Farm Bureau members of Kansas were well represented at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this month. Young Farmers and Ranchers representatives did well in their respective competitive events, with Lane County’s Mindy McMillen winning the national Discussion Meet and Jacquelyne Leffler placing in the top 10 for the Achievement Award.

The state’s voting delegates successfully lobbied to include policy supporting federal funding of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Laboratory in Manhattan to address current and emergent threats.

And four county Farm Bureaus were selected to share programs they developed through AFBF’s County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Awards. As part of the honor, the counties represented Kansas in the convention trade show and shared their award-winning programs with attendees from across the country who could take those ideas back to their own communities.

It’s worth noting that only 24 counties were recognized, so Kansas accounted for one-sixth of the CAE trade show booths, consisting of the following programs:

Atchison County: Started its Local Fresh for All program to provide gift certificates to the local farmers market for youth ages 9-19.

Franklin County: Partnered with a local recreation commission to host the Ag Education Summer Series, which facilitated and hosted lessons, demonstrations and farm tours over eight weeks in the summer.

Jackson County: Created a Livestock Summit to strengthen knowledge of 4-H exhibitors on livestock selection, nutrition, showmanship and carcass evaluation.

Meade County: Started the Silver Plate Project as a community-focused effort that provided shelf-stable and easy-to-prepare meals for senior citizens in rural areas to reduce food insecurity.

Walking through the two dozen booths, it was impossible to point to one program or activity as the best, aside from our four homegrown honorees, of course.

While the programs were broadly similar, they were also carefully tailored to the specific needs identified by county Farm Bureaus. One program provided broad instruction to a general audience while another sought to educate a narrow group on specific topics.

The other two counties identified those in need of nutritional assistance in their communities, even though the targets were at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of age.

They all started as good ideas, but ideas don’t actually do anything on their own. They require the effort of individuals or groups to move beyond the theoretical and make it reality. Ideas are easy, but their execution requires more than just a belief. Ideas require champions if they are to make any real impact.

While these four ideas originated in Kansas, it was their champions who rightfully got the change to present on a national stage. The best ideas inspire others. Hopefully, these ideas will ignite new champions across the country who will borrow the goals and intentions and adapt them into projects tailored to their communities.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587998382293.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauFarm Bureau members of Kansas were well represented at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this month. Young Farmers and Ranchers representatives did well in their respective competitive events, with Lane County’s Mindy McMillen winning the national Discussion Meet and Jacquelyne Leffler placing in the top 10 for the Achievement Award.The state’s voting delegates successfully lobbied to include policy supporting federal funding of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Laboratory in Manhattan to address current and emergent threats.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>And four county Farm Bureaus were selected to share programs they developed through AFBF’s County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Awards. As part of the honor, the counties represented Kansas in the convention trade show and shared their award-winning programs with attendees from across the country who could take those ideas back to their own communities.It’s worth noting that only 24 counties were recognized, so Kansas accounted for one-sixth of the CAE trade show booths, consisting of the following programs:Atchison County: Started its Local Fresh for All program to provide gift certificates to the local farmers market for youth ages 9-19.Franklin County: Partnered with a local recreation commission to host the Ag Education Summer Series, which facilitated and hosted lessons, demonstrations and farm tours over eight weeks in the summer.Jackson County: Created a Livestock Summit to strengthen knowledge of 4-H exhibitors on livestock selection, nutrition, showmanship and carcass evaluation.Meade County: Started the Silver Plate Project as a community-focused effort that provided shelf-stable and easy-to-prepare meals for senior citizens in rural areas to reduce food insecurity.Walking through the two dozen booths, it was impossible to point to one program or activity as the best, aside from our four homegrown honorees, of course.While the programs were broadly similar, they were also carefully tailored to the specific needs identified by county Farm Bureaus. One program provided broad instruction to a general audience while another sought to educate a narrow group on specific topics.The other two counties identified those in need of nutritional assistance in their communities, even though the targets were at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of age.They all started as good ideas, but ideas don’t actually do anything on their own. They require the effort of individuals or groups to move beyond the theoretical and make it reality. Ideas are easy, but their execution requires more than just a belief. Ideas require champions if they are to make any real impact.While these four ideas originated in Kansas, it was their champions who rightfully got the change to present on a national stage. The best ideas inspire others. Hopefully, these ideas will ignite new champions across the country who will borrow the goals and intentions and adapt them into projects tailored to their communities."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: Champions of ideas

<figure>
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 </figure><div><iframe style="height:40rem;width:100%;" class="w-full" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.widgets.investing.com/live-commodities?theme=darkTheme&amp;pairs=8849,8869,8917,961618,954867,8913,8914,8862,959199,8918,8916"></iframe></div><div> </div><div> </div></div><figure>
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 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
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Current commodities

Above-normal precipitation brought short-term drought relief to parts of the central Plains, while dry conditions allowed drought to expand in portions of the northern High Plains, according to the latest regional climate summary.

Rainfall was heaviest across eastern Colorado, Kansas, and southeast Nebraska, where warm temperatures allowed most of the moisture to fall as rain and effectively infiltrate soils. As a result, abnormally dry conditions and areas of moderate drought improved in southeast Nebraska, eastern Kansas, and parts of south-central Colorado.

Outside of those areas, much of the region saw little to no precipitation. Dry weather contributed to expanding drought conditions across eastern Wyoming, west-central South Dakota, and northeast Colorado.

Temperatures across the region averaged well above normal for the period. Most locations experienced temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal, with parts of the Dakotas and eastern Montana running 15 to 20 degrees above average. Southeast Colorado was the lone area where temperatures were near to slightly below normal.

Climate officials note that while recent rainfall has provided temporary relief in some areas, continued moisture will be necessary to sustain improvements and prevent further drought expansion as winter progresses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768495786851.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Above-normal precipitation brought short-term drought relief to parts of the central Plains, while dry conditions allowed drought to expand in portions of the northern High Plains, according to the latest regional climate summary.Rainfall was heaviest across eastern Colorado, Kansas, and southeast Nebraska, where warm temperatures allowed most of the moisture to fall as rain and effectively infiltrate soils. As a result, abnormally dry conditions and areas of moderate drought improved in southeast Nebraska, eastern Kansas, and parts of south-central Colorado.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Outside of those areas, much of the region saw little to no precipitation. Dry weather contributed to expanding drought conditions across eastern Wyoming, west-central South Dakota, and northeast Colorado.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768495925180.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Temperatures across the region averaged well above normal for the period. Most locations experienced temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal, with parts of the Dakotas and eastern Montana running 15 to 20 degrees above average. Southeast Colorado was the lone area where temperatures were near to slightly below normal.Climate officials note that while recent rainfall has provided temporary relief in some areas, continued moisture will be necessary to sustain improvements and prevent further drought expansion as winter progresses.

Drought Monitor: Some short-term relief for central Plains

JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

People traveling to Anaheim, Calif., are usually in search of a magical adventure at Disneyland. This past weekend it was one of the most magical places on earth for farm leaders as the site of the  American Farm Bureau Convention. 

It has been a few years since I last attended the event. As I walked through the convention halls, I was reminded why this event continues to matter — especially for the next generation of agriculture. The hallways were filled with energy, purpose and a strong sense of belonging for those committed to agriculture’s future.

Five of our local collegiate Farm Bureau members traveled with me to the conference. These students weren’t just observing — they were learning about policy and technology, asking thoughtful questions, serving as volunteers for convention activities and networking with professionals twice their age.

It is always my hope that this first exposure to the scale of Farm Bureau and the breadth of opportunities within the agriculture industry ignites a passion to become leaders for the future. There’s something almost magical about watching young people realize they’re part of something bigger than themselves, connected by shared values and a common goal of advancing agriculture.

Another cornerstone of the American Farm Bureau Convention is the celebrating the leadership, skill and impact of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program (YF&amp;R) across the country through three competitive events: Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture and the Achievement Award. These events are more than contests; they’re platforms that elevate new voices and showcase the work they do to make their farms or careers, the industry and their communities better. 

Watching competitors share their ideas, business models, challenges and personal journeys is inspiring. Each participant brings a unique perspective shaped by geography, family history and personal experience, yet all share a common dedication to agriculture. The confidence and professionalism displayed throughout these competitions speak volumes about the strength of the next generation.

These young farmers and ranchers are balancing tradition with progress — honoring the past while embracing new technologies and ideas. Their willingness to step forward, compete and represent agriculture publicly is something worth celebrating. It’s a reminder that leadership in agriculture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built through opportunity, encouragement and platforms like Farm Bureau.

On a more personal level, one of the highlights of attending the convention was reconnecting with friends from across the country. In agriculture, relationships matter. I have to plan extra travel time throughout the day because I can’t walk from one event to another without running into two to three people I know. From catching up with friends now working in different corners of the industry to meeting face-to-face with former mentors or peers from every era of my career, it is heartwarming and fulfilling to be with so many incredible friends.

