Kansas scholarship
1/30/24 KNCK-AM
Tara Ellenz of Tipton, a first-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, has been chosen for the largest veterinary scholarship program offered by the state of Kansas: the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas, or VTPRK.

Local

*K-State College of Veterinary Medicine welcomes six students into scholarship program
1/30/24 WIBW
Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is welcoming six new students into its scholarship program.

Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024

National/International

Center for Rural Affairs Joins Heartland Food Business Center to Support Farm and Food Businesses
01/30/24 Morning Ag Clips
Kansas State University Research and Extension is one of the key partners along with the Center for Rural Affairs working together to increase business development assistance to small, mid-size, and diverse food and farm entrepreneurs in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and northwest Arkansas.

State/Regional

Kansas meeting tackles corn fungus and weed control
01/30/24 Kansas Ag Connection
On February 22, a crucial meeting will be held in Overbrook, Kansas, focusing on significant agricultural challenges. Hosted by K-State’s Frontier Extension District, this event will address the emerging threat of Corn Tar Spot fungus and strategies for effective weed control in corn and soybean crops.

Cattle Chat: Commercial Colostrum Replacements
1/30/24 KSAL.com
Veterinarians in Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute have emphasized the importance of getting calves up to nurse shortly after birth so that they receive colostrum, which gives passive immunity to the calf.

Monday, Jan. 29, 2024

National/International

ISharing Experiences Managing Bovine Leukemia Virus During 2023 International All Things BLV Conference
01/29/24 Farms.com
The 2023 International All Things BLV Conference was hosted by Michigan State University. Shaun Huser, DVM, field veterinarian with Kansas State University was one of the panelists speaking at the conference. Each presented lessons they have learned over years of combating the disease.

Beyond Borders: Advancing Biosecurity Through Global Partnerships
01/27/24 Ivoox
Dr. Simon McKirdy's, Professor of Biosecurity at Murdoch University, exploration of biosecurity system resiliency, coupled with his ongoing collaboration with K-State's Biosecurity Research Institute and Department of Plant Pathology, helps to establish policies and future frameworks for international coordination and global food security. 

1/24/24 - Preparing for spring calving season
01/27/24 Sound Cloud
In this Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network podcast, Kansas State University offers some advice on how cattle ranchers can better prepare now for spring calving season.

State/Regional

'First Impressions' provided
01/27/24 Great Bend Tribune
K-State Research and Extension’s Community Vitality program aims to help communities assess and develop opportunities and strategies for community improvement. The First Impressions program helps communities learn about existing strengths and weaknesses The results from the program can serve as the basis for community action. 

Food Producer Workshops, including in Hutch, coming up
01/27/24 Hutch Post
The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer four regional Local Food Producer Workshops to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers.

Friday, Jan. 26, 2024

National/International

K-State brings next-generation approach to livestock disease research
1/25/24 Beef Magazine
Jayme Souza-Neto, assistant professor in Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, is working with William Wilson, Dana Mitzel and other USDA researchers through a non-assistance co-operative agreement to look at the transmission of arboviruses that cause diseases in livestock.

State/Regional

'Promising results': K-State PhD students work in KC to pioneer cost-effective way of reducing lead in soil
1/25/24 KSHB-TV
Researchers and PhD students with Kansas State University are using Kansas City as a model to pioneer a cost-effective and efficient way of reducing lead's presence in soil through the use of environmentally safe chemicals.

*As spring approaches, learn timing and method for starting cool-season plants indoors
1/24/24 The Kansasa City Star
Anthony Reardon, a horticulture agent with K-State Research and Extension, shared tips to kick off a garden ahead of spring.

Local

Juan Gilbert presents lecture at K-State for MLK Observance Week
1/25/24 WIBW
Nationally renowned computer scientist and educator Juan Gilbert. Gilbert gave the annual MLK Observation Week Presidential Lecture at Kansas State University and talked about how AI can be integrated into making things better and moving forward with Dr. King’s legacy of being inclusive to all.

