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KSU ASI Weekly Update

Author: Emily Grund

2025 Feedlot Bootcamp

Posted on by Emily Grund

As a follow-up and connected component of the K-State Feedlot Management Collegiate Boot Camp hosted this past January, 10 students participated in a “feedlot animal health and processing experience” at Tiffany Cattle Co. in Herington, Kansas, on Thursday, April 24. Dr. Jess Hinrichs and other representatives from Zoetis, a key program sponsor, facilitated discussions and activities focused on feedlot health management, including proper cattle implant procedures.

Abby Blackwell, a K-State Animal Sciences & Industry graduate, past Boot Camp participant, and current cattle manager at Tiffany Cattle Co., shared the background, mission, and organization of Tiffany Cattle Co., as well as her personal journey to her current role.

Dr. Chris Cox, a former K-State ASI and CVM graduate, is a veterinarian with Spur Ridge Vet Services in Marion, Kansas, and serves as a consulting veterinarian for Tiffany Cattle Co. He and Dr. Hinrichs led Boot Camp participants through a necropsy/“realizer demonstration” focused on proper injection sites, processing cattle, cattle health and nutritional management, and challenges and opportunities within the feedlot industry.

The goal of the program is to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and professional relationships in feedlot management to help meet the critical need for trained professionals in the industry. Several students who have participated in the program will be completing summer internships in the feedlot industry. This marks the seventh year of the K-State Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching Program.

If you have questions regarding this program, please contact Karol Fike at karol@ksu.edu.

Top Judge Program

Posted on by Emily Grund
Six #KSUASI students were selected to participate in the inaugural Top Judge program, held in conjunction with the 2025 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
The program brought together 20 of the nation’s top collegiate livestock evaluators to prepare for future roles as livestock show judges and industry leaders. Participants had the opportunity to sharpen their skills and connect with professionals across the livestock industry.
K-State participants included:
Jacob Klaudt – Beulah, ND
Cole Murphy – Houstonia, MO
Kyla Mennen – Walton, IN
Logan Buhrman – Wisner, NE
Zane Redifer – Blacksburg, VA
Emerson Tarr – Leroy, IL
It’s great to have #KSUASI Livestock Judging Team alumni serving as mentors and helping develop the next generation of evaluators.

Departmental News – May 6

Posted on by Emily Grund
  • Faculty and Staff Awards Reception: Please join us on May 9 at the Stout Center as we celebrate the accomplishments of our faculty and staff. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served starting at 3:00p.m., with program starting 3:45 p.m. There will be celebratory take home items for attendees. Please RSVP by Clicking here.
  • Cookout Celebration: A Fulbright Program celebration cookout was hosted by Dr. Randall Phebus, professor of food safety in the ASI department, on Saturday April 26. The event was held at Dr. Phebus’ man cave in Keats, KS and involved 40 Fulbright students and scholars, along with their families and several food science graduate students. Over a dozen countries were represented and their traditional cuisine was enjoyed by all. Viktoria Gramp, campus advisor to the Fulbright program and Yara Abi Nakhoul, Fulbright graduate student in food safety, help to organize the event.
  • Save-the-Date: The ASI Research Day will take place Thursday, May 8 at the Stanley Stout Center. The event will begin with lunch at noon with presentations to follow. Come learn enjoy lunch and learn about research taking place within the department.
  • Undergraduate Research Symposium: Please show your support for our students by attending the ASI Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium this Friday (May 9) from 9 am to12 pm at Leadership Studies Townhall. We look forward to seeing you there!Approximate Schedule:
    • 9-11 am: Students will be presenting posters on both course-based and independent research projects. Topics will span a diverse set of fields, including:
      • Swine Nutrition
      • Meat Science
      • Beef Reproduction
      • Small Ruminant Nutrition
      • Food Science
    • 11am-12 pm: Acknowledgements and scholarship ceremony

    Refreshments: Cookies and drinks will be provided to keep you fueled throughout the event.