Those relationships are what sustain this industry through challenges and change. Seeing familiar faces from across the country reinforced how interconnected agriculture truly is. Even though we may raise different commodities or work in different sectors, the foundation is the same — service, stewardship, and a commitment to rural America.

This meeting is magical not because it is right next to Disneyland but because it’s a gathering place where agricultural leaders connect, ideas are exchanged, and the future of our industry is actively shaped.

Seeing students step into leadership, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and celebrating young farmers and ranchers reaffirmed why events like this matter. Agriculture’s story is being written every day, and after attending this convention, I’m confident the next chapters are in strong hands.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587998382293.jpeg" alt="Insight Logo" />
 <figcaption>Insight Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherPeople traveling to Anaheim, Calif., are usually in search of a magical adventure at Disneyland. This past weekend it was one of the most magical places on earth for farm leaders as the site of the American Farm Bureau Convention. It has been a few years since I last attended the event. As I walked through the convention halls, I was reminded why this event continues to matter — especially for the next generation of agriculture. The hallways were filled with energy, purpose and a strong sense of belonging for those committed to agriculture’s future.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Five of our local collegiate Farm Bureau members traveled with me to the conference. These students weren’t just observing — they were learning about policy and technology, asking thoughtful questions, serving as volunteers for convention activities and networking with professionals twice their age.It is always my hope that this first exposure to the scale of Farm Bureau and the breadth of opportunities within the agriculture industry ignites a passion to become leaders for the future. There’s something almost magical about watching young people realize they’re part of something bigger than themselves, connected by shared values and a common goal of advancing agriculture.Another cornerstone of the American Farm Bureau Convention is the celebrating the leadership, skill and impact of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program (YF&amp;R) across the country through three competitive events: Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture and the Achievement Award. These events are more than contests; they’re platforms that elevate new voices and showcase the work they do to make their farms or careers, the industry and their communities better. Watching competitors share their ideas, business models, challenges and personal journeys is inspiring. Each participant brings a unique perspective shaped by geography, family history and personal experience, yet all share a common dedication to agriculture. The confidence and professionalism displayed throughout these competitions speak volumes about the strength of the next generation.These young farmers and ranchers are balancing tradition with progress — honoring the past while embracing new technologies and ideas. Their willingness to step forward, compete and represent agriculture publicly is something worth celebrating. It’s a reminder that leadership in agriculture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built through opportunity, encouragement and platforms like Farm Bureau.On a more personal level, one of the highlights of attending the convention was reconnecting with friends from across the country. In agriculture, relationships matter. I have to plan extra travel time throughout the day because I can’t walk from one event to another without running into two to three people I know. From catching up with friends now working in different corners of the industry to meeting face-to-face with former mentors or peers from every era of my career, it is heartwarming and fulfilling to be with so many incredible friends.Those relationships are what sustain this industry through challenges and change. Seeing familiar faces from across the country reinforced how interconnected agriculture truly is. Even though we may raise different commodities or work in different sectors, the foundation is the same — service, stewardship, and a commitment to rural America.This meeting is magical not because it is right next to Disneyland but because it’s a gathering place where agricultural leaders connect, ideas are exchanged, and the future of our industry is actively shaped.Seeing students step into leadership, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and celebrating young farmers and ranchers reaffirmed why events like this matter. Agriculture’s story is being written every day, and after attending this convention, I’m confident the next chapters are in strong hands."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: The most magical meeting in agriculture

The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report points to generally larger supplies and higher ending stocks for most major commodities in the 2025/26 marketing year, with prices under pressure in grains and oilseeds but firmer trends in cotton and some livestock sectors.

U.S. wheat supplies are projected slightly higher as beginning stocks were revised upward. Domestic feed and residual use is reduced, while exports remain unchanged. Ending stocks are forecast at 926 million bushels, up 8 percent from the previous year, pushing the season-average farm price down 10 cents to $4.90 per bushel.

Globally, wheat supplies, consumption, trade, and ending stocks all increase, driven by sharply higher production in Argentina and Russia, which more than offsets declines elsewhere.

The U.S. corn crop is forecast at a record 17.0 billion bushels on higher yields and expanded harvested acreage. Feed and residual use rises, but supplies grow faster than demand, boosting ending stocks to 2.2 billion bushels. Despite larger stocks, the season-average corn price is raised to $4.10 per bushel.

Worldwide, coarse grain production and stocks increase, led by a record corn crop in China.

U.S. rice supplies decline due to lower production and imports, while domestic and residual use rises to a record level. Exports are reduced on weaker sales, cutting ending stocks by 9 percent from last year. The all-rice season-average farm price increases 20 cents to $11.80 per hundredweight.

Globally, rice supplies and ending stocks rise, primarily on higher production and larger stocks in China and Japan.

U.S. soybean production increases modestly, but exports are lowered amid strong competition from Brazil. Ending stocks rise to 350 million bushels, contributing to a 30-cent drop in the projected season-average price to $10.20 per bushel.

Globally, soybean production and stocks increase, with Brazil’s crop boosted by favorable growing conditions.

U.S. sugar production is projected slightly higher, more than offsetting reduced imports. Ending stocks rise, increasing the stocks-to-use ratio. In Mexico, sugar production is higher than last year but below last month’s forecast due to harvest delays tied to weather impacts.

Red meat and poultry production forecasts are raised for 2025 and 2026, led by higher beef and pork output. Cattle prices for 2026 are raised on tighter fed cattle supplies, while hog prices remain steady. The all-milk price averages $21.15 per hundredweight in 2025 but is projected to decline to $18.25 in 2026.

U.S. cotton production is reduced due to lower yields, particularly in the Delta, tightening ending stocks and lifting the season-average farm price to 61 cents per pound. Globally, cotton production and ending stocks decline, reducing the global stocks-to-use ratio.

Overall, the January WASDE report highlights ample global supplies for most grains and oilseeds, keeping prices in check, while tighter conditions in cotton and selected livestock markets provide targeted price support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767221733003.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report points to generally larger supplies and higher ending stocks for most major commodities in the 2025/26 marketing year, with prices under pressure in grains and oilseeds but firmer trends in cotton and some livestock sectors.WheatU.S. wheat supplies are projected slightly higher as beginning stocks were revised upward. Domestic feed and residual use is reduced, while exports remain unchanged. Ending stocks are forecast at 926 million bushels, up 8 percent from the previous year, pushing the season-average farm price down 10 cents to $4.90 per bushel.Globally, wheat supplies, consumption, trade, and ending stocks all increase, driven by sharply higher production in Argentina and Russia, which more than offsets declines elsewhere.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Corn and Coarse GrainsThe U.S. corn crop is forecast at a record 17.0 billion bushels on higher yields and expanded harvested acreage. Feed and residual use rises, but supplies grow faster than demand, boosting ending stocks to 2.2 billion bushels. Despite larger stocks, the season-average corn price is raised to $4.10 per bushel.Worldwide, coarse grain production and stocks increase, led by a record corn crop in China.RiceU.S. rice supplies decline due to lower production and imports, while domestic and residual use rises to a record level. Exports are reduced on weaker sales, cutting ending stocks by 9 percent from last year. The all-rice season-average farm price increases 20 cents to $11.80 per hundredweight.Globally, rice supplies and ending stocks rise, primarily on higher production and larger stocks in China and Japan.Soybeans and OilseedsU.S. soybean production increases modestly, but exports are lowered amid strong competition from Brazil. Ending stocks rise to 350 million bushels, contributing to a 30-cent drop in the projected season-average price to $10.20 per bushel.Globally, soybean production and stocks increase, with Brazil’s crop boosted by favorable growing conditions.SugarU.S. sugar production is projected slightly higher, more than offsetting reduced imports. Ending stocks rise, increasing the stocks-to-use ratio. In Mexico, sugar production is higher than last year but below last month’s forecast due to harvest delays tied to weather impacts.Livestock, Poultry, and DairyRed meat and poultry production forecasts are raised for 2025 and 2026, led by higher beef and pork output. Cattle prices for 2026 are raised on tighter fed cattle supplies, while hog prices remain steady. The all-milk price averages $21.15 per hundredweight in 2025 but is projected to decline to $18.25 in 2026.CottonU.S. cotton production is reduced due to lower yields, particularly in the Delta, tightening ending stocks and lifting the season-average farm price to 61 cents per pound. Globally, cotton production and ending stocks decline, reducing the global stocks-to-use ratio.Overall, the January WASDE report highlights ample global supplies for most grains and oilseeds, keeping prices in check, while tighter conditions in cotton and selected livestock markets provide targeted price support.

USDA report shows larger grain supplies, mixed price outlook

A Kansas-developed wheat variety has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind trophy honoring Bill Snyder, blending Kansas State University research, farmer stewardship and K-State football tradition into a single handcrafted work of art.

American master straw artist Marian Vavra created the trophy using the KS Bill Snyder hard red winter wheat variety, released in 2023 through K-State and licensed by the Kansas Wheat Alliance. The trophy was hand-built entirely from the wheat straw itself and designed as a ceremonial tribute to Coach Snyder’s legacy and Kansas agriculture.

