Kansas State University

Kansas State University faculty, alumni, and students earned top honors at the Midwest American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Meeting, held March 9-12, showcasing the department’s excellence in animal science.

Dr. Larissa Becker was recognized with the Stahly/Peo Outstanding Graduate Student in Swine Nutrition Award for her exceptional contributions to the field. Dr. Becker earned her PhD in swine nutrition from K-State in December 2024 and now serves as a production nutritionist for JBS Live Pork.

Abigail Jenkins, PhD student in Swine Nutrition, placed third in the PhD Oral Abstract competition for her presentation, “Effect of litter size relative to functional teat count on lactating sow and litter performance.” Her research contributes valuable insights into swine production efficiency.

K-State alumnus Dr. Jong DeJong was honored with the Outstanding Early Career Agri-Business Award for his impactful work in the industry. Dr. DeJong earned both his MS (2013) and PhD (2015) in swine nutrition from K-State, solidifying his foundation for a distinguished career in agriculture.

In addition to individual achievements, K-State’s Academic Quadrathlon team showcased their knowledge and skill, earning second place overall. The team excelled in multiple categories, placing first in Quiz Bowl, second in the Written Exam, and second in the Oral Presentation. Team members were:

These accomplishments highlight K-State’s tradition of excellence in animal science, research, and teaching. Congratulations to all award recipients and team members for their outstanding performances!

View more photos here.

On March 22,2025, the biennial K-State Junior Meat Goat Producer Day was hosted in Weber Arena.  Over 350 participants, representing 59 Kansas counties attended the program to enhance their knowledge of youth meat goat projects.  The program was open to youth, parents, extension agents, and meat goat project leaders.  Topics included selection, doe management and kid care, nutrition, Becoming a Wildcat, health and wellness, reproduction, facilities and equipment, grooming and clipping, and showmanship. Families also had the opportunity to participate in optional classes at the conclusion of the program, including an instructor-led YQCA training, a session over the state livestock nomination process, and a tour of the K-State Sheep & Meat Goat Center. The program was hosted by Lexie Hayes.

A huge thank you to guest speaker Ryan Page, Kelsey Bentley, Payton Dahmer, Emily Grund and the KSU ASI Mentors, Dr. Emily Reppert, Gavin Beesley, Kelsey Nordyke, and the students from the sheep and meat goat unit who served as speakers for the day.

Also, a special thanks to Tim Carson, Janeen Dieball, Emily Grund, Mary Kane, Rylie Meinhardt, Karli Neher, Katie Smith, Kevin Snell, Jason Warner, the KSU ASI Mentors, and the student employees from the Sheep and Meat Goat Center who volunteered throughout the day, as well as Payton Dahmer and Kelsey Bentley for helping plan the event. The KSU YLP interns Lauren Thompson and Chancey Hauck were critical in preparing for the event and making sure it ran smoothly. Additionally, we couldn’t have hosted the junior day events at the Stout Center this year without the assistance and support from Bob Heptig, Nathan Plummer, Dave Nichols, and John Wolf. They were essential to helping prepare the facility to host our Kansas families. Your involvement is invaluable to making this a smooth and successful event! K-State Junior Meat Goat Producer Day was sponsored by K-State Research & Extension, the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Valley Vet Supply, Primalac, Aker Meat Goats, Page Livestock, the KSU Youth Livestock Program, and the K-State Sheep & Meat Goat Center.

• 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 Friday, March 28.
  • 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.
• United Way Stillwater Relief Fund and OSU Animal Relief Fund Information:

  As many are aware, Stillwater, OK was severely impacted by wildfires on Friday. Many homes were destroyed, and ranches and livestock were also affected.  If you would like to donate to the Stillwater Relief Fund or the OSU Animal Relief Fund for displaced animal housing and injured animal treatment, please use the links below: United Way (select Yes for Stillwater Relief Fund): unitedwaypaynecounty.org/donate

  OSU Animal Relief Fund (for displaced animal housing and injured animal treatment): https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=28-97650

• UPCOMING DEFENSE:
  • 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 – 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
    • March 26 – Taylor Dieball – Seminar – Defrosting the myths: Exploring common and novel thaw methods
  • 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.  
    • March 31 – Felicitas Vignati – Low Lignin Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.):  How Far Can We Go?
  • Animal Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Seminar – 
    • Tuesday, April 1 – Samantha Scott – “A novel approach A novel approach to cognitive testing in Ossabaw Pigs: Integrating artificial intelligence in training and utilizing the 8-arm radial maze”

  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

  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