  • Please Come Honor Dr. Miles McKee – June 21, 2025 
    The Pioneer Bluff’s Center for Flint Hills Ranching Heritage wishes to welcome the advisees and students of Dr. McKee as we celebrate his legacy June 21st, 2025. Dave McKee, son of Dr. Miles McKee, will present a talk at 2:30 on the “Legacy of Miles McKee” in the historic Rogler barn. After his talk, we ask that advisees and students of Dr. McKee share stories and recollections. BBQ Lunch provided and begins at noon. RSVP by June 16 to 620-753-3484 or email: info@pioneerbluffs.org.
  • K-State Swine Teaching and Research Center Open House:

    The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team invites you to join us on May 15th, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. for an Open House of the newly constructed nursery building at the K-State Swine Teaching and Research Center.

    This would be a great opportunity to learn more about this new facility’s teaching and applied graduate and undergraduate research capabilities.

    No RSVP is necessary and additional information is in the attached invitation.  We hope you will be able to stop by, enjoy some refreshments and walk through the new facility. Swine Teaching & Research Center New Nursery- Open House- 5.15.25

  • Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources Presents: Revisiting Science Breakthroughs 2030 – Please join the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources for a public webinar on May 9, 2025 from 2:00-4:15 PM ET.

    Released in 2019, the National Academies report Science Breakthroughs to Advance Food and Agriculture by 2030 identified 5 crosscutting technologies and research approaches to make progress in addressing a long-standing list of broad challenges in food, agriculture, and natural resources.

    On May 9, 2025, the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources will host a panel of several of the report’s authors to see how far we’ve come. Panelists will explore how the breakthroughs approaches have been applied successfully, describe barriers to using them to their full potential, and discuss opportunities to further leverage these breakthrough tools. 

    This meeting will be held in a virtual setting on the event webpage. The recording will also be available to view after the event concludes. 

  • UPCOMING DEFENSE:
    • None at this time. 

  • Unclassified Staff Position(s):

    University Support Staff Position(s):

    None at this time.

    Department Student Employment Position(s):

    https://www.asi.k-state.edu/studentsuccess/student_employment/
    If you are interested in adding a job to this page, please email Emily Grund.

    Professional Opportunities(s):

  • The University of Tennessee, Precision Animal Health Faculty Position  https://apply.interfolio.com/165015
  • Texas A&M University, Research Assistant – Learn more here.
  • New Mexico State University, Extension Specialist/Livestock – Learn more here.
  • University of Minnesota, General Livestock Manager, Animal Science – Learn more here.
  • Iowa State University, David G. Topel and Jay-lin Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science – Learn more here.
  • Texas A&M University, Poultry Science – Learn more here.

Departmental News – April 29

Posted on by Emily Grund

 

  • Save-the-Date: The ASI Research Day will take place Thursday, May 8 at the Stanley Stout Center. The event will begin with lunch at noon with presentations to follow. Come learn enjoy lunch and learn about research taking place within the department.
  • Save-the-Date: The Department Undergraduate Research Symposium will be Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Leadership Studies Townhall.
  • Please Come Honor Dr. Miles McKee – June 21, 2025 
    The Pioneer Bluff’s Center for Flint Hills Ranching Heritage wishes to welcome the advisees and students of Dr. McKee as we celebrate his legacy June 21st, 2025. Dave McKee, son of Dr. Miles McKee, will present a talk at 2:30 on the “Legacy of Miles McKee” in the historic Rogler barn. After his talk, we ask that advisees and students of Dr. McKee share stories and recollections. BBQ Lunch provided and begins at noon. RSVP by June 16 to 620-753-3484 or email: info@pioneerbluffs.org.
  • K-State Swine Teaching and Research Center Open House:

    The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team invites you to join us on May 15th, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. for an Open House of the newly constructed nursery building at the K-State Swine Teaching and Research Center.

    This would be a great opportunity to learn more about this new facility’s teaching and applied graduate and undergraduate research capabilities.

    No RSVP is necessary and additional information is in the attached invitation.  We hope you will be able to stop by, enjoy some refreshments and walk through the new facility. Swine Teaching & Research Center New Nursery- Open House- 5.15.25

  • Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources Presents: Revisiting Science Breakthroughs 2030 – Please join the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources for a public webinar on May 9, 2025 from 2:00-4:15 PM ET.

    Released in 2019, the National Academies report Science Breakthroughs to Advance Food and Agriculture by 2030 identified 5 crosscutting technologies and research approaches to make progress in addressing a long-standing list of broad challenges in food, agriculture, and natural resources.