“This piece gave me a way to honor Coach Snyder while also honoring the researchers who breed wheat and the farmers who decide what seed to plant,” said Vavra. “It brings all of those stories together in one form.”

The project began during the 2025 Wheat Plot Tour at the K-State Research and Extension John C. Pair Horticultural Center, where Vavra first saw the KS Bill Snyder variety growing in the field. While most visitors discussed agronomic performance and yield potential, Vavra evaluated the wheat for artistic qualities such as straw strength, stem length, head shape and color.

Because research plots cannot be harvested, the wheat used for the trophy was sourced from licensed test fields near Yoder, Kansas. With permission from Kauffman Seed Company, Vavra hand-harvested six bundles of KS Bill Snyder wheat in June, using three bundles entirely to create the finished piece.

The trophy’s design is inspired by a traditional Ukrainian harvest form known as a didukh, a symbolic sheaf that represents legacy, renewal and gratitude. Vavra adapted the three-tiered structure to reflect Kansas wheat production, K-State research and the lasting culture of agriculture in the state.

“Wheat carries history with it,” Vavra said. “From the people who brought seed to Kansas, to the breeders who improve it, to the farmers who grow it, this trophy reflects that entire journey.”

The upper tier of the trophy features fanned wheat heads and a straw star symbolizing the Kansas motto, Ad astra per aspera. The middle tier represents Kansas soil and the abundance held within each wheat head. The lower tier serves as the foundation and features a football medallion that transforms the piece into a recognizable trophy.

Every element of the football was made from the KS Bill Snyder wheat itself. Straw was flattened to create the football surface, while fine straw threads were spun and sewn to form seams and edging. Purple ribbon and trim were added as finishing touches to clearly mark the piece as a K-State tribute.

The back of the football documents the trophy’s creation, including the wheat’s harvest location, licensing and release through K-State research. While inspired by traditional straw techniques, the football design and K-State symbolism make the piece an original artistic work.

This project highlights how Kansas wheat extends beyond the field, reflecting the connection between research programs, seed companies, farmers and Kansas culture.

The Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.

Support the KS Bill Snyder variety and wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign through the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF) at <a href="http://ksbillsnyder.com">ksbillsnyder.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767927160933.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS WHEATA Kansas-developed wheat variety has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind trophy honoring Bill Snyder, blending Kansas State University research, farmer stewardship and K-State football tradition into a single handcrafted work of art.American master straw artist Marian Vavra created the trophy using the KS Bill Snyder hard red winter wheat variety, released in 2023 through K-State and licensed by the Kansas Wheat Alliance. The trophy was hand-built entirely from the wheat straw itself and designed as a ceremonial tribute to Coach Snyder’s legacy and Kansas agriculture.“This piece gave me a way to honor Coach Snyder while also honoring the researchers who breed wheat and the farmers who decide what seed to plant,” said Vavra. “It brings all of those stories together in one form.”The project began during the 2025 Wheat Plot Tour at the K-State Research and Extension John C. Pair Horticultural Center, where Vavra first saw the KS Bill Snyder variety growing in the field. While most visitors discussed agronomic performance and yield potential, Vavra evaluated the wheat for artistic qualities such as straw strength, stem length, head shape and color.Because research plots cannot be harvested, the wheat used for the trophy was sourced from licensed test fields near Yoder, Kansas. With permission from Kauffman Seed Company, Vavra hand-harvested six bundles of KS Bill Snyder wheat in June, using three bundles entirely to create the finished piece.The trophy’s design is inspired by a traditional Ukrainian harvest form known as a didukh, a symbolic sheaf that represents legacy, renewal and gratitude. Vavra adapted the three-tiered structure to reflect Kansas wheat production, K-State research and the lasting culture of agriculture in the state.“Wheat carries history with it,” Vavra said. “From the people who brought seed to Kansas, to the breeders who improve it, to the farmers who grow it, this trophy reflects that entire journey.”The upper tier of the trophy features fanned wheat heads and a straw star symbolizing the Kansas motto, Ad astra per aspera. The middle tier represents Kansas soil and the abundance held within each wheat head. The lower tier serves as the foundation and features a football medallion that transforms the piece into a recognizable trophy.Every element of the football was made from the KS Bill Snyder wheat itself. Straw was flattened to create the football surface, while fine straw threads were spun and sewn to form seams and edging. Purple ribbon and trim were added as finishing touches to clearly mark the piece as a K-State tribute.The back of the football documents the trophy’s creation, including the wheat’s harvest location, licensing and release through K-State research. While inspired by traditional straw techniques, the football design and K-State symbolism make the piece an original artistic work.This project highlights how Kansas wheat extends beyond the field, reflecting the connection between research programs, seed companies, farmers and Kansas culture.The Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.Support the KS Bill Snyder variety and wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign through the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF) at <a href="http://ksbillsnyder.com">ksbillsnyder.com</a>

From Field to Trophy: Kansas Wheat Honors Coach Bill Snyder

RAFAEL GARCIA K-State News and Communications Services

In an age where fast-moving, low-flying unmanned drones can spray crops miles away from a base station, Lukas Koch emphasizes that farmers still get their boots dirty.

Drones are simply the next frontier in agricultural technology, Koch said. Decades of advancements in farming technology, techniques,&nbsp;and tools&nbsp;enable&nbsp;one farmer to&nbsp;accomplish&nbsp;work that, less than&nbsp;a century ago, required dozens of people to do.

But&nbsp;it's still a farmer's calloused hands that sort through soil, steer a tractor's wheel or&nbsp;guide&nbsp;a drone's controls,&nbsp;highlighting the&nbsp;need to find the best ways to&nbsp;bring&nbsp;innovations into&nbsp;the&nbsp;hands&nbsp;of farmers.

That's why Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/">Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics</a>, or ID3A, is partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://kellyhills.us/about/">Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems</a>&nbsp;to develop the next generation of precision agriculture alongside those who will implement it.

Kelly Hills, K-State ID3A collaboration builds research, engagement and commercialization

As CEO of Kelly Hills, established in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services and based in northeast Kansas, Koch has worked to grow the company into a national leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://kellyhills.us/about/">building connections</a>&nbsp;between the companies and organizations developing cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies and the farmers who can put them to valuable use.

"A fantastic place for that to happen is at the university level," said Koch, who is also a 2018 and 2019 K-State alumnus. "A&nbsp;public-private partnership between a company like Kelly Hills and a university like K-State allows for this sandbox where all of this can come together, leveraging the reach of K-State Extension and its research."

Matching the strengths of each organization, the collaboration focuses on three key pillars:

Besides&nbsp;its extensive network of industry connections, Kelly Hills is also a valuable partner for K-State&nbsp;because of&nbsp;<a href="https://kellyhills.us/test-range/">its nearly 50,000-square-mile test range</a>&nbsp;and experience with the Pyka Pelican 2 —&nbsp;the world's largest autonomous agricultural aircraft and the largest uncrewed aerial system authorized by the FAA for commercial use.

But one of the company's biggest assets is its ability to connect with on-the-ground farmers, said&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/McCornack-Brian.html">Brian McCornack</a>, an ID3A director at K-State.

"They're creating a lot of excitement around what they're doing," McCornack said. "They have the ears of the producers in their area, and they're growing excitement beyond that. When you have that kind of excitement and investment from farmers, it makes it easier for us to partner with farmers, listen to their needs and figure out solutions together with them."

Creating an uncrewed aerial systems pipeline

In addition to K-State's expertise in agriculture and unmanned aerial systems, K-State will play a big role in helping Kelly Hills work with the large data sets collected from farmers' lands, said Ajay Sharda, professor of biological and agricultural engineering and an ID3A director.

"We have a diverse range of skillsets, including remote sensing, data analytics, working with large and small machines, and economic responses," said Sharda, who also taught Koch during his time at K-State. "There's a whole team of people, and they're all directly or indirectly involved with ID3A. It's an amazing opportunity for us to put a pin on the map."

Through each of the three pillars, Kelly Hills and K-State will collaborate on innovative ways to scale up the technology and reduce costs.

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems partners with companies like Hylio, a Texas-based American drone manufacturer.

Farmers juggle a variety of equipment, input and operational costs, and typically aren't looking to spend more, Sharda said.

"But they are looking to spend smarter, and this is a perfect spot for us to help make a business case for this technology," Sharda said.

Long-term, the collaboration will result in resources, tools and education that familiarize, train and encourage farmers and other interested industry partners in the use of uncrewed aerial systems at scale.

"When you look at how much agriculture exists within Kansas, it's crucial to have a pipeline of folks who can provide additional support in industry areas like fertility, pest protection or crop monitoring — all those services that help support an industry that is half of Kansas' GDP," McCornack said.

For Koch, there's a sense of personal satisfaction in working with professors he learned from and appreciated, while also serving a state he loves.

