May 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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
National/International
K-State research is testing ET-based irrigation decisions
05/11/26 Irrigation Today
At Kansas State University (K-State), researchers are testing different technologies to help producers make irrigation decisions as water availability becomes less predictable.
Northern Kansas Wheat Yield Seen Below Average, Crop Tour Shows
05/13/26 Successful Farming
Above-average precipitation in the fall when farmers planted winter wheat in Kansas caused an excess of biomass that diverted scarce springtime rains from the wheat plants, said Romulo Lollato, a professor of agronomy at Kansas State University attending the tour.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Local
K-State enrollment on the rise, fueled by strategy and athletic success
5/8/26 Wildcat 91.9
"There is no better place in America to have a student experience,” said K-State President Richard Linton. University leadership has focused on directly engaging students to improve their experience. "I’ll connect with students, I’ll connect with Student Senate and talk to students all the time. We’ll have 5,000 students at our house for lunch, and all the First Lady and I are doing is asking, how is your experience here, and what can we do to make it better?”
Monday, May 11, 2026
National/International
5 things mosquito experts do every summer to avoid getting bitten
5/5/26 Washington Post
Bird baths and abandoned pools are likely sources, but you might also discover standing water in old tires, leaf litter or the bases of potted plants. Most of a mosquito’s life cycle occurs in water, “so by removing any stagnant water, you remove potential breeding sites,” said Raymond Cloyd, a professor and extension specialist in horticultural entomology at Kansas State University.
Proposed rail merger puts focus on grain rates and service
5/8/26 Brownfield Ag News
Guy Allen with Kansas State University says the consolidation of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern represents the market evolution of the rail sector. “The railroads are arguing increased efficiency and reduced internal costs for operations themselves. The question is how does that translate to rail rates to move grain from both the farm gate to domestic end users as well as important export markets?”
State/Regional
When the story lands in your backyard
5/8//26 Beacon
In partnership with Kansas State University’s Department of Agronomy, we hosted a soil-testing event where residents brought samples from their own yards. Using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, graduate student researchers provided on-site testing and immediate results.
Friday, May 8, 2026
National/International
‘The worst time for wheat’: US farmers face losses to extreme heat and drought
5/8/26 The Guardian
Farmers in north-central and north-west Kansas were hit hard this season, and Romulo Lollato, the wheat and forages production professor at Kansas State University, expects affected producers in this area may follow Nielsen’s decision not to harvest.
Service dog supports student's journey toward medical school
5/7/26 The Blue Ridge (Virginia) Leader
Raised by Kansas State University veterinary student Kylie Bitcon of Manhattan, Kansas, Cork has been intentionally bred, socialized, and professionally trained to assist individuals with physical conditions like Madlin’s. His role is grounded in trust, precision, and quiet support, helping Madlin conserve energy, navigate environments safely, and move through her day with greater confidence. Cork is also expertly trained for the rhythms of academic life. Having already attended classes alongside his puppy raiser at Kansas State University, he is accustomed to settling quietly for extended periods, often unnoticed, but always working.
State/Regional
K-State dairy unit gets green light for major upgrade
5/7/26 Kansas Farmer
After more than a decade of lobbying and educational efforts, the Kansas State University dairy research unit finally has funding earmarked in the state’s budget. It’s one step closer to a complete $45 million overhaul of the university’s teaching and research facility on the Manhattan, Kan., campus. “Agriculture is the primary component of the Kansas economy, and the Kansas dairy industry is probably the fastest-growing component of agriculture in Kansas,” said Dan Moser, K-State’s Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture.
Local
Student-designed patio to be installed outside of Hale Library
5/7/26 The K-State Collegian
The project is phase one of a master plan to redesign Coffman Commons, with construction set to begin shortly after the school year concludes and finish in late August or early September. Katie Chandler, graduate student in architecture, designed the patio with a design team from Manhattan engineering firm Schwab Eaton.
K-State, Fort Riley sign partnership proclamation
5/6/26 The Manhattan Mercury/KMAN
“Today’s proclamation reaffirms a partnership built on service, education, and community strength that has grown stronger year after year since 2008," said Maj. Gen. Monté L. Rone, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. "Together, we commit to serving as a national model for military-university collaboration and partnership. For Fort Riley, this partnership means opening our doors wider, creating opportunities for K-State students, faculty, professionals, and the Flint Hills community to learn from and engage with America’s army. This proclamation is not the end of our work. It is the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by cooperation, innovation, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.”
Cats for a Cure members assemble handmade care packages for cancer patients
5/6/26 The K-State Collegian
For Alynna Mattox, senior in life science and integrative health studies and president of Cats for a Cure, the growth reflects years of rebuilding the organization from the ground up. “Cats for a Cure is a student organization that partners with the Johnson Cancer Research Center here on