*K-State 105 brings NetWork Kansas, K-State Research and Extension together to build up statewide youth entrepreneurship program
1/25/24 WIBW
Two K-State 105 partners, NetWork Kansas and K-State Research and Extension, are collaborating to bring the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to new heights as one of the leading youth entrepreneurship competitions in the state of Kansas.

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024

Local

K-State 105 seeks to use extension network to grow small business across Kansas
1/23/24 The Mercury 
K-State officials on Friday spoke to regional leaders about K-State 105, which is part of President Richard Linton’s long-term master plan, Next-Gen K-State. K-State 105 will build on the county extension network to reach all corners of Kansas — all 105 counties.

1-in-4 homes in Kansas test high for radioactive gas
1/24/24 KSNT
If you need a low-cost radon test kit, visit the K-State Extension office at 123 Umberger Hall, 1612 Claflin Road in Manhattan. 

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024

National/International

InnovatorsBox® Celebrates MABLE’s Advancement into Phase 2 of the NSF Convergence Accelerator and Continues Partnership
01/23/24 KTLA-TV
MABLE (Mapping for Accessible Build Environment) is one of the six teams selected to advance from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the NSF Convergence Accelerator Track H: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Dr. Siny Joseph of Kansas State University is a core member of the MABLE team.

The Earth is Too Hot for Farmers
01/22/24 Kompas.Id
The impact of global warming on the food sector is often only seen through the decrease in crop productivity due to exposure to extreme temperatures. A recent report on this matter, for example, was released by researchers from the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and Kansas State University on January 19, 2024.

Officials Warn of Pet Obesity Epidemic
01/22/24 WJON-AM
Susan Nelson is a professor and veterinarian at Kansas State University. She says there are a lot of similarities between people and house pet obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate more than 70% of Americans are overweight. The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention says more than 60% of household dogs and cats are overweight.

Transitions in Higher Education
01/22/24 WJON-AM
Jesse Perez Mendez, dean of the College of Education at Texas Tech University, has been named provost and executive vice president at Kansas State University.

Assistant professor shares experiences to teach food safety
01/22/24 Clayton News Daily
Schwan’s life took an interesting and ironic turn in college when she began studying food science, a passion born largely out of her experience as a child. After completing both her master’s and doctoral degrees in food science at Kansas State University, Schwan was hired as an assistant professor and UGA Extension food safety specialist in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences in 2022.

State/Regional

Prairie strips benefit crops
01/21/24 AgUpdate
Insects can benefit crops in many ways but can often be difficult to attract or keep around agricultural fields. Kansas State University assistant professor in entomology Tania Kim is researching the benefits of prairie strips in Kansas’ climate to better utilize insects in agriculture.

McGinn named Assistant Secretary of Agriculture
01/22/24 Hutch Post
McGinn has been named Assistant Secretary of Agriculture at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. McGinn grew up on a fifth-generation farm outside of Sedgwick, Kansas, where his family farms dryland and irrigated crops with recent expansion into specialty crops and agritourism. He attended Kansas State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in history and leadership studies.

Friday, Jan. 19, 2024

National/International

Report: Warmer planet will trigger increased farm losses
1/18/24 Phys.org
The policy brief, a collaboration between the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, the Environmental Defense Fund and Kansas State University, examined the effect of extreme heat on Kansas farmers' financial security, with implications for farms nationally.

State/Regional

Newstalk — Aircraft Mechanics Accessibility
1/18/24 KWCH
Kirstin Zoller, executive director of strategic initiatives at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, discussed careers in aviation maintenance management in Kansas.

Local

Linton updates Regents about cybersecurity breach
1/18/24 The Manhattan Mercury
Regents chair Jon Rolph said that Kansas State University President Richard Linton in executive session gave a report on the recent cyber event at the university, but Rolph declined to share more details.