Having grown up on a technology-forward farm, he's seen the transformative power of next-generation agricultural technology in Kansas, and he wants Kelly Hills and K-State to unlock that innovation for the world.

"We're early in it, but with a relationship like this, we can build on K-State's mission to serve people across Kansas and the world as a land-grant university," Koch said. "It's a unique state and position for K-State to be in to do research that benefits farmers across the wide variety of regions in Kansas, and I see a future where we can work together and bring that value back for everyone."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767839619914.jpeg" alt="In a new partnership between K-State's Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, the two organizations are leveraging each other's strengths in areas such as industry engagement, research expertise and more. (Courtesy K-State News and Communication Service)" />
 <figcaption>In a new partnership between K-State's Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, the two organizations are leveraging each other's strengths in areas such as industry engagement, research expertise and more. (Courtesy K-State News and Communication Service)</figcaption>
 </figure>RAFAEL GARCIA K-State News and Communications ServicesIn an age where fast-moving, low-flying unmanned drones can spray crops miles away from a base station, Lukas Koch emphasizes that farmers still get their boots dirty.Drones are simply the next frontier in agricultural technology, Koch said. Decades of advancements in farming technology, techniques,&nbsp;and tools&nbsp;enable&nbsp;one farmer to&nbsp;accomplish&nbsp;work that, less than&nbsp;a century ago, required dozens of people to do.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>But&nbsp;it's still a farmer's calloused hands that sort through soil, steer a tractor's wheel or&nbsp;guide&nbsp;a drone's controls,&nbsp;highlighting the&nbsp;need to find the best ways to&nbsp;bring&nbsp;innovations into&nbsp;the&nbsp;hands&nbsp;of farmers.That's why Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/">Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics</a>, or ID3A, is partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://kellyhills.us/about/">Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems</a>&nbsp;to develop the next generation of precision agriculture alongside those who will implement it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767839784952.jpeg" alt="Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Unmanned Systems, presents on the Pyka — the largest commercial drone approved by to operate in the U.S. by the Federal Aviation Administration — at the AI in Kansas Ag Conference, co-hosted by ID3A and K-State Extension in summer 2025. (Courtesy K-State News and Communications)" />
 <figcaption>Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Unmanned Systems, presents on the Pyka — the largest commercial drone approved by to operate in the U.S. by the Federal Aviation Administration — at the AI in Kansas Ag Conference, co-hosted by ID3A and K-State Extension in summer 2025. (Courtesy K-State News and Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly Hills, K-State ID3A collaboration builds research, engagement and commercializationAs CEO of Kelly Hills, established in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services and based in northeast Kansas, Koch has worked to grow the company into a national leader,&nbsp;<a href="https://kellyhills.us/about/">building connections</a>&nbsp;between the companies and organizations developing cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies and the farmers who can put them to valuable use."A fantastic place for that to happen is at the university level," said Koch, who is also a 2018 and 2019 K-State alumnus. "A&nbsp;public-private partnership between a company like Kelly Hills and a university like K-State allows for this sandbox where all of this can come together, leveraging the reach of K-State Extension and its research."Matching the strengths of each organization, the collaboration focuses on three key pillars:<ol>
 <li>Research and development — K-State and Kelly Hills will collaborate on unmanned aerial technology research for precision agriculture, focusing on areas like optimized aerial spraying for crop protection, remote sensing methods, data analytics integration and autonomous navigation, among other areas.</li><li>Community engagement — The partners will work together to engage agricultural communities, policymakers and industry stakeholders through educational outreach, drone demonstration events and technology awareness programs — all aimed at promoting the safe, effective and sustainable adoption of unmanned aerial systems in farming operations.</li><li>Industry demonstration and technology transfer — Through real-world demonstrations and field trials, K-State and Kelly Hills will help promote the use of unmanned aerial systems and encourage the adoption and commercialization of emerging UAS technologies within the agricultural sector.</li>
 </ol>Besides&nbsp;its extensive network of industry connections, Kelly Hills is also a valuable partner for K-State&nbsp;because of&nbsp;<a href="https://kellyhills.us/test-range/">its nearly 50,000-square-mile test range</a>&nbsp;and experience with the Pyka Pelican 2 —&nbsp;the world's largest autonomous agricultural aircraft and the largest uncrewed aerial system authorized by the FAA for commercial use.But one of the company's biggest assets is its ability to connect with on-the-ground farmers, said&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/McCornack-Brian.html">Brian McCornack</a>, an ID3A director at K-State."They're creating a lot of excitement around what they're doing," McCornack said. "They have the ears of the producers in their area, and they're growing excitement beyond that. When you have that kind of excitement and investment from farmers, it makes it easier for us to partner with farmers, listen to their needs and figure out solutions together with them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767839941430.jpeg" alt="Brian McCornack, a director for K-State's ID3A, said the institute's partnership with Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems allows the university to work with a company that "has the operational resources and connections to on-the-ground partners and is pushing the envelope for autonomous systems." (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications)" />
 <figcaption>Brian McCornack, a director for K-State's ID3A, said the institute's partnership with Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems allows the university to work with a company that "has the operational resources and connections to on-the-ground partners and is pushing the envelope for autonomous systems." (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>Creating an uncrewed aerial systems pipelineIn addition to K-State's expertise in agriculture and unmanned aerial systems, K-State will play a big role in helping Kelly Hills work with the large data sets collected from farmers' lands, said Ajay Sharda, professor of biological and agricultural engineering and an ID3A director."We have a diverse range of skillsets, including remote sensing, data analytics, working with large and small machines, and economic responses," said Sharda, who also taught Koch during his time at K-State. "There's a whole team of people, and they're all directly or indirectly involved with ID3A. It's an amazing opportunity for us to put a pin on the map."Through each of the three pillars, Kelly Hills and K-State will collaborate on innovative ways to scale up the technology and reduce costs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767840066955.jpeg" alt="A large drone sits on a lawn, preparing to take off. (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications)" />
 <figcaption>A large drone sits on a lawn, preparing to take off. (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems partners with companies like Hylio, a Texas-based American drone manufacturer.Farmers juggle a variety of equipment, input and operational costs, and typically aren't looking to spend more, Sharda said."But they are looking to spend smarter, and this is a perfect spot for us to help make a business case for this technology," Sharda said.Long-term, the collaboration will result in resources, tools and education that familiarize, train and encourage farmers and other interested industry partners in the use of uncrewed aerial systems at scale."When you look at how much agriculture exists within Kansas, it's crucial to have a pipeline of folks who can provide additional support in industry areas like fertility, pest protection or crop monitoring — all those services that help support an industry that is half of Kansas' GDP," McCornack said.For Koch, there's a sense of personal satisfaction in working with professors he learned from and appreciated, while also serving a state he loves.Having grown up on a technology-forward farm, he's seen the transformative power of next-generation agricultural technology in Kansas, and he wants Kelly Hills and K-State to unlock that innovation for the world."We're early in it, but with a relationship like this, we can build on K-State's mission to serve people across Kansas and the world as a land-grant university," Koch said. "It's a unique state and position for K-State to be in to do research that benefits farmers across the wide variety of regions in Kansas, and I see a future where we can work together and bring that value back for everyone."

Sky-high innovation, boots-on-ground farmer insight

KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

It seems as if we just wrapped up our fall harvest and now we have started a whole new year.

While we have officially entered the winter season on the farm where things slow down for us just a bit, there’s still plenty to do. 

There are a few fields in our area that still need to be harvested, but the majority of the farms in our area have the grain out of the fields and cattle have been moved in to graze the remaining stalks for a few months this winter.

While I grew up helping feed cattle over the winter months, breaking ice and occasionally bringing a calf inside to warm up or feed it with a tube, my winters are now void of that.

A handful of years ago we transitioned to 100 percent fall calving. We no longer bundle up in multiple layers of clothing to conduct routine checks in the darkness of winter for newly born calves.

While I miss having my children experience that season, I’m thankful our cattle have a place to graze during the winter and get bred before they return to our location in late spring. 

We may not be monitoring the arrival of newborn calves during the winter months any longer, but we are preparing for the arrival of our next group of lambs.

The ewes are definitely showing signs that our winter lambing season is quickly approaching. And while we might not have calves warming up in the mud room any longer, there’s always a chance a little lamb or two will be brought inside allowing my kids the opportunity to dry them off, warm them up or even bottle-feed a baby or two.

Before these little lambs start arriving, the goal is to have the maternity pens prepped and ready. The pens are inside the barn and provide a warmer experience for everyone involved. The warming lamps also need to be tested and set. Hay and grain also need to be moved closer to where we’ll be spending more time at for the next few months.

Who will lamb first? How many will she lamb? Will we have enough room for all the babies? What’s the weather look like? 

There are so many questions that my family is starting to ask. While we don’t know the answers to any of the questions yet, we will surely know some of them soon. 