    On May 9, 2025, the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources will host a panel of several of the report’s authors to see how far we’ve come. Panelists will explore how the breakthroughs approaches have been applied successfully, describe barriers to using them to their full potential, and discuss opportunities to further leverage these breakthrough tools. 

    This meeting will be held in a virtual setting on the event webpage. The recording will also be available to view after the event concludes. 

  • UPCOMING DEFENSE:
    • None at this time. 

  • Unclassified Staff Position(s):

    • Farm Manager/Farm Shop & Operations Manager – To apply, go to https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/farm-manager-manhattan-kansas-united-states
    • Communications/Marketing Specialist – To apply, go to https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/communications-marketing-specialist-manhattan-kansas-united-states-3b57273f-12e8-49d7-bffb-ae6962023002UPCOMING SEMINARS
      • Meat Science – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Weber 111
        • Wednesday, April 30 – Chesney Effling – Journal Club: Cooking Method and USDA Quality Grade Affect Consumer Palatability and Flavor of Beef Strip Loin Steaks
        • Wednesday, May 7 – Daphane Poersch – Journal Club: Validation of Individual and Multiple-Sequential Interventions for Reduction of Microbial Populations during Processing of Poultry Carcasses and Parts.
      • Monogastric Seminar – Wednesday 12:30 p.m. in Call Hall 140
      • Wednesday, April 30 – Sierra Collier – Implications of Undigestible Protein in the Post Wean Pig
      • Ruminant Nutrition, Growth, and Management Seminar – Monday at 4:30 p.m. in Call Hall 205.  
        • Monday, May 5 – Tasha Macholan – “Impact of Supplementation During Late Gestation on Calf Health and Productivity”
      • Animal Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Seminar – Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Weber 121. 
        • Tuesday, April 29 – Elizabeth Dressler – “Genetic Parameter Estimation of Cashmere Fiber Characteristics”

      OPEN POSITIONS:

      Professor (Assistant/Associate/Full) Position(s): 

      None at this time.

    University Support Staff Position(s):

    None at this time.

    Department Student Employment Position(s):

    https://www.asi.k-state.edu/studentsuccess/student_employment/
    If you are interested in adding a job to this page, please email Emily Grund.

    Professional Opportunities(s):

  • The University of Tennessee, Precision Animal Health Faculty Position  https://apply.interfolio.com/165015
  • Texas A&M University, Research Assistant – Learn more here.
  • New Mexico State University, Extension Specialist/Livestock – Learn more here.
  • University of Minnesota, General Livestock Manager, Animal Science – Learn more here.
  • Iowa State University, David G. Topel and Jay-lin Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science – Learn more here.

Horse Judging Team Results

Posted on by Emily Grund
Congratulations to our teams who competed yesterday at the NHJTCA’s Spring Sweepstakes Contest in Amarillo, TX. Thank you to West Texas A&M University for hosting this event!
TEAM RESULTS🏆
😎2nd High Team Overall😎
Halter – 5th
Performance – 2nd
Reasons- 2nd
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
Halter-
Performance-
9th- Callie Riewald
4th- Wyatt Dooley
Reasons-
12th- Peyton Sherron
9th- Wyatt Dooley
6th- Callie Riewald
Overall Individual
14th- Peyton Sherron
9th- Callie Riewald
5th- Wyatt Dooley
LIMITED RESULTS
Halter
9th- McKenna Murray
6th- Kayla Bigham
1st- Amelia Uthlaut
Performance
9th- Kayla Bigham
8th- Amelia Uthlaut
Reasons
10th- Haley Mannell
8th- McKenna Murray
4th- Amelia Uthlaut
Overall
10th- McKenna Murray
7th- Kayla Bigham
6th- Amelia Uthlaut
GO CATS! 💜

Dairy Judging Team Contest Results

Posted on by Emily Grund

On April 7th, the K-State Dairy Judging Team competed at the Southern National Collegiate Dairy Judging Contest in Stillwater, OK. Students who participated at this contest include Brock Burgess, Vivian Lacey, Reagan Richards, Julia Searls, Rileigh Ballinger, Lauren Jones, Haley Nellis, and Sara Celeen (L-R). This marked the first contest for several students. We are excited to see all that they accomplish as the judging season progresses. Below are results from the contest.

