March 2026
K-State in the news
Some of the top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file (xlsx) with all of this month's news stories.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
National/International
Epic winter drought creates a bleak situation for farmers — and your food
04/07/26 The Washington Post
Across the lower 48 states, farmers are reeling from the hottest and third-driest September-to-February stretch on record. As of March 31, the last date for which data is available, nearly 60 percent of the U.S. was in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Jennifer Ifft, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, offers insight into how wheat is a globally traded commodity, but the failed crop in the Great Plains is just one small contributor to the cost of bread.
State/Regional
Teens can learn to fly at this Kansas summer camp
04/06/26 KSNW-TV
A Kansas summer camp will provide teens aged 15 to 17 the opportunity to gain real-world flight training experience. Kansas State University Salina’s Aviation Academy is hosting a summer camp for high school teens from June 21 to 27. During the week, teens will learn from K-State’s academy staff, gaining skills and knowledge in subjects that will include aerodynamics and flight theory, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, navigation basics and more.
It's Getting Squirrelly at K-State: Wednesday's Day of Giving Let's Patrons Name a Campus Squirrel
04/06/26 Kansas Public Radio
Something squirrelly is happening at Kansas State University. The whole campus is full of un-named squirrels. And the school wants to change that. So, on Wednesday, April 8th, during K-State's annual Day of Giving, anyone can make a donation and name their own squirrel. Contributors will be given a digital certificate - making it official, if not entirely legal. KPR's J. Schafer decided to learn more about this nutty idea.
Local
'A piece of good news': US Sen. Moran announces over $4M for K-State vet med
04/06/26 Manhattan Mercury
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, announced Friday in the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Auditorium on the Manhattan campus that $4.9 million in federal resources will support K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Monday, April 6, 2026
National/International
Research protects nation's poultry supply
4/3/2026 AGRI-VIEW
New research at Kansas State University aims to tackle one of the most significant threats to global animal health and food security — highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI — by using mealworms, a supplement of poultry feed, as a vaccine-delivery method. A multidisciplinary research team from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the department of entomology is developing the unique vaccination strategy to help protect the nation's poultry supply, where the disease moves with devastating speed
Axiota Animal Health Names Wamego as Global Headquarters
4/3/2026 Drovers
Located near K-State, the facility benefits from proximity to one of the nation's leading veterinary and animal health research institutions. That connection helps Axiota attract specialized scientific talent and collaborate with researchers advancing the future of livestock health.
State/Regional
Sen. Moran announces federal funding for K-State College of Veterinary Medicine
4/3/2026 WIBW
U.S. Senator for Kansas Jerry Moran visited Kansas State University on April 3, 2026, to announce new federal funding for the university's College of Veterinary Medicine. The 4.9 million federal investment will support equipment purchases and technology upgrades within the college. The announcement was made at noon at the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Auditorium on campus. "It's a piece of good news for Kansas State University and for the state of Kansas. But also for the world," said Sen. Moran. "Agricultural research helps protect us from animal diseases and allows us to feed the world."
Ag tech field day in Moundridge shows students the future of farming
4/4/2026 KWCH
Kansas State University leaders said exposing students to agricultural careers and technology is critical as the industry continues to evolve. "I think young people, when they think about their future, that that's a place that they know in the long run, that there's going to be great opportunities for them," said Dan Moser, Dean of Agriculture at Kansas State University.
Carcass traits can help guide ranchers, K-State researcher says
4/4/2026 High Plains Journal
Developing the right carcass traits can make a difference for feed intake for stockers and feeder cattle, according to one researcher who studies feed intake. Mindy King's research at Kansas State University aims to further explore the mechanisms governing feed intake regulation and feed efficiently, efficiency and feedlot and stock for cattle. She said once calves reach the feedlot, the focus turns to what those calves can do in the feed yard.
Local
Ted Schroeder receives Amethyst Award for lifetime of service and contributions to K-State
4/3/2026 The Mercury
Ted Schroeder’s tenure at Kansas State University spans 40 years, and throughout his lifetime of service, he has contributed significantly to advancing the university's mission. Now, the university distinguished professor of agricultural economics is the recipient of the Amethyst Award, K-State's most prestigious award.
Friday, April 3, 2026
State/Regional
Kansas State University economist warns of fuel, fertilizer price shock for farmers
4/1/26 The Kansas Reflector
Surging oil prices associated with instability in the Middle East threaten to exacerbate tight margins for Kansas farmers by driving up the cost of fuel and fertilizer, a Kansas State University economist says. Gregg Ibendahl, who focuses on agricultural production and finance, said higher energy prices ripple through the economy and prove detrimental for farmers consuming diesel and fertilizer. These negative market forces surfaced to strike the bottom line of U.S. producers just as farmers readied fields for planting.