It’s always an exciting time as we prepare for and await the first arrivals of the winter lambing season.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584374831676.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherIt seems as if we just wrapped up our fall harvest and now we have started a whole new year.While we have officially entered the winter season on the farm where things slow down for us just a bit, there’s still plenty to do. There are a few fields in our area that still need to be harvested, but the majority of the farms in our area have the grain out of the fields and cattle have been moved in to graze the remaining stalks for a few months this winter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>While I grew up helping feed cattle over the winter months, breaking ice and occasionally bringing a calf inside to warm up or feed it with a tube, my winters are now void of that.A handful of years ago we transitioned to 100 percent fall calving. We no longer bundle up in multiple layers of clothing to conduct routine checks in the darkness of winter for newly born calves.While I miss having my children experience that season, I’m thankful our cattle have a place to graze during the winter and get bred before they return to our location in late spring. We may not be monitoring the arrival of newborn calves during the winter months any longer, but we are preparing for the arrival of our next group of lambs.The ewes are definitely showing signs that our winter lambing season is quickly approaching. And while we might not have calves warming up in the mud room any longer, there’s always a chance a little lamb or two will be brought inside allowing my kids the opportunity to dry them off, warm them up or even bottle-feed a baby or two.Before these little lambs start arriving, the goal is to have the maternity pens prepped and ready. The pens are inside the barn and provide a warmer experience for everyone involved. The warming lamps also need to be tested and set. Hay and grain also need to be moved closer to where we’ll be spending more time at for the next few months.Who will lamb first? How many will she lamb? Will we have enough room for all the babies? What’s the weather look like? There are so many questions that my family is starting to ask. While we don’t know the answers to any of the questions yet, we will surely know some of them soon. It’s always an exciting time as we prepare for and await the first arrivals of the winter lambing season."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: Little lamb preparations

Kansas farmers are facing one of the most difficult economic periods in years, even after producing record crops during the 2025 growing season, according to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran.

Moran said timely precipitation last summer led to exceptional yields across much of the state, particularly for grain sorghum and corn. Producers in western Kansas reported especially large milo crops following years of persistent drought. While the rainfall created an ideal growing season, the resulting surplus has created new challenges.

“The output costs are less than the input costs,” Moran said, explaining that while crops were plentiful, the cost of producing them has skyrocketed. Fertilizer, fuel, seed, and other inputs remain high, while commodity prices have dropped due to excess supply. As a result, farmers are often selling crops at a loss.

Moran said that in his years representing Kansas producers, current conditions rank among the most difficult he has seen. He noted that the strong harvest followed three to five years of significant drought across much of the state, leaving farmers financially weakened and ill-positioned to withstand another tough year.

“Farmers are not in a position financially to take on more difficulty,” Moran said, adding that weakened balance sheets make it harder for producers to secure financing from lenders.

The senator also pointed to the loss of international markets as a major contributor to the crisis. Kansas produces far more agricultural commodities than it can consume domestically, making exports critical to farm profitability. Moran highlighted the absence of China as a buyer, particularly for grain sorghum and soybeans.

Kansas is the nation’s leading producer of grain sorghum, and China was once a major purchaser. However, Moran said China has shifted its buying to Brazil, and without regaining that market, it is difficult to see how global demand can absorb Kansas’ surplus production.

Moran said federal officials are working to address the issue through trade negotiations. He chairs a committee that funds the U.S. trade ambassador and said hearings have focused on reaching agreements that would reopen markets for American agricultural products.

In addition to trade efforts, Moran said renewable fuels could provide an additional outlet for Kansas crops. He also pointed to global hunger programs as another opportunity, saying surplus grain should be used to help feed people worldwide rather than sitting unused in Kansas.

“We don’t want grain piled on the ground in Kansas while people are starving around the globe,” Moran said.

Ultimately, Moran said resolving trade disputes and securing agreements that allow U.S. agriculture to compete globally is essential to restoring farm profitability.

“The goal has to be to sell,” he said. “We need trade agreements that allow us to sell what we produce here in Kansas and across the country.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743107148666.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostKansas farmers are facing one of the most difficult economic periods in years, even after producing record crops during the 2025 growing season, according to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran.Moran said timely precipitation last summer led to exceptional yields across much of the state, particularly for grain sorghum and corn. Producers in western Kansas reported especially large milo crops following years of persistent drought. While the rainfall created an ideal growing season, the resulting surplus has created new challenges.“The output costs are less than the input costs,” Moran said, explaining that while crops were plentiful, the cost of producing them has skyrocketed. Fertilizer, fuel, seed, and other inputs remain high, while commodity prices have dropped due to excess supply. As a result, farmers are often selling crops at a loss.Moran said that in his years representing Kansas producers, current conditions rank among the most difficult he has seen. He noted that the strong harvest followed three to five years of significant drought across much of the state, leaving farmers financially weakened and ill-positioned to withstand another tough year.“Farmers are not in a position financially to take on more difficulty,” Moran said, adding that weakened balance sheets make it harder for producers to secure financing from lenders.The senator also pointed to the loss of international markets as a major contributor to the crisis. Kansas produces far more agricultural commodities than it can consume domestically, making exports critical to farm profitability. Moran highlighted the absence of China as a buyer, particularly for grain sorghum and soybeans.Kansas is the nation’s leading producer of grain sorghum, and China was once a major purchaser. However, Moran said China has shifted its buying to Brazil, and without regaining that market, it is difficult to see how global demand can absorb Kansas’ surplus production.Moran said federal officials are working to address the issue through trade negotiations. He chairs a committee that funds the U.S. trade ambassador and said hearings have focused on reaching agreements that would reopen markets for American agricultural products.In addition to trade efforts, Moran said renewable fuels could provide an additional outlet for Kansas crops. He also pointed to global hunger programs as another opportunity, saying surplus grain should be used to help feed people worldwide rather than sitting unused in Kansas.“We don’t want grain piled on the ground in Kansas while people are starving around the globe,” Moran said.Ultimately, Moran said resolving trade disputes and securing agreements that allow U.S. agriculture to compete globally is essential to restoring farm profitability.“The goal has to be to sell,” he said. “We need trade agreements that allow us to sell what we produce here in Kansas and across the country.”

Kansas farmers facing financial strain despite record harvests

The Farm Service Agency is offering youth loans to help young people establish and operate agricultural income-producing projects through 4-H, FFA, and other approved agricultural organizations.

The program is designed to give youth hands-on experience in planning, managing, and operating a small agricultural business while developing financial and leadership skills. Projects must be conducted under the guidance of an organization advisor and structured to generate enough income to repay the loan.

Youth loans may be used for a variety of modest agricultural projects, including livestock, crop production, equipment, or other approved enterprises tied to a supervised program of work. The maximum loan amount available through the program is $10,000.

To qualify, applicants must be between 10 and 20 years of age and either be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien. Applicants must also meet general FSA eligibility requirements and demonstrate the ability to manage the project with guidance from an approved project advisor. A project supervisor is required to recommend the youth loan applicant and provide ongoing supervision throughout the project.

Local assistance is available through the Reno County USDA Service Center, which can help families and advisors prepare and submit application forms.

For more information or assistance with the youth loan application process, contact the Reno County USDA Service Center at 620-669-8161 or visit fsa.usda.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596807915701.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>USDAThe Farm Service Agency is offering youth loans to help young people establish and operate agricultural income-producing projects through 4-H, FFA, and other approved agricultural organizations.The program is designed to give youth hands-on experience in planning, managing, and operating a small agricultural business while developing financial and leadership skills. Projects must be conducted under the guidance of an organization advisor and structured to generate enough income to repay the loan.Youth loans may be used for a variety of modest agricultural projects, including livestock, crop production, equipment, or other approved enterprises tied to a supervised program of work. The maximum loan amount available through the program is $10,000.To qualify, applicants must be between 10 and 20 years of age and either be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien. Applicants must also meet general FSA eligibility requirements and demonstrate the ability to manage the project with guidance from an approved project advisor. A project supervisor is required to recommend the youth loan applicant and provide ongoing supervision throughout the project.Local assistance is available through the Reno County USDA Service Center, which can help families and advisors prepare and submit application forms.For more information or assistance with the youth loan application process, contact the Reno County USDA Service Center at 620-669-8161 or visit fsa.usda.gov.

USDA FSA offers youth loans for 4-H and FFA agricultural projects

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Farmers are now learning how much aid they can expect to receive from a&nbsp;$12 billion package&nbsp;that&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;announced earlier this month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;released the figures&nbsp;Wednesday for how much aid per acre farmers can plan on for each row crop. The details arrived after most farmers have already met with their bankers to arrange financing for next year's crops and placed orders for the seed and fertilizer they will need. But officials have promised that the payments should arrive by the end of February.

Soybean farmers&nbsp;have been hit especially hard by Trump's trade war with China, which&nbsp;stopped buying any American crops&nbsp;after Trump announced his tariffs this spring. China is the world's largest buyer of soybeans. This aid package is expected to help farmers weather the trade disruptions until China&nbsp;buys more soybeans&nbsp;under an&nbsp;agreement announced in October&nbsp;and until provisions of Trump's massive budget bill take effect later this year.

