April 2026
K-State in the news
Some of the top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file (xlsx) with all of this month's news stories.
Monday, April 20, 2026
National/International
Public grocery stores are having a moment. Can they really make food more affordable?
4/17/2026 CBC Radio-Canada
Rial Carver, the program director for Kansas State University's Rural Grocery Initiative, which supports new grocery stores, says finding the right people to run a public grocery store is crucial. "When you run on such thin profit margins, there's not a lot of room for error," she said. The main models for running a public grocer are public-private partnerships or municipally owned operations, according to Carver.
BBQ lovers beware: Middle East conflict might disrupt your summer plans this year
4/18/2026 Fox News
Burger lovers take warning: neighborhood cookouts could be more expensive this summer, thanks to conflict in the Middle East. Global tensions are pushing up energy prices, resulting in higher costs for beef and the propane used to fuel backyard grills — just in time for Americans getting ready for barbecue season. "The impact of ongoing challenges in the Middle East on energy prices impacts nearly every facet of the U.S. economy and beef-cattle are not immune," Glynn Tonsor, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, told Fox News Digital.
What's Happening With Kansas Wheat
4/17/2026 MorningAgClips
A combination of weather extremes, drought conditions and pest pressure is creating challenges for Kansas wheat producers as the 2026 growing season continues, according to experts on the Kansas State University Agriculture Today podcast. K-State agronomists Logan Simon and Jeanne Falk Jones say Kansas wheat has experienced significant temperature swings in recent months, raising concerns about crop growth and development.
State/Regional
Nitrate is quietly polluting rural drinking wells. How researchers are working to help
4/20/2026 Kansas Public Radio
Scientists have tested more than 200 private wells across nine counties in this region. About half of the sites turned out to contain more nitrate than the federal government considers safe to drink. Many of the others were not far from crossing that point. "In another year or two, you could be above it," said Matthew Kirk, a geology professor at Kansas State University who's been busy for the past five years helping families in this region find out what’s in their water — and simultaneously piecing together a picture of how widespread the contamination has become.
Bovine Respiratory Disease Research Receives $4 Million Grant
4/17/2026 WNAX
A faculty member at Kansas State University is taking a deep dive into a disease that is the leading cause of mortality in the cattle industry. The work of this research team has been recognized for its significance and recently received a $4 million grant to continue their study of Bovine Respiratory Disease. Dr. Brad White, professor at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Director of Beef Cattle Institute, says that their early findings have brought new light to the effects of BRD on the entire body.
Friday, April 17, 2026
National/International
How to handle financial stress
4/16/26 Here & Now Newsroom
Here & Now’s Lisa Mullins talks with Megan McCoy, an associate professor of personal financial planning at Kansas State University, licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified financial therapist. She shares tips on how to handle financial stress.
State/Regional
Helping animal survivors of domestic violence 'recognizes the importance of the animal, but it also gives dignity to the humans.'
4/14/26 Missouri Health Talks, via KBIA
Rose Brooks is a domestic violence shelter in Kansas City that has been operating a pet shelter and pet-friendly housing in their facility since 2012. Recently, the organization has worked with Wayside Waifs, an area animal rescue, and the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine to provide preventative health care to pets in Rose Brooks' facility, such as immunizations, check-ups and more.
Local
The Pickering pipeline | Continuing a musical legacy
4/15/26 The K-State Collegian
Audrey, daughter of David Pickering, professor of organ and music theory and associate director for music at Kansas State, obtained her master’s degree in organ performance from KU in May 2025. Now, for the 2025-26 school year, she is serving in her father’s teaching roles while he is away on a year-long sabbatical.
K-State researcher honored for record-breaking light pulse work
4/15/26 The K-State Collegian
“Our final goal is to control the electron, and eventually control the nucleus, and then you can control the chemical reaction,” Meng Han said. He wants students to hear about the research and what goes on through research.“I hope more young people can know this story, that this research is happening at K-State."
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
National/International
Top University Experts Weigh In on Nitrogen Decisions as Fertilizer Volatility Shapes U.S. Farmers’ Planting Season
04/14/26 Businesswire
“Improving how we cycle and utilize nitrogen in cropping systems will be essential moving forward,” said Chuck Rice, Distinguished Professor of Soil Microbiology at Kansas State University. “That includes integrating biological approaches alongside traditional practices to improve efficiency and support long-term productivity. The 4Rs are still appropriate but the Right Form and the Right Time need to include biological approaches.”
