K-State in the news

Recent news highlights

Read some of today's top stories mentioning Kansas State University. Download an Excel file (xlsx) with all of the day's news stories.

See more K-State faculty, staff and students in the news in the clip archives.

Friday, May 15, 2026

State/Regional

Agricultural sector of tomorrow needs proactive leaders
5/14/26 Kansas Farmer
Kansas State University’s announcement that it received the go-ahead from the state of Kansas to begin a $45 million renovation of its dairy research unit is one example. It’s been a long slog to get here, but Kansas dairy farmers finally have a win. It’s about time, too. On the surface, people may just see the rising dairy industry in our state as benefiting a few families whose names grace the farm gates. But KLA estimates that every Kansas dairy cow returns $8,661 to the local economy — and that number could be higher, according to K-State experts.

K-State research could provide insight into rural veterinarian shortage
5/15/26 Kansas Public Radio
Kansas State University’s announcement that it received the go-ahead from the state of Kansas to begin a $45 million renovation of its dairy research unit is one example. It’s been a long slog to get here, but Kansas dairy farmers finally have a win. It’s about time, too. On the surface, people may just see the rising dairy industry in our state as benefiting a few families whose names grace the farm gates. But KLA estimates that every Kansas dairy cow returns $8,661 to the local economy — and that number could be higher, according to K-State experts.

Meat demand monitor: Consumer beef demand stays steady despite higher prices
5/14/26 RFD-TV
K-State livestock economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor says retail demand for meat increased in six of the eight categories tracked in April, including ribeye steaks and ground beef. “...Grocery store demand for meat in April was up on six of the eight categories we track, specifically to beef, ribeye steak, and ground beef. The willingness to pay numbers were higher than they were in March, which is great. When we look over to food service, it’s actually the opposite. So we’ve had some pullback."

Local

Spring weather brings challenges to Kansas wheat
5/13/26 The Manhattan Mercury
K-State pathologist Kelsey Andersen Onofre said threats from stripe rust, leaf rust, barley yellow dwarf virus and wheat streak mosaic virus are popping up across the state. Stripe rust has been sighted in Sumner, Gray, Finney, Riley and Lane counties. Leaf rust has been sighted in Sumner, Edwards, Lane, Barton, Riley and Nemaha counties. “This is the time of year when we’re watching pretty carefully for some of our major wheat diseases as producers consider the need for fungicide applications,” Onofre said.