Soybean farmers will get $30.88 per acre while corn farmers will receive $44.36 per acre. Another crop hit hard when China stopped buying was sorghum, and those farmers will get $48.11 per acre. The amounts are based on a USDA formula on the cost of production.

Farmers say they need more buyers for their crops

But farmers say the aid&nbsp;won't solve all their problems&nbsp;as they continue to deal with the soaring costs of fertilizer, seeds and labor that make it hard to turn a profit right now. Some agricultural trade groups have said they worry that thousands of farmers could go out of business, but others have said they believe most farmers have the financial resources and equity needed to survive.

Kentucky soybean farmer Caleb Ragland, who was president of the American Soybean Association until recently, said the aid is “a Band-Aid on a deep wound. We need competition and opportunities in the market to make our future brighter.”

The President of the National Corn Growers Association Jed Bower also urged the Trump administration to focus on cultivating additional uses for their crops. Farmers will benefit from having more buyers whether it is for ethanol and animal feed at home or for international markets.

“Corn growers have been sounding the alarm about the fact that farmers have been faced with multiple consecutive years of low corn prices and high input costs,” Bower said. “While this financial assistance is helpful and welcomed, we urgently need the administration and Congress to develop markets in the United States and abroad that will provide growers with more long-term economic certainty.”

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said that is the goal and promised to continue working to open new markets while strengthening the safety net for farmers.

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Darin Johnson said the aid number for soybeans fell short of what farmers had been hoping for, so more help could be needed, though this package will help.

Most farmers remain steadfast supporters of Trump even after the disruptions caused by the trade war. They generally support many of his other policies and believe they will get a better trade deal in the end.

White House and farmers encouraged by China's purchases

These aid payments will add up to $11 billion for row crop farmers who raise corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and other crops. Another $1 billion has been set aside for specialty crops and sugar, but the administration hasn't released any details of aid for those crops.

After Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea in October, the White House said Beijing had promised to buy at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of the calendar year, plus 25 million metric tons a year in each of the next three years. Officials have said China is on track to meet the 12 million metric ton goal by the end of February.

As of Dec. 18, China had bought about 6 million metric tons of soybeans, according to the latest USDA’s weekly report. Separately, the federal agency reported that China since then bought at least three more batches totaling 600,000 metric tons.

Beijing has yet to confirm any commitment to buying 12 million metric tons of soybeans for this season, but the Chinese embassy in Washington said earlier this month that “agricultural trade cooperation between China and the United States is proceeding in an orderly manner.”

However, the recent increase in international purchases is encouraging to farmers, said Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers, who has seen more than 1 million metric tons of sorghum purchased in just the past few weeks. Like soybeans, more than half of the sorghum crop is exported each year with China traditionally being the biggest buyer.

The aid payments will be capped at $155,000 per farmer or entity, and only farms that make less than $900,000 in adjusted gross income will be eligible. During the first Trump administration, a number of large farms found ways around the payment limits and&nbsp;collected millions.

The USDA says&nbsp;the average size&nbsp;of the 1.88 million farms nationwide was 466 acres last year, but many farmers are much larger than that as larger operations have continued to buy up neighboring farms over time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767322199733.jpeg" alt="President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable on farm subsidies in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)" />
 <figcaption>President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable on farm subsidies in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Farmers are now learning how much aid they can expect to receive from a&nbsp;$12 billion package&nbsp;that&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;announced earlier this month.The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;released the figures&nbsp;Wednesday for how much aid per acre farmers can plan on for each row crop. The details arrived after most farmers have already met with their bankers to arrange financing for next year's crops and placed orders for the seed and fertilizer they will need. But officials have promised that the payments should arrive by the end of February.Soybean farmers&nbsp;have been hit especially hard by Trump's trade war with China, which&nbsp;stopped buying any American crops&nbsp;after Trump announced his tariffs this spring. China is the world's largest buyer of soybeans. This aid package is expected to help farmers weather the trade disruptions until China&nbsp;buys more soybeans&nbsp;under an&nbsp;agreement announced in October&nbsp;and until provisions of Trump's massive budget bill take effect later this year.Soybean farmers will get $30.88 per acre while corn farmers will receive $44.36 per acre. Another crop hit hard when China stopped buying was sorghum, and those farmers will get $48.11 per acre. The amounts are based on a USDA formula on the cost of production.Farmers say they need more buyers for their cropsBut farmers say the aid&nbsp;won't solve all their problems&nbsp;as they continue to deal with the soaring costs of fertilizer, seeds and labor that make it hard to turn a profit right now. Some agricultural trade groups have said they worry that thousands of farmers could go out of business, but others have said they believe most farmers have the financial resources and equity needed to survive.Kentucky soybean farmer Caleb Ragland, who was president of the American Soybean Association until recently, said the aid is “a Band-Aid on a deep wound. We need competition and opportunities in the market to make our future brighter.”The President of the National Corn Growers Association Jed Bower also urged the Trump administration to focus on cultivating additional uses for their crops. Farmers will benefit from having more buyers whether it is for ethanol and animal feed at home or for international markets.“Corn growers have been sounding the alarm about the fact that farmers have been faced with multiple consecutive years of low corn prices and high input costs,” Bower said. “While this financial assistance is helpful and welcomed, we urgently need the administration and Congress to develop markets in the United States and abroad that will provide growers with more long-term economic certainty.”Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said that is the goal and promised to continue working to open new markets while strengthening the safety net for farmers.Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Darin Johnson said the aid number for soybeans fell short of what farmers had been hoping for, so more help could be needed, though this package will help.Most farmers remain steadfast supporters of Trump even after the disruptions caused by the trade war. They generally support many of his other policies and believe they will get a better trade deal in the end.White House and farmers encouraged by China's purchasesThese aid payments will add up to $11 billion for row crop farmers who raise corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and other crops. Another $1 billion has been set aside for specialty crops and sugar, but the administration hasn't released any details of aid for those crops.After Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea in October, the White House said Beijing had promised to buy at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of the calendar year, plus 25 million metric tons a year in each of the next three years. Officials have said China is on track to meet the 12 million metric ton goal by the end of February.As of Dec. 18, China had bought about 6 million metric tons of soybeans, according to the latest USDA’s weekly report. Separately, the federal agency reported that China since then bought at least three more batches totaling 600,000 metric tons.Beijing has yet to confirm any commitment to buying 12 million metric tons of soybeans for this season, but the Chinese embassy in Washington said earlier this month that “agricultural trade cooperation between China and the United States is proceeding in an orderly manner.”However, the recent increase in international purchases is encouraging to farmers, said Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers, who has seen more than 1 million metric tons of sorghum purchased in just the past few weeks. Like soybeans, more than half of the sorghum crop is exported each year with China traditionally being the biggest buyer.The aid payments will be capped at $155,000 per farmer or entity, and only farms that make less than $900,000 in adjusted gross income will be eligible. During the first Trump administration, a number of large farms found ways around the payment limits and&nbsp;collected millions.The USDA says&nbsp;the average size&nbsp;of the 1.88 million farms nationwide was 466 acres last year, but many farmers are much larger than that as larger operations have continued to buy up neighboring farms over time.

Farmers can now learn how much aid they will get from Trump administration

We didn’t have any strong tradition around trimming a Christmas tree when I was a child, at least not that I can remember. Obtaining the tree resembled a loose imitation of Clark Griswold as we ventured out to the corner of a pasture to find a red cedar that had managed to escape repeated fires.

Nearly all these adventures were rather uneventful and ended with an indoor evergreen adding a festive look and scent to our house. We’d drape lights over the boughs and hang an assortment of ornaments from the branches, carefully testing the heavier ones against the tree’s thin limbs.

Once erected and decorated, the tree was largely a stationary sentinel overseeing a growing pile of presents. It stood on duty until the packages were distributed on Christmas morning. Its mission completed after a few weeks, the tree was unceremoniously removed and disposed of before the New Year.

This was the tree routine of my childhood with the exception of one year. The only time I can remember we didn’t get, set up or decorate a tree at Christmas has provided one of my family’s most cherished holiday memories and likely the story that’s been retold the most.

Like any good American family story, this adventure began in a vehicle – a green Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40 to be exact. The small, boxy, rugged vehicle wasn’t designed for toting Christmas trees. I also know it wasn’t built for comfort because my brother and I were relegated to the jump seats in the rear, which lacked both cushioning and seatbelts. It was, however, a vehicle created specifically to not get stuck on a hunting trip.

We were after the wrong prey, apparently, because our search for a perfect evergreen ended abruptly when we tried crossing a small draw in the middle of the pasture. The precise details of how we got stuck elude me, but the multiple escape attempts have been told and retold over the years.

When locking in the hubs to engage the four-wheel drive didn’t work, the next option was the winch on the front of the vehicle. The only problem was getting stuck in the middle of a pasture didn’t offer any anchor points. Luckily my dad had packed a mobile mooring for such an occasion. After several minutes of digging, hammering and swearing, he’d secured the ground anchor and attached the winch.