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024

National/International

A scholar discovers stories and poems possibly written by Louisa May Alcott under a pseudonym
1/17/24 The Associated Press
When first contacted by Chapnick about the writings, Gregory Eiselein, president of the Louisa May Alcott Society and a Kansas State University professor, said he was curious but skeptical. But he has come to believe that Chapnick has found new stories, many of which shed light on Alcott’s early career.

Internships jump-start careers
1/18/24 Successful Farming
An early exposure to the dairy industry sparked Jasmine Choate's interest in livestock and animal science, and ultimately it pushed her to pursue an animal science degree at Kansas State University, with an emphasis on communications and marketing.

State/Regional

*Care for heifers at calving
1/18/24 Agri-View
When starting a family, first-time mothers tend to experience longer labors than those who’ve given birth before. In much the same way, heifers need to be managed differently than cows at calving time, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast.

Local

City commissioners say KSU should continue paying for fire services
1/17/24 The Manhattan Mercury
Although the agreement was only a discussion item, some Manhattan city commissioners pushed back against an updated agreement that would have the city provide fire services to K-State for free in exchange for the university allowing the fire department’s headquarters to remain on its property.

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024

National/International

From LEGOs to transforming Wichita: These two architects are now partners
1/16/24 Yahoo! News and The Wichita Eagle 
Shelden watched as Gensch won major architecture prizes and other significant awards at his alma mater, K-State, but he couldn’t hire him when he graduated during an economic crisis in 2009.

State/Regional

Martin Luther King Jr.’s final college speech was in a somewhat unlikely place: Kansas
1/15/24 KCUR
It was convocation at Kansas State University — a usually staid event that marked the beginning of the semester. Martin Luther King, Jr., the most prominent civil rights leader in America, was on campus to address students and faculty.

*Area students earn Fall 2023 K-State honors
1/15/24 Salina Post 
More than 4,480 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors for their academic performance in the fall 2023 semester.

Local

*Renowned computer scientist to speak at K-State for MLK week
1/15/24 Manhattan Mercury
Nationally renowned computer scientist and educator Juan Gilbert will deliver the MLK Presidential Lecture at K-State on Thursday as part of the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Week.

Advice on keeping your pets safe during the freezing temperatures
1/12/24 WIBW
With frigid temperatures expected over the next few days, it’s important to remember those furry animals outside. Clinical professor Dr. Susan Nelson at K-State said if your dog is outside make sure that they have straw instead of blankets in a doghouse.

*Note: Asterisks indicate clips that resulted from recent news releases or pitches from Communications and Marketing.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024

National/International

EPA Selects Kansas State University to Receive $4M in Grant Funding to Provide Technical Assistance to Tribal Nations and Entities Addressing Brownfields
1/10/24 EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the selection of Kansas State University (KSU) to receive $4 million in grant funding over the course of five years to provide technical assistance and increase the capacity of tribal nations and entities to build sustainable brownfield programs; establish and enhance their Tribal Response Programs; and conduct and oversee brownfield assessment and cleanup activities.

What Lifetime movies didn’t show you about the gripping reality of stalking and how to fight back
1/10/24 NJ.com
About 81% of women stalked by a spouse or partner they lived with have also been physically assaulted by the partner, and a Kansas State University study found that when stalking in an intimate partnership occurs, it increases the risk of homicide by three.

State/Regional

In State of the State, Gov. Laura Kelly hones in on rural Kansas issues
1/10/23 Topeka Capitol Journal
"It will also include more funding for rural towns to update their water systems. It will provide resources for the new Kansas Water Institute at K-State, to leverage expertise and develop innovative solutions to water challenges. And, it will provide additional resources to help farmers and ranchers implement water-saving practices," Kelly said.

Local

State climatologist warns of blowing snow, frigid temps but little accumulation
1/10/24 Manhattan Mercury
Assistant meteorologist and K-State Weather Data Library manager Chip Redmond said the storm has trended northeast, reducing the expectations for accumulation in Manhattan. He expects 1-2 inches of snow.

