Kansas State University

• 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 15^th, 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.

On April 7^th, 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

• 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):

  • 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-ae6962023002
  • Farm Manager/Purebred Beef Manager – To apply, go to https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/farm-manager-manhattan-kansas-united-states-0a7606ec-46fb-4d8a-9e86-cc682bb71a6c

  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:
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

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.

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.

View more photos here.

Kansas State University Meat Science welcomed nearly 100 youth contestants to the Inaugural K-State Invitational Meat Judging Contest on Saturday, April 5, at the Meat Lab in Weber Hall. Designed to offer a top-tier judging experience, the contest and workout included 12 classes, 90+ retail identification cuts, and seven sets of questions—providing participants with an excellent opportunity to strengthen their evaluation skills.

Contestants represented 17 Kansas counties and traveled from as far as Illinois, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kentucky to take part in the event.

The contest was organized and hosted by Erin Beyer, the Meat Science graduate students, and the 2025 K-State Meat Judging Team members, whose dedication and hard work made the event a success. Big thanks to everyone who helped make this contest a great experience for all involved.

• Save-the-Date: Meet with candidates for College of Agriculture, dean KSRE director
• 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.
• ASI Graduate Student Research Symposium – Call for Abstracts: The ASI Graduate Student Research Symposium will take place on Wednesday, May 8, 2025 at the Stanley Stout Center. If you’d like to submit and abstract, please do so here. Diasnw_ASIRD
• Gamma Sigma Delta Undergraduate Research Showcase: The 2025 Gamma Sigma Delta Undergraduate Research Showcase will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Hale 181. Undergraduate students interested in participating should apply by April 7, 2025, following the instructions in the attached document. For more information, please refer to the attachment or contact Jessie Vipham at jessiev@ksu.edu.
• 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:
  • Samantha Scott, April 18, in Call Hall 206 – “Decoding the Western Diet’s impact on blood biomarkers and cognitive performance in Ossabaw pigs”
• UPCOMING SEMINARS
  • Meat Science – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Weber 111
    • Wednesday, April 16 – Greta Huber – Journal Club: Use of High-Pressure Processing to Improve the Redness of Dark-Cutting Beef
    • Wednesday, April 23 – Linnea Rimmer – Seminar: Exploring the role of mitochondria in muscle growth: more than just a powerhouse
  • Monogastic Seminar – Wednesday 12:30 p.m. in Call Hall 140
  • Wednesday, April 16 – Samantha Swanson – Effect of insect meal in swine diets
  • Wednesday, April 23 – Abigail Jenkins – Estimating the value of alternatives to corn in U.S. swine diets
  • 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”
  • Animal Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Seminar – Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Weber 121. 
    • Tuesday, April 22 – Mariaeugenia Gayamacaneiro  –”Agrimedical Perspectives on Body Composition Changes in Lean and Obese Ossabaw Pigs: The Impact of Sorghum Kombucha”
    • 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):

  • 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-ae6962023002
  • Farm Manager/Purebred Beef Manager – To apply, go to https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/farm-manager-manhattan-kansas-united-states-0a7606ec-46fb-4d8a-9e86-cc682bb71a6c

  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.

• Plan to join the Department of Animal Sciences & Industry for Open House activities on Saturday, April 12. The 95th Little American Royal will take place on the Sheep & Meat Goat Unit beginning at 11 a.m. Other clubs & organizations will be present at the College of Agriculture Hub on Waters Lawn. Check out all the offerings at: https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/events/events-list/
• 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.
• Beef Improvement Federation Scholarship Available: Attached is information for the 2025 Baker/Cundiff scholarship essay contest for graduate students the 2025 Roy Wallace Scholarship application, which has both an undergraduate and graduate student division. Application information can be found here: BIF_RAW_Scholarship_Application_2025_Distribute, RAW_FAQ_Final_Update03042025
• Riley County Livestock Association Meeting will take place on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairview Church Fellowship Hall. Come listen to Erin Beyer speak on Meat Labels and Labeling. Registration is required.

  $10.00 per person – Reservations Required! RSVP by noon on Monday, April 7 to the Riley County Extension Office. Register online at www.riley.ksu.edu under “Events”, or call 785-537-6350.

• Judging Reunion: Mark your calendars for April 12, 2025, as we bring back the K-State Judging Team Reunion! Join us for a day of celebration, kicking off with a golf tournament and wrapping up with an evening banquet honoring the success of the 2024 teams. Registration closes SOON! 
  • Register now: https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/judging-reunion/
• Gamma Sigma Delta Undergraduate Research Showcase: The 2025 Gamma Sigma Delta Undergraduate Research Showcase will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in Hale 181. Undergraduate students interested in participating should apply by April 7, 2025, following the instructions in the attached document. For more information, please refer to the attachment or contact Jessie Vipham at jessiev@ksu.edu.
• UPCOMING DEFENSE:
  • Sydney Tastad will defend her master’s on “The Effects of Temperament on Reproductive Efficiency in Beef Heifers, and the Role of Acclimation in Enhancing Timed-Artificial Insemination Success” on Tuesday, April 1 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Stefan Knecht will defend his master’s on “Nutritional strategies from improved beef cattle performance; A focus on corn utilization” on Friday, April 4 at 1 p.m. in Call Hall 206.
  • Sidney Munk – will defend her master’s on “Beta-adrenergic agonists alter glucose and mitochondrial metabolite utilization independent of a fiber type shift on Thursday, April 3 at 1 p.m. in Call Hall 205
  • Jessica Smallfield – Friday, April 4 at 10:30 a.m. in Call Hall 226.
• UPCOMING SEMINARS
  • Meat Science – Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Weber 111
    • Wednesday, April 9 – Paige Tegeler – Journal Club “Use of High-Pressure Processing to Improve the Redness of Dark-Cutting Beef”
  • Monogastic Seminar – Wednesday 12:30 p.m. in Call Hall 140
    
  • April 9 – Jentry Squires – “Fiber’s role in managing diarrhea in the nursery”
  • Ruminant Nutrition, Growth, and Management Seminar – Monday at 4:30 p.m. in Call Hall 205.  
    • Monday, April 7 – Kristen Kahler – “Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Reproductive Performance in Ruminants
  • Animal Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Seminar – Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in Weber 121. 
    • Tuesday, April 8 – Brandon Fraser –”Optimizing Fixed-Time AI Protocols: The Impact of Delayed Insemination with Sex-Sorted Semen on Pregnancy Rates in Beef Cattle”

  OPEN POSITIONS:

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

  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-ae6962023002
  • Farm Manager/Purebred Beef Manager – To apply, go to https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/farm-manager-manhattan-kansas-united-states-0a7606ec-46fb-4d8a-9e86-cc682bb71a6c

  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