State/Regional
Tips to cooking juicy steak
04/14/26 High Plains Journal
For years, Kansas State University researchers have conducted studies at guiding consumers to better cooking practices that can ensure the overall juiciness and flavor of the beef they prefer.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
National/International
ICASA: New research aims to refine antibiotic use in beef and swine
04/14/26 The Pig Site
ICASA and matching funders are awarding K-State's Dr. T.G. Nagaraja $203,965 to investigate the bacteria that cause liver abscesses in feedlot cattle, a common and costly condition affecting animal health and production. ICASA and matching funders are awarding K-State's Dr. Brad White $2,446,948. White and a multidisciplinary research team are advancing 2024 ICASA research examining why some feedlot cattle develop deadly lung problems after getting bovine respiratory disease, and how to better predict which animals are at risk.
State/Regional
K-State invites public to explore campus Open House
04/13/26 Great Bend Tribune
Kansas State University continues to bring educational access to all with the popular All-University Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, on the Manhattan campus. This K-State tradition allows future learners and community members to get an insider’s look at academic programs, campus life and student organizations. All ages are welcome, and there are no fees to attend.
Local
MHS girls' T&F takes 1st at inaugural K-State Relays
04/13/26 Manhattan Mercury
The inaugural K-State Relays, a unique, relay-focused meet, brought together top competition from across Kansas and surrounding states, with team scoring centered around relay events and select field competitions. The meet also served as a showcase for the new event format and facility hosted by K-State. “It’s awesome,” said Manhattan High track and field head coach Kory Cool. “I don’t think there’s a better facility in the country. You hear K-State track talk about it all the time, and they’re right. This is such a great venue to host — it can’t be more accommodating to the athletes. They do a great job running it, they’re serious about it, and it’s just going to continue to grow.”
Monday, April 13, 2026
National/International
Artemis II is a giant leap for farming too
4/10/2026 FarmProgress
Even though it's the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, much focus of NASA's mission has been, and continues to be, our planet. Today, NASA's Acres Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT) is conducting field experiments and pilot projects to refine the agency's tools for use in real-world agriculture here on Earth. Two Kansas farmers, Dwane Roth and Ray Flickner, are part of the FIAT Program Steering Committee. In fact, the first FIAT site launched was the Flickner Innovation Farm, a partnership between NASA and Kansas State University to develop practical tools that can monitor soybean quality.
State/Regional
From the ground up
4/11/2026 Hutch Post
For Chelsy Champlin, teaching agriculture in rural Kansas is not a steppingstone — it is a calling. Champlin has built her 13-year teaching career in small rural schools across southeast Kansas following her graduation from Kansas State University's agricultural education program. She is a passionate educator who believes in her rural students and the communities they call home. Now in the third year of the online master's program in agricultural education at K-State, she continues to seek new ways to inspire the next generation and deliver impactful lessons. With innovative classroom programming and hands-on learning, Champlin is growing agricultural education in rural communities from the ground up, spreading her passion for agriculture to students who are in the perfect place to experience its powerful effects.
Research at K-State is helping Kansans save water
4/12/2026 KSNT
K-State researchers are taking a high-tech approach to help farmers save water and boost crop yields. Precision irrigation, a system designed to give crops exactly the water they need, is a high-tech response to a very real problem. The Ogallala Aquifer—the water source for much of western Kansas agriculture—is slowly declining. For many farmers, it’s only a matter of time before their waterlines dry up. "This aquifer is depleting at a very high rate…. We are losing our water and our resources at a very drastic level," said Gaurav Jha, Assistant Professor of Precision Agriculture. At K-State, researchers are turning the urgency into innovation, combining satellite data and field sensors to take the guesswork out of irrigation.
Producers urged to implement strong identification processes to safeguard cow herd
4/11/2026 Midwest Messenger
In today's cattle market, something as simple as a tag number or brand can carry added importance for producers working to protect their investment. With cattle prices reaching historic highs, proper identification and branding have taken on new importance for beef producers, according to Kansas State University beef cattle veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff. "Cattle identification is essential when it comes to proving ownership," Tarpoff said. "With the value of cattle today, having a reliable form of identification serves as a simple but effective insurance policy for producers."