The cable grew taught and the Land Cruiser rocked ever so slightly before the shallow soil holding the anchor gave way and we remained stuck. The only option was a long walk to my grandparents’ house to get help while we stayed with the vehicle.

It didn’t take more than an hour or so for help to arrive in the form of my grandfather driving the tractor with a grin stretching from ear to ear while my father was riding on the hay wagon with his pride slightly defeated.

We were pulled free in short order and went home without a tree. Our presents accumulated under a small, decorative tabletop tree that year. We didn’t know it then, but that was also the start of a new Christmas tradition.

The hunt for a live tree faded as my brother and I grew older and weekends got busier. The decorative tree became the centerpiece for presents, and it still serves that purpose today — only now most of the presents are for grandkids.

While it doesn’t require any trimming, it still serves as a reminder of that fateful adventure so many years ago when a failed routine gave us a story and a new tradition that connects generations that never had the chance to meet.

When we retell the story of getting stuck in search of a Christmas tree, it leads into the narratives, anecdotes and chronicles that make up our family folklore. While getting a tree was once the tradition, it’s been replaced by a story. Every retelling is a reminder that planned moments matter less than the ones that stay with us long enough to be passed along.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587998382293.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>GREG DOERING &nbsp;Kansas Farm BureauWe didn’t have any strong tradition around trimming a Christmas tree when I was a child, at least not that I can remember. Obtaining the tree resembled a loose imitation of Clark Griswold as we ventured out to the corner of a pasture to find a red cedar that had managed to escape repeated fires.Nearly all these adventures were rather uneventful and ended with an indoor evergreen adding a festive look and scent to our house. We’d drape lights over the boughs and hang an assortment of ornaments from the branches, carefully testing the heavier ones against the tree’s thin limbs.Once erected and decorated, the tree was largely a stationary sentinel overseeing a growing pile of presents. It stood on duty until the packages were distributed on Christmas morning. Its mission completed after a few weeks, the tree was unceremoniously removed and disposed of before the New Year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>This was the tree routine of my childhood with the exception of one year. The only time I can remember we didn’t get, set up or decorate a tree at Christmas has provided one of my family’s most cherished holiday memories and likely the story that’s been retold the most.Like any good American family story, this adventure began in a vehicle – a green Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40 to be exact. The small, boxy, rugged vehicle wasn’t designed for toting Christmas trees. I also know it wasn’t built for comfort because my brother and I were relegated to the jump seats in the rear, which lacked both cushioning and seatbelts. It was, however, a vehicle created specifically to not get stuck on a hunting trip.We were after the wrong prey, apparently, because our search for a perfect evergreen ended abruptly when we tried crossing a small draw in the middle of the pasture. The precise details of how we got stuck elude me, but the multiple escape attempts have been told and retold over the years.When locking in the hubs to engage the four-wheel drive didn’t work, the next option was the winch on the front of the vehicle. The only problem was getting stuck in the middle of a pasture didn’t offer any anchor points. Luckily my dad had packed a mobile mooring for such an occasion. After several minutes of digging, hammering and swearing, he’d secured the ground anchor and attached the winch.The cable grew taught and the Land Cruiser rocked ever so slightly before the shallow soil holding the anchor gave way and we remained stuck. The only option was a long walk to my grandparents’ house to get help while we stayed with the vehicle.It didn’t take more than an hour or so for help to arrive in the form of my grandfather driving the tractor with a grin stretching from ear to ear while my father was riding on the hay wagon with his pride slightly defeated.We were pulled free in short order and went home without a tree. Our presents accumulated under a small, decorative tabletop tree that year. We didn’t know it then, but that was also the start of a new Christmas tradition.The hunt for a live tree faded as my brother and I grew older and weekends got busier. The decorative tree became the centerpiece for presents, and it still serves that purpose today — only now most of the presents are for grandkids.While it doesn’t require any trimming, it still serves as a reminder of that fateful adventure so many years ago when a failed routine gave us a story and a new tradition that connects generations that never had the chance to meet.When we retell the story of getting stuck in search of a Christmas tree, it leads into the narratives, anecdotes and chronicles that make up our family folklore. While getting a tree was once the tradition, it’s been replaced by a story. Every retelling is a reminder that planned moments matter less than the ones that stay with us long enough to be passed along."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: Family folklore

The smell of oven-fresh bread and the conversations around it have defined Cindy Falk’s career for 40 years. As she retires from Kansas Wheat, Falk leaves behind a legacy built on education, outreach and a strong connection between Kansas wheat farmers and the consumers who use their product.

Falk began working with the Kansas Wheat Commission in 1985 when she received a phone call, asking her to become a volunteer Speak for Wheat spokesperson. That role grew into a full-time career focused on promoting wheat foods, home baking and science-based nutrition through classrooms, fairs, test kitchens and national organizations.

A central part of Falk’s work was the Kansas Wheat Commission recipe booklet. Beginning in 1988, she contributed to 37 editions, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1966. The booklets became a widely recognized Kansas Wheat resource, distributed across Kansas and nationally to represent wheat farmers and Kansas agriculture.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this job, or I wouldn’t have continued for 40 years,” Falk said. “That one phone call truly changed my life.”

In addition to her work in Kansas, Falk played a major role in domestic wheat promotion through her leadership with the Wheat Foods Council. As public perceptions of grain foods shifted and fad diets gained attention, her priority continued to be science-based education and accurate nutrition information.

Raised on her grandparents’ wheat farm near Laclede, Kan., Falk brought a personal understanding of agriculture to every outreach effort. Whether working the Kansas State Fair booth or welcoming international visitors into the test kitchen, her goal was to help consumers better understand where wheat comes from.

“Consumers want to hear from the wheat farmer,” Falk said. “People like to ask questions and learn directly from the people involved.”

One of Falk’s most visible accomplishments was helping grow the Kansas Festival of Breads into the National Festival of Breads. What began as a state baking contest evolved into the nation’s only amateur yeast bread competition, drawing hundreds of entries from nearly every state and thousands of attendees during its in-person years in Manhattan. 

The event paired baking with education, giving finalists the opportunity to tour wheat farms, ride in combines during harvest and visit mills and elevators. Those experiences helped turn bakers into ambassadors for wheat and Kansas agriculture. The contest has continued as a fully remote baking competition. Participants submit recipes via email, and recipe testing and judging are conducted at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan, Kan. 

As Falk enters retirement, she plans to spend more time with family, travel and continue teaching baking and food skills in her community. While her role with Kansas Wheat is ending, her connection to the wheat industry remains strong.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762093197141.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS WHEATThe smell of oven-fresh bread and the conversations around it have defined Cindy Falk’s career for 40 years. As she retires from Kansas Wheat, Falk leaves behind a legacy built on education, outreach and a strong connection between Kansas wheat farmers and the consumers who use their product.Falk began working with the Kansas Wheat Commission in 1985 when she received a phone call, asking her to become a volunteer Speak for Wheat spokesperson. That role grew into a full-time career focused on promoting wheat foods, home baking and science-based nutrition through classrooms, fairs, test kitchens and national organizations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>A central part of Falk’s work was the Kansas Wheat Commission recipe booklet. Beginning in 1988, she contributed to 37 editions, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1966. The booklets became a widely recognized Kansas Wheat resource, distributed across Kansas and nationally to represent wheat farmers and Kansas agriculture.“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this job, or I wouldn’t have continued for 40 years,” Falk said. “That one phone call truly changed my life.”In addition to her work in Kansas, Falk played a major role in domestic wheat promotion through her leadership with the Wheat Foods Council. As public perceptions of grain foods shifted and fad diets gained attention, her priority continued to be science-based education and accurate nutrition information.Raised on her grandparents’ wheat farm near Laclede, Kan., Falk brought a personal understanding of agriculture to every outreach effort. Whether working the Kansas State Fair booth or welcoming international visitors into the test kitchen, her goal was to help consumers better understand where wheat comes from.“Consumers want to hear from the wheat farmer,” Falk said. “People like to ask questions and learn directly from the people involved.”One of Falk’s most visible accomplishments was helping grow the Kansas Festival of Breads into the National Festival of Breads. What began as a state baking contest evolved into the nation’s only amateur yeast bread competition, drawing hundreds of entries from nearly every state and thousands of attendees during its in-person years in Manhattan. The event paired baking with education, giving finalists the opportunity to tour wheat farms, ride in combines during harvest and visit mills and elevators. Those experiences helped turn bakers into ambassadors for wheat and Kansas agriculture. The contest has continued as a fully remote baking competition. Participants submit recipes via email, and recipe testing and judging are conducted at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan, Kan. As Falk enters retirement, she plans to spend more time with family, travel and continue teaching baking and food skills in her community. While her role with Kansas Wheat is ending, her connection to the wheat industry remains strong.