2nd Team overall – Team A
4th Team overall – Team B

Individuals:
Julia Searls
4th Overall
4th Reasons

Brock Burgess
5th Overall

Reagan Richards
7th Overall

Rileigh Ballinger
9th Overall
2nd Reasons

Vivian Lacey
5th Reasons

A quick turnaround and the team was off to compete at the 2025 NACTA Dairy Judging Contest hosted by West Texas A&M on April 11th. Pictured left to right includes Kelsey Pasch (coach), Vivian Lacey, Sara Celeen, and Lauren Jones. Results from the contest:

3rd Team – Overall
4th Team – Reasons

Individual:
Vivian Lacey
4th overall
8th reasons

Departmental News – April 22

Posted on by Emily Grund
  • Visiting Scholar Seminar: Rayane Lino, Federal University of Lavras, Brazil, will present “Impact of urea source and flint corn processing method on digestive parameters, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen meabolism of Nellore heifers fed finishing diets” on Wednesday, April 24 at 3 p.m. in Call Hall 226.
  • Meat Bingo: K-State ASI Graduate Student Association will be hosting Meat Bingo on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Manhattan Brewing Company. Join them for a chance to win gift card bundles. A free drink is provided with the purchase of a bingo card. 1 Bingo Card is $20, 2 Bingo Cards is $30.
  • Save-the-Date: The Department Undergraduate Research Symposium will be Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Leadership Studies Townhall.
  • As part of the Office of International Program’s Vernon Larson Lecture Series, Fulbright Visiting Scholar Dr. Kudzai Mukumbi will be presenting “Agricultural Extension in the Digital Age: Insights from Land Grant Institutions” on April 23, 2025, at 3 pm in the Staley School of Leadership’s Town Hall. The lecture will be will be followed by a panel on Fulbright Programs and a reception. Register here.
  • UPCOMING DEFENSE:
    • None at this time. 
  • UPCOMING SEMINARS
    • Meat Science – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Weber 111
      • Wednesday, April 23 – Linnea Rimmer – Seminar: Exploring the role of mitochondria in muscle growth: more than just a powerhouse
      • Wednesday, April 30 – Chesney Effling – Journal Club: Cooking Method and USDA Quality Grade Affect Consumer Palatability and Flavor of Beef Strip Loin Steaks
      • Wednesday, May 7 – Daphane Poersch – Journal Club: Validation of Individual and Multiple-Sequential Interventions for Reduction of Microbial Populations during Processing of Poultry Carcasses and Parts.
    • Monogastic Seminar – Wednesday 12:30 p.m. in Call Hall 140
    • Wednesday, April 23 – Abigail Jenkins – Estimating the value of alternatives to corn in U.S. swine diets
    • Wednesday, April 30 – Sierra Collier – Implications of Undigestible Protein in the Post Wean Pig
    • Ruminant Nutrition, Growth, and Management Seminar – Monday at 4:30 p.m. in Call Hall 205.  
      • Monday, April 21– Tatiana Jones– “Pine Needle Abortion in Beef Cattle”
      • Monday, April 28 – Kelsey Pasch – “Ketosis in Dairy Cattle: Etiology, Prevention, and Economic Impact”
      • Monday, May 5 – Tasha Macholan – “Impact of Supplementation During Late Gestation on Calf Health and Productivity”
    • Animal Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Seminar – Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Weber 121. 
      • Tuesday, April 29 – Elizabeth Dressler – “Genetic Parameter Estimation of Cashmere Fiber Characteristics”

    OPEN POSITIONS:

    Professor (Assistant/Associate/Full) Position(s): 

    None at this time.

    Unclassified Staff Position(s):

    University Support Staff Position(s):

    None at this time.

    Department Student Employment Position(s):

    https://www.asi.k-state.edu/studentsuccess/student_employment/
    If you are interested in adding a job to this page, please email Emily Grund.

