K-State Takeover: Meeting Agricultural Needs in Western Kansas
May 12, 2026
Submitted by Mirna Bonilla
Kansas State University continues its commitment to strengthening relationships with communities across the state through K-State Takeover, a collaborative initiative involving the K-State Alumni Association, K-State Athletics and university partners.
K-State Takeover includes targeted community visit pop-up experiences designed to bring faculty, staff and community partners together around shared priorities, opportunities and regional challenges.
K-State is excited to visit Garden City on Thursday, May 21, for a community engagement event at the Southwest Research-Extension Center featuring a Presidential Engagement Fellows presentation focused on the future of animal agriculture in western Kansas. The visit will also coincide with the annual SWREC Spring Field Day later that afternoon.
The Presidential Engagement Fellows program is an initiative sponsored by K-State’s Office of the President that connects university expertise with communities across Kansas. The program highlights faculty whose work brings cutting-edge research and knowledge directly to local communities while strengthening relationships and showcasing K-State’s commitment to statewide engagement.
Cassandra Jones, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and teaching coordinator in the College of Agriculture, will present “Meeting Workforce Needs in Western Kansas Animal Agriculture” from 2–3 p.m. in the Southwest Research-Extension Center conference room.
The session will explore workforce challenges, emerging trends and evolving industry demands shaping animal agriculture across the region. Participants will gain insight into key factors influencing workforce development and long-term regional vitality.
The presentation is open to producers, industry professionals, community members, extension professionals and others interested in the future of agriculture in western Kansas.
Following Jones’ presentation, the Southwest Research-Extension Center will host its annual Spring Field Day beginning at 4 p.m. The field day will highlight current research and production updates relevant to cropping systems in southwest Kansas, including wheat and canola variety performance, bio-stimulant use in wheat, and annual forage management.
Registration for Presidential Engagement Fellow Presentation: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6E7syXoYZzCv218
Registration for Spring Field Day: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eL2DHAHqygNwBuK
Extension professionals, industry partners and regional stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share the opportunity throughout their networks.
Please reach out to Mirna Bonilla at mbonilla@ksu.edu for more information or to view schedule details.
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