Roger Marshall hopes there will be no boots on the ground in Iran war
4/3/26 The Topeka Capital-Journal
Kansas State University economist Gregg Ibendahl has said "the U.S. is almost self-sufficient when it comes to energy, so availability shouldn't be the issue. But we are not immune from higher prices." Ibendahl said higher prices for oil and fertilizer especially can strain farm budgets.
Measuring the accuracy of radiation models for radiation therapy
3/30/26 Kansas Public Radio
K-State's Ashleigh Mauler discusses her research on radiation and how scientists can improve the accuracy of the models they use to determine treatment regimens.
Economist says price slump altered farmer planting decisions for wheat, sorghum
4/2/26 Brownfield Ag News
Dan O’Brien with Kansas State University says he’s not surprised that wheat acres could be the lowest in more than 100 years. “There was a long decline in prices starting in March of last year and then (went) lower until there was a little blip in June and then more lows. No doubt, that impacted farmer expectations.”
Local
KSU Foundation to host 24-hour Day of Giving event
4/1/26 The K-State Collegian
“We just want people to show up and celebrate, but also recognize that support, even small support, can make a great difference here at the university,” Sara Prince, associate vice president of development for the Foundation, said. Prince said the day not only raises money for units at K-State, but also invites students to celebrate donors who’ve helped improve students’ experiences here.
Rising oil prices affect Kansas students, farmers amid conflict in Middle East
4/1/26 The K-State Collegian
Lance Bachmeier, professor of economics, said the recent spike in oil prices is affecting costs across the board. “The direct effect that everybody’s going to notice, you just go to the pump, and you’re paying considerably more,” Bachmeier said. “For a lot of people that drive, that’s costing them a lot. And I haven’t recently booked any plane tickets, but I’m guessing that that’s feeding through. So, for instance, college students that have to book a flight home, they’re gonna probably see a much higher price because of that as well. But then it’ll feed into things like grocery prices because … quite a big chunk of the cost of food is transportation.”
Thursday, April 2, 2026
National/International
'Product of USA' push seeks to expand voluntary label
4/1/26 Agri-Pulse
Kansas State University Agricultural Economist Glynn Tonsor, who helps lead the Meat Demand Monitor, a monthly survey tracking consumers' meat preferences, said respondents are asked to rank what they feel is most important when they consider buying meat. Origin and traceability generally fall to the bottom four of 12 rankings, while factors such as taste, freshness and price rise to the top, he said.
State/Regional
Kansas native, a K-State grad, part of NASA team for Artemis II moon mission
4/1/26 Kansas City Star/Wichita Eagle
Erik Stalcup, a native of Wellington, Kansas, and graduate of Kansas State University, is part of NASA’s historic moon mission.
‘The full effect may not have hit us yet’: Kansas gas prices remain high as Iran war continues
4/1/26 WIBW
Lance Bachmeier, a Kansas State University economics professor, said the full impact may not have arrived yet. “The full effect may have not hit us yet. Everybody is going to be adjusting their budget one more time, most likely before this is over,” Bachmeier said.
K-State has gone nutty
4/1/26 KCUR
And the K State campus has gone nutty as sort of. Anyway. As part of the school's annual day of giving on April, eight patrons will be allowed to pay a small fee and name a campus squirrel. According to Shane Shanks, senior creative director at the K State Foundation, this isn't just a fundraiser.
Local
Axiota Animal Health designates Wamego location as global headquarters
4/1/26 Manhattan Mercury
“From here, we’re developing and producing technologies that help cattle producers around the world improve herd health and productivity,” CEO William Weldon said. “Leveraging our location within the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor and our longstanding relationship with Kansas State University allows us to drive innovation and attract the top talent the industry demands.”
The company’s roots date back to the 2010 founding of MS Biotec, based on technology developed by Dr. Jim Drouillard at Kansas State University.
A.Q. Miller School donation
4/1/26 KSNT
Kansas State University's A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication received $125,000 to support its new social media listening lab.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
National/International
KANSAS STATE ECONOMIST: ENERGY SURGE PUTS PRESSURE ON FARM BUDGETS
04/01/26 Agri Marketing
A surge in oil prices is poised to hit farmers where it hurts most -- their bottom line -- and with new estimates suggesting a $90-per-barrel market, this could significantly raise production costs across the board. According to Kansas State University economist Gregg Ibendahl, higher oil prices are already creating a ripple effect through key farm inputs, particularly diesel fuel and fertilizer.
State/Regional
K-State Salina offers summer STEM camps for youths
04/01/26 Salina Journal
K-State Salina is offering three summer camps focused on science, technology, engineering and math for youths.