Wheat Scoop: Cindy Falk - A lifetime of service defined by wheat

ADRIAN SELF National Agricultural Biosecurity Center

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/nabc/">National Agricultural Biosecurity Center</a>&nbsp;is expanding its role on the front lines of animal disease preparedness with a new U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that will immerse extension professionals in realistic outbreak planning across the central U.S.

With $211,248 in new support from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, or NABC, will lead a project called Region 7 Tabletops and Functional Workbooks for Extension Professionals. The effort is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/funding/nadprp">National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program</a>, a Farm Bill initiative that is investing $15.3 million in 68 projects to strengthen animal health infrastructure, biosecurity, emergency planning, training and traceability nationwide.

From October 2025 through September 2027, NABC and its partners will design and deliver tabletop exercises — guided simulations that walk participants through potential foreign or emerging animal disease events — for extension professionals in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Extension agents, state officials and other stakeholders will work through evolving scenarios, practicing how to coordinate response actions, communicate risk and make time-sensitive decisions that protect livestock and the broader agricultural economy.

Alongside the exercises, the project team will produce functional workbooks that extension professionals can carry back to their counties and communities. These workbooks will include adaptable templates, checklists and planning tools that help local leaders tailor outbreak response strategies to their state and county regulations, species of concern and industry partners.

By combining discussion-based training with practical materials, NABC aims to strengthen how extension systems anticipate, coordinate and respond when an animal disease threat emerges. The project places a particular emphasis on improving communication and decision-making during simulated emergencies, so when a real crisis occurs, responders are already familiar with their roles, information pathways and resource needs.

Building a stronger regional network

Marty Vanier, director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, said the project offers a chance to deepen relationships among extension professionals and response partners across state lines.

"Working together in shared exercises allows participants to identify gaps, compare approaches and build trust before an emergency, creating a more cohesive regional network when rapid, coordinated action is essential."

Over the coming months, NABC staff will collaborate with extension leaders in each Region 7 state to refine exercise objectives, recruit participants and pilot test the workbooks. Those partners are expected to include state departments of agriculture, land-grant university specialists, and emergency management agencies that bring additional expertise in surveillance, incident command and public communication.

The new project adds to a growing portfolio of National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program awards at K-State. In recent funding cycles, the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center has earned multiple grants for work ranging from livestock movement analysis to emergency planning and stakeholder outreach, with total awards now exceeding $900,000 to advance national and regional preparedness.

"The Region 7 tabletop project reflects K-State strengths as a next-generation land-grant institution leading collaborative solutions in biosecurity and animal health," said Hans Coetzee, vice president for research. "By partnering with producers, extension networks, and state and federal agencies, the university is helping to develop strategies that prevent and control infectious diseases while supporting the resilience of U.S. livestock industries."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722437360031.png" alt="Practicing biosecurity takes a few extra minutes, but is important for protecting U.S. agriculture. Photo courtesy of National BQA Program..png" />
 <figcaption>Practicing biosecurity takes a few extra minutes, but is important for protecting U.S. agriculture. Photo courtesy of National BQA Program..png</figcaption>
 </figure>ADRIAN SELF National Agricultural Biosecurity CenterKansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/nabc/">National Agricultural Biosecurity Center</a>&nbsp;is expanding its role on the front lines of animal disease preparedness with a new U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that will immerse extension professionals in realistic outbreak planning across the central U.S.With $211,248 in new support from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, or NABC, will lead a project called Region 7 Tabletops and Functional Workbooks for Extension Professionals. The effort is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/funding/nadprp">National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program</a>, a Farm Bill initiative that is investing $15.3 million in 68 projects to strengthen animal health infrastructure, biosecurity, emergency planning, training and traceability nationwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>From October 2025 through September 2027, NABC and its partners will design and deliver tabletop exercises — guided simulations that walk participants through potential foreign or emerging animal disease events — for extension professionals in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Extension agents, state officials and other stakeholders will work through evolving scenarios, practicing how to coordinate response actions, communicate risk and make time-sensitive decisions that protect livestock and the broader agricultural economy.Hands-on tools for extensionAlongside the exercises, the project team will produce functional workbooks that extension professionals can carry back to their counties and communities. These workbooks will include adaptable templates, checklists and planning tools that help local leaders tailor outbreak response strategies to their state and county regulations, species of concern and industry partners.By combining discussion-based training with practical materials, NABC aims to strengthen how extension systems anticipate, coordinate and respond when an animal disease threat emerges. The project places a particular emphasis on improving communication and decision-making during simulated emergencies, so when a real crisis occurs, responders are already familiar with their roles, information pathways and resource needs.Building a stronger regional networkMarty Vanier, director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, said the project offers a chance to deepen relationships among extension professionals and response partners across state lines."Working together in shared exercises allows participants to identify gaps, compare approaches and build trust before an emergency, creating a more cohesive regional network when rapid, coordinated action is essential."Over the coming months, NABC staff will collaborate with extension leaders in each Region 7 state to refine exercise objectives, recruit participants and pilot test the workbooks. Those partners are expected to include state departments of agriculture, land-grant university specialists, and emergency management agencies that bring additional expertise in surveillance, incident command and public communication.Continuing a record of impactThe new project adds to a growing portfolio of National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program awards at K-State. In recent funding cycles, the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center has earned multiple grants for work ranging from livestock movement analysis to emergency planning and stakeholder outreach, with total awards now exceeding $900,000 to advance national and regional preparedness."The Region 7 tabletop project reflects K-State strengths as a next-generation land-grant institution leading collaborative solutions in biosecurity and animal health," said Hans Coetzee, vice president for research. "By partnering with producers, extension networks, and state and federal agencies, the university is helping to develop strategies that prevent and control infectious diseases while supporting the resilience of U.S. livestock industries."

K-State biosecurity center secures grant to boost animal disease preparedness training

An interesting fact about me is that I lived with a Jewish family in college. The woman I rented a bedroom from was a single mom in need of a little extra income. I had all the amenities of living with a family and the added bonus of learning about another culture. 

The family was a bit like people who only attend church on Christmas and Easter or Chr-easters as I often call them. They didn’t practice their faith regularly but celebrated holidays and kindly included me in their holidays, which really broadened my worldview.

I never had an opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah with them as I typically returned home for Christmas break before it began. By chance this year, I was visiting a museum that hosts educational activities for kids on the first day of Hanukkah. Museum staff knew our group was unfamiliar with traditions and practices of the holiday. They invited us to join in some of the fun children’s activities and we gladly accepted the chance to learn more about the culture. 

There were several craft stations for the kids where you could decorate a dreidel, miniature menorah or lantern. They also had orange slices as a sweet snack for participants. 

Our adult group decorated thin round disks with markers and stickers, then a helpful little boy showed us how to slobber glue on a dowel to attach the disc so you can create the spinner. The lanterns were glass jars or plastic bottles decorated to be carried by the kids in a parade through the community later that night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587998382293.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherAn interesting fact about me is that I lived with a Jewish family in college. The woman I rented a bedroom from was a single mom in need of a little extra income. I had all the amenities of living with a family and the added bonus of learning about another culture. The family was a bit like people who only attend church on Christmas and Easter or Chr-easters as I often call them. They didn’t practice their faith regularly but celebrated holidays and kindly included me in their holidays, which really broadened my worldview.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>I never had an opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah with them as I typically returned home for Christmas break before it began. By chance this year, I was visiting a museum that hosts educational activities for kids on the first day of Hanukkah. Museum staff knew our group was unfamiliar with traditions and practices of the holiday. They invited us to join in some of the fun children’s activities and we gladly accepted the chance to learn more about the culture. There were several craft stations for the kids where you could decorate a dreidel, miniature menorah or lantern. They also had orange slices as a sweet snack for participants. Our adult group decorated thin round disks with markers and stickers, then a helpful little boy showed us how to slobber glue on a dowel to attach the disc so you can create the spinner. The lanterns were glass jars or plastic bottles decorated to be carried by the kids in a parade through the community later that night.When it was time to light the menorah, all of the families joined in songs similar to Christmas carols. The songs were in Hebrew. I didn’t understand the words but they were sung with great excitement by the children. Plus, they were accompanied by an accordion which makes everything seem more festive.The event felt just like a Christmas party at a small-town library or community center. Kids creating fun crafts to liven up the celebration, joyful songs sung with more enthusiasm than skill and sweet treats to wrap everything together. The origins and significance of Hanukkah is very different from Christmas but at this event it felt so familiar. The children were having fun with each other, parents were visiting and grandmothers were watching lovingly to make sure everyone had what they needed. Kids were sharing, kindness was flowing and the air was filled with an infectious kind of happiness that only holidays can bring. This brief window into the traditions of Hanukkah wasn’t in-depth or life-changing, but it was the type of memorable experience l cherish. In a world full of hard days and complex problems, it is nice to be reminded of all the good that comes from celebrating holidays together. I love seeing families spending time together, people sharing faith and communities celebrating the traditions that make them unique.As you celebrate this holiday season, I wish you and your family peace, love and joy. May your family traditions bring you together for many years to come."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

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