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024

National/International

How Closely Does Iowa Resemble the U.S.?
1/10/2024 WalletHub
Featured: Laurie M. Johnson,Professor of Political Science and Director, Primary Texts Certificate, Department of Political Science – Kansas State University.

Native American-Led Projects Get $4.5 Million from the National Endowment for the Humanities
1/9/2024 Yahoo Entertainment 
Kansas State University 
Kansas Land Treaties Project
A three-year project to revise curriculum and create digital humanities resources that support undergraduate and K-12 teaching about local Indigenous history and culture. 

State/Regional

*K-State chemist receives $1.1M for ion atmospheres in biological systems research
1/9/2024 WIBW
A Kansas State University chemist received $1.1 million for research on ion atmospheres in biological systems.

Local

In Focus 1/8/24: Manhattan Parks and Rec and K-State Vet Medicine
1/8/2024 1350 KMAN
Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Technician Dr. Ron Orchard discusses what’s causing canine respiratory disease to spread across the country.

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024

National/International

5 Online CFP Programs Perfect for 2024
1/6/2024 Yahoo! Finance
What makes it a top pick: Kansas State University offers three options for completing CFP coursework online. Candidates can choose from a certificate, master's or doctorate-level program, depending on their educational and career aspirations. Kansas State University consistently ranks among the top programs for financial planning in the country, among both online and offline options. All coursework is completed through the K-State Online Canvas course management system and programs are self-paced. The doctoral program is one of only three of its kind to be CFP Board Registered. It's conducted largely online, though students can also participate in an on-campus summer intensive. The PhD program is designed to be completed in five years or less.

Feed mill study highlights need for continued biosecurity
1/5/2024 Feedstuffs
Kansas State University Associate Professor of Feed Science and Management Chad Paulk has led a project to understand the best flushing, thermal processing and decontamination techniques for a feed mill after exposure to porcine epidemic diarrhea, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Seneca Valley virus 1. In addition to PCR testing for viral RNA, infectivity of feed and environmental samples collected after utilizing the decontamination techniques were evaluated using swine bioassays.

State/Regional

EPA Encourages Home Testing During National Radon Action Month
1/7/2024 KRVN 880 Rural Radio
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. If left untreated, radon can build up indoors, leading to adverse health effects. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., taking the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans every year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk, and testing for radon can help prevent prolonged exposure … National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers test kits for purchase online.

Local

*'A Prairie Home Companion' 50th anniversary tour to stop at K-State
1/6/2024 The Mercury
The audience might come for the music, but Garrison Keillor hopes to hear viewers sing, too, when he stops in Manhattan later this month. Keillor, host and creator of "A Prairie Home Companion," is coming to Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13. The long-running radio variety program is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Friday, Jan. 5, 2024

State/Regional

*Seasonal delight: If it has good bones, even that winter garden will delight the eye
1/5/24 The Kansas City Star
Horticulture extension specialist Dennis Patton shared tips on how to keep the core of a garden thriving during the winter months.

Local

*Two K-State 105 partners collaborate for Kansas youth entrepreneurship program
1/4/24 WIBW
NetWork Kansas and K-State Research and Extension are collaborating to bring the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to new heights as one of the leading youth entrepreneurship competitions in Kansas.

*Texas Tech dean Mendez named new K-State provost
1/4/24 The Manhattan Mercury
As provost, Jesse Perez Mendez will serve as the university’s chief academic officer providing leadership for the university’s academic endeavors and for shaping the academic culture of K-State.

Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024

National/International

K-State starts building new animal science event center
1/3/24 Meat + Poultry
Kansas State University recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new animal science event center.

Farm Foundation® Announces 2024 Agricultural Scholars
1/3/24 Morning AgClips
Farm Foundation, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, has announced its 2024 Agricultural Scholars recipients. Kristiina Ala-Kokko and Matthew Melchor from K-State were selected.