    Professional Opportunities(s):

  • The University of Tennessee, Precision Animal Health Faculty Position  https://apply.interfolio.com/165015
  • Texas A&M University, Research Assistant – Learn more here.
  • New Mexico State University, Extension Specialist/Livestock – Learn more here.
  • University of Minnesota, General Livestock Manager, Animal Science – Learn more here.
  • Iowa State University, David G. Topel and Jay-lin Topel Endowed Chair in Meat Science – Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

Posted on by Emily Grund

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Facebook: @ksuasi
X: @KSUASI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksuasi/

May 1 – Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation Beam Signing – East Weber Lawn – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
May 8 – ASI Graduate Student Research Symposium – Stanley Stout Center
May 9 – K-State ASI Undergraduate Research Symposium – Leadership Studies TownHall – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 9 – K-State ASI Outstanding Senior Recognition – Weber 146 – 12:30 p.m.
May 9 – Last day of classes
May 11 – Wildcat Showdown – CiCo Park
May 15 – Faculty & Staff Meeting – Leadership Studies Town Hall – 10:45 a.m.
May 12-16 – Finals Week
May 17 – Manhattan Campus Commencement
June 2-4 – Champions Livestock Judging Camp
June 9-11 – Champions Livestock Judging Camp
June 11-14 – K-State Animal Science Leadership Academy – Manhattan, KS
July 11-12 – Dr. Bob Hines Kansas Swine Classic – CiCo Park, Manhattan, KS

To submit information for future updates, visit https://forms.gle/iuH4eCKt4hCxCgDU8

ASI Judging Team Reunion

Posted on by Emily Grund

View all photos from the event here.

For the first time since 2019, Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry brought back the All-Judging Team Reunion—and it was a huge success with nearly 300 people in attendance.

The reunion welcomed back judging teams with class years ending in ‘5, alongside the current 2024 judging teams, for a day filled with celebration, recognition, and reconnection.

The day kicked off with a friendly round of competition at the morning golf tournament, where alumni and current team members had the chance to swap stories, share laughs, and enjoy time together on the course at Colbert Hills. The energy carried over to the evening banquet, held at the Stanley Stout Center, where past and present team members gathered to honor tradition and excellence.

Judging team coaches took the stage to recognize the 2024 teams, including the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Horse Judging Team, Dairy Judging Team, Meat Judging Team, and Livestock Judging Team. These students were celebrated for their dedication and accomplishments throughout the year.

Several prestigious awards were presented during the evening, including:

  • Outstanding Meat Judging Award – Reece Geer

  • Meat Judging Vision of Excellence Award – All Members of the 2024 Meat Judging Team

  • Sam Winnett Award – Jacob Klaudt

  • F.W. Bell Award – Cole Murphy

  • Scott Schaake Excellence Award – Dr. Scott Schaake
    *A new award was introduced this year to recognize a judging team alum who has made a significant impact in the animal agriculture industry. This honor celebrates individuals who have taken the skills and values learned through K-State’s judging programs and gone on to achieve excellence and influence in their professional careers.

  • Don and Jane Good Outstanding Senior – Katrina Turner

The reunion served as a meaningful reminder of the legacy and lifelong connections built through K-State’s judging programs.

Open House Activities – Little American Royal, CCW, Rodeo Club, and Call Hall Dairy Bar

Posted on by Emily Grund

 

View more here.

The 95th Little American Royal was a success with nearly 101 participates in this year’s event hosted at the Sheep & Meat Goat Unit. See below a list of this year’s winners:

HORSE
Experienced Grand: Paige Soper
Experienced Reserved: Marwah Aql
Novice Grand: Logan Mitchell
Novice Reserve: Sara Lopez

SWINE
Experienced Grand: Lillian Merrill
Experienced Reserved: Cameron Zimmerman
Novice Grand: Caylie VanMeter
Novice Reserve: Jessica McIntosh

SHEEP
Experienced Grand: Nevaeh Powers
Experienced Reserved: Kylie Rogers
Novice Grand: Kaylynn Vogts
Novice Reserve: Ella Coulter

BEEF
Experienced Grand: Lilly Parks
Experienced Reserved: Emma Aufdemberge
Novice Grand: Meghan Garren
Novice Reserve: Logan Prichard

DAIRY

Experienced Grand: Amara Johnson
Experienced Reserved: Vivian Lacey
Novice Grand: Ella Coulter
Novice Reserve: Emma Burmaster

GOAT

Experienced Grand: Kalen Stavinoha
Experienced Reserved: Allison Roberts
Novice Grand: Claire Caldwell
Novice Reserve: Carolyn Armstrong

 

Collegiate Cattlewomen and Rodeo Club had booths at the College of Agriculture Hub on Waters Lawn.

Call Hall Dairy Bar welcomed guests and launched a new contest – Pound-A-Pint. Be sure to swing by Call Hall Dairy Bar before the close for renovations on May 17.