Local
Flash drought risk growing as heat, wind outpace rainfall
4/10/2026 The Mercury
Unseasonably warm temperatures are accelerating drought concerns across the region, according to Kansas State University meteorologist Chip Redmond. … Soil moisture conditions in Manhattan, measured by the Kansas Mesonet are drier than they had been before precipitation that fell last week. Redmond said that pattern is exposing the region to a phenomenon called flash drought — a rapid-onset, intensely developing drought that intensifies over weeks rather than seasons. It's brought on by below-average precipitation combined with high temperatures, high winds, and low humidity.
Friday, April 10, 2026
National/International
17 interior design schools worth applying to
3/2/26 Architectural Digest
K-State’s undergraduate interior design program explores intersections between human ecological theory, design theory, and interior design practice. After spending the first two years of the program exploring fundamental design principles and practices, students spend junior and senior year applying the knowledge they’ve gained. Courses include studies in working with real-life variables—like building codes and legal regulations — alongside classes in lighting, acoustics, color, and aesthetics.
State/Regional
K-State Day of Giving offers opportunity to name campus squirrels
4/9/26 KSN
Whether they know it or not, squirrels on the K-State campus have new names. For K-State's Day of Giving, donors got the chance to christen the squirrels of Manhattan. Highlights included Keanu Leaves, Jessie's Squirrel and Ayoka Tree.
Students say sunshine makes a difference as days get longer
4/9/26 WIBW
Kansas State University psychologist Anne Weese says it isn’t their imagination. “Connecting to the earth and nature and our friend — just that connection, community, activity and sunlight is a huge mood booster this time of year. I think it’s just an indicator to our brain and bodies that we have more time left to do something with, we can be productive for longer."
Local
Collegian alumnus gives back to the program that ‘shaped him’
4/8/26 The K-State Collegian
A transformative gift to Kansas State’s A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication is set to elevate opportunities for aspiring journalists and media professionals, announced this semester to be received through the following years. The donation allocated a projected sum of up to $800,000 to a new scholarship fund in journalism, expanding hands-on learning initiatives and improving technology to prepare students for a rapidly evolving media landscape. Johnson intends to support faculty salaries through this donation while at the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
National/International
Ceasefire Eases Oil Markets, But Farm Costs Stay Elevated
4/8/26 RFD TV
K-State’s Dr. Gregg Ibendahl breaks down the impacts of the Middle East ceasefire on energy markets and input costs, and what farmers should watch in the weeks ahead.
Local
Within Reason with Mike Matson
4/8/26 1350 KMAN
Sara Prince, KSU Foundation Associate VP of Development
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
National/International
Editorial: Western Star name a fitting capstone for K-State project
4/7/26 World-Grain
With the Agriculture Innovation Initiative at Kansas State University nearly completed, the naming of the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center represents a fitting capstone for a transformational project.
State/Regional
K-State Olathe highlights future of manufacturing program with $5 million in federal funding
4/7/26 Derby Informer
Kansas State-Olathe campus representatives joined other local governments Tuesday to highlight new federal funding secured in February by 3rd District Rep. Sharice Davids and Sen. Jerry Moran.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
National/International
Epic winter drought creates a bleak situation for farmers — and your food
04/07/26 The Washington Post
Across the lower 48 states, farmers are reeling from the hottest and third-driest September-to-February stretch on record. As of March 31, the last date for which data is available, nearly 60 percent of the U.S. was in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Jennifer Ifft, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, offers insight into how wheat is a globally traded commodity, but the failed crop in the Great Plains is just one small contributor to the cost of bread.
State/Regional
Teens can learn to fly at this Kansas summer camp
04/06/26 KSNW-TV
A Kansas summer camp will provide teens aged 15 to 17 the opportunity to gain real-world flight training experience. Kansas State University Salina’s Aviation Academy is hosting a summer camp for high school teens from June 21 to 27. During the week, teens will learn from K-State’s academy staff, gaining skills and knowledge in subjects that will include aerodynamics and flight theory, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, navigation basics and more.
It's Getting Squirrelly at K-State: Wednesday's Day of Giving Let's Patrons Name a Campus Squirrel
04/06/26 Kansas Public Radio
Something squirrelly is happening at Kansas State University. The whole campus is full of un-named squirrels. And the school wants to change that. So, on Wednesday, April 8th, during K-State's annual Day of Giving, anyone can make a donation and name their own squirrel. Contributors will be given a digital certificate - making it official, if not entirely legal. KPR's J. Schafer decided to learn more about this nutty idea.
Local
'A piece of good news': US Sen. Moran announces over $4M for K-State vet med
04/06/26 Manhattan Mercury
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, announced Friday in the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Auditorium on the Manhattan campus that $4.9 million in federal resources will support K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Monday, April 6, 2026
National/International
Research protects nation's poultry supply
4/3/2026 AGRI-VIEW
New research at Kansas State University aims to tackle one of the most significant threats to global animal health and food security — highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI — by using mealworms, a supplement of poultry feed, as a vaccine-delivery method. A multidisciplinary research team from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the department of entomology is developing the unique vaccination strategy to help protect the nation's poultry supply, where the disease moves with devastating speed
Axiota Animal Health Names Wamego as Global Headquarters
4/3/2026 Drovers
Located near K-State, the facility benefits from proximity to one of the nation's leading veterinary and animal health research institutions. That connection helps Axiota attract specialized scientific talent and collaborate with researchers advancing the future of livestock health.
State/Regional
Sen. Moran announces federal funding for K-State College of Veterinary Medicine
4/3/2026 WIBW
U.S. Senator for Kansas Jerry Moran visited Kansas State University on April 3, 2026, to announce new federal funding for the university's College of Veterinary Medicine. The 4.9 million federal investment will support equipment purchases and technology upgrades within the college. The announcement was made at noon at the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Auditorium on campus. "It's a piece of good news for Kansas State University and for the state of Kansas. But also for the world," said Sen. Moran. "Agricultural research helps protect us from animal diseases and allows us to feed the world."
Ag tech field day in Moundridge shows students the future of farming
4/4/2026 KWCH
Kansas State University leaders said exposing students to agricultural careers and technology is critical as the industry continues to evolve. "I think young people, when they think about their future, that that's a place that they know in the long run, that there's going to be great opportunities for them," said Dan Moser, Dean of Agriculture at Kansas State University.
Carcass traits can help guide ranchers, K-State researcher says
4/4/2026 High Plains Journal
Developing the right carcass traits can make a difference for feed intake for stockers and feeder cattle, according to one researcher who studies feed intake. Mindy King's research at Kansas State University aims to further explore the mechanisms governing feed intake regulation and feed efficiently, efficiency and feedlot and stock for cattle. She said once calves reach the feedlot, the focus turns to what those calves can do in the feed yard.
Local
Ted Schroeder receives Amethyst Award for lifetime of service and contributions to K-State
4/3/2026 The Mercury
Ted Schroeder’s tenure at Kansas State University spans 40 years, and throughout his lifetime of service, he has contributed significantly to advancing the university's mission. Now, the university distinguished professor of agricultural economics is the recipient of the Amethyst Award, K-State's most prestigious award.
Friday, April 3, 2026
State/Regional
Kansas State University economist warns of fuel, fertilizer price shock for farmers
4/1/26 The Kansas Reflector
Surging oil prices associated with instability in the Middle East threaten to exacerbate tight margins for Kansas farmers by driving up the cost of fuel and fertilizer, a Kansas State University economist says. Gregg Ibendahl, who focuses on agricultural production and finance, said higher energy prices ripple through the economy and prove detrimental for farmers consuming diesel and fertilizer. These negative market forces surfaced to strike the bottom line of U.S. producers just as farmers readied fields for planting.
Roger Marshall hopes there will be no boots on the ground in Iran war
4/3/26 The Topeka Capital-Journal
Kansas State University economist Gregg Ibendahl has said "the U.S. is almost self-sufficient when it comes to energy, so availability shouldn't be the issue. But we are not immune from higher prices." Ibendahl said higher prices for oil and fertilizer especially can strain farm budgets.
Measuring the accuracy of radiation models for radiation therapy
3/30/26 Kansas Public Radio
K-State's Ashleigh Mauler discusses her research on radiation and how scientists can improve the accuracy of the models they use to determine treatment regimens.
Economist says price slump altered farmer planting decisions for wheat, sorghum
4/2/26 Brownfield Ag News
Dan O’Brien with Kansas State University says he’s not surprised that wheat acres could be the lowest in more than 100 years. “There was a long decline in prices starting in March of last year and then (went) lower until there was a little blip in June and then more lows. No doubt, that impacted farmer expectations.”
Local
KSU Foundation to host 24-hour Day of Giving event
4/1/26 The K-State Collegian
“We just want people to show up and celebrate, but also recognize that support, even small support, can make a great difference here at the university,” Sara Prince, associate vice president of development for the Foundation, said. Prince said the day not only raises money for units at K-State, but also invites students to celebrate donors who’ve helped improve students’ experiences here.
Rising oil prices affect Kansas students, farmers amid conflict in Middle East
4/1/26 The K-State Collegian
Lance Bachmeier, professor of economics, said the recent spike in oil prices is affecting costs across the board. “The direct effect that everybody’s going to notice, you just go to the pump, and you’re paying considerably more,” Bachmeier said. “For a lot of people that drive, that’s costing them a lot. And I haven’t recently booked any plane tickets, but I’m guessing that that’s feeding through. So, for instance, college students that have to book a flight home, they’re gonna probably see a much higher price because of that as well. But then it’ll feed into things like grocery prices because … quite a big chunk of the cost of food is transportation.”
Thursday, April 2, 2026
National/International
'Product of USA' push seeks to expand voluntary label
4/1/26 Agri-Pulse
Kansas State University Agricultural Economist Glynn Tonsor, who helps lead the Meat Demand Monitor, a monthly survey tracking consumers' meat preferences, said respondents are asked to rank what they feel is most important when they consider buying meat. Origin and traceability generally fall to the bottom four of 12 rankings, while factors such as taste, freshness and price rise to the top, he said.
State/Regional
Kansas native, a K-State grad, part of NASA team for Artemis II moon mission
4/1/26 Kansas City Star/Wichita Eagle
Erik Stalcup, a native of Wellington, Kansas, and graduate of Kansas State University, is part of NASA’s historic moon mission.
‘The full effect may not have hit us yet’: Kansas gas prices remain high as Iran war continues
4/1/26 WIBW
Lance Bachmeier, a Kansas State University economics professor, said the full impact may not have arrived yet. “The full effect may have not hit us yet. Everybody is going to be adjusting their budget one more time, most likely before this is over,” Bachmeier said.
K-State has gone nutty
4/1/26 KCUR
And the K State campus has gone nutty as sort of. Anyway. As part of the school's annual day of giving on April, eight patrons will be allowed to pay a small fee and name a campus squirrel. According to Shane Shanks, senior creative director at the K State Foundation, this isn't just a fundraiser.
Local
Axiota Animal Health designates Wamego location as global headquarters
4/1/26 Manhattan Mercury
“From here, we’re developing and producing technologies that help cattle producers around the world improve herd health and productivity,” CEO William Weldon said. “Leveraging our location within the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor and our longstanding relationship with Kansas State University allows us to drive innovation and attract the top talent the industry demands.”
The company’s roots date back to the 2010 founding of MS Biotec, based on technology developed by Dr. Jim Drouillard at Kansas State University.
A.Q. Miller School donation
4/1/26 KSNT
Kansas State University's A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication received $125,000 to support its new social media listening lab.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
National/International
KANSAS STATE ECONOMIST: ENERGY SURGE PUTS PRESSURE ON FARM BUDGETS
04/01/26 Agri Marketing
A surge in oil prices is poised to hit farmers where it hurts most -- their bottom line -- and with new estimates suggesting a $90-per-barrel market, this could significantly raise production costs across the board. According to Kansas State University economist Gregg Ibendahl, higher oil prices are already creating a ripple effect through key farm inputs, particularly diesel fuel and fertilizer.
State/Regional
K-State Salina offers summer STEM camps for youths
04/01/26 Salina Journal
K-State Salina is offering three summer camps focused on science, technology, engineering and math for youths.