State/Regional

K-State 105: Extension and So Much More
1/4/23 Kansas Wheat – Wheat’s On Your Mind
Jessica Gnad, Director of the K-State 105 Program, joins Aaron on the podcast to explain how the K-State 105 program works. K-State 105 is an economic growth and advancement initiative built out of the Economic Prosperity Plan directive by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Local

AIM Center of Excellence Opens For Enrollment; Classes Start January 29
1/3/24 Salina Post
During the six weeks, students will also have the opportunity to earn competency-based micro-credentials for credit and certification through Kansas State University-Salina and connect with local employers and schools.

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024

National/International

*Study reveals the surprising superpower of America’s bison population: ‘Truly unique and impressive’
1/2/24 Yahoo Lifestyle
A recent study out of Kansas State University has found that reintroducing bison to ecosystems more than doubles plant diversity and richness — leading to lands that are more resistant to droughts.

State/Regional

Nine Kansas communities commended for 2023 projects, volunteers
1/2/24 WIBW
Nine Kansas communities in the River Valley Extension District received the 2023 Community of Excellence award from the Kansas Community Empowerment program, located at Kansas State University.

Local

*Radio legend Garrison Keillor brings 'A Prairie Home Companion 50th Anniversary' show to McCain
1/2/24 Junction City Post
Garrison Keillor returns to Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium to present his "A Prairie Home Companion 50th Anniversary" show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, as part of the McCain Performance Series.

Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024

National/International

Dr. Kathy Gross: Nutritional Researches in Pet Food
12/28/23 Ivoox
Dr. Kathy Gross from Kansas State University explores the significance of animal feeding studies and AFCO guidelines, essential for developing balanced pet diets.

Study reveals the surprising superpower of America’s bison population: ‘Truly unique and impressive’
12/27/23 Yahoo! News
A recent study out of Kansas State University has found that reintroducing bison to ecosystems more than doubles plant diversity and richness — leading to lands that are more resistant to droughts.

History of Traditional Christmas Food and Drinks
12/27/23 Medindia
Fruitcake traces its origins to ancient Rome. It would not be the holiday food people love to hate if they tried one made the traditional way, suggested a Kansas State University rare books librarian who studies the history of traditional holiday foods.

State/Regional

K-State Expert Outlines Key Changes in the 2024 Chemical Weed Guide
12/31/23 Morning Ag Clips
A Kansas State University weed specialist says an annual publication that outlines guidelines for chemical control in Kansas has undergone several key changes. Sarah Lancaster says the university’s 2024 Chemical Weed Guide includes new guidelines for labeling, legal application practices and product use that applicators should be aware of.

Learn to brew your own beer with this K-State class
12/29/23 KSNT-TV
Kansas State University is offering locals a unique opportunity to take up a new hobby in 2024 with a class to teach you the ins and outs of brewing your own beer.

Kansas universities demolishing old buildings to save millions on deferred maintenance
12/28/23 Kansas Reflector
The Kansas Board of Regents allocated $16.5 million appropriated from the state treasury to turn to rubble 500,000 square feet of obsolete buildings on university campuses. After the dust clears from removal of those 20 buildings, officials said, the work would eliminate an estimated $80 million in deferred maintenance obligations.

Researchers are finding high levels of fertilizer in drinking water from rural Kansas wells
12/27/23 KCUR-FM
College students and scientists from K-State and Barton and Dodge City community colleges are testing private wells in south-central Kansas. The results are prompting families to install treatment systems to reduce nitrate levels.

Local

Wheat Scoop: Wheat leaders take a deep dive into milling and baking during K-State short course
01/01/24 Junction City Post
Wheat farmers, grain trade representatives and state and national wheat organization staff members got to walk a figurative mile in the shoes of their end-use customers this month during a flour milling short course at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University. 

Emerging Equine Eye Therapies
12/26/23 The Horse
Equine ophthalmologists have made many advancements in recent years, producing new treatment methods for a number of eye abnormalities. Megan Cullen, DVM, of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s ophthalmology department, in Manhattan shares information about up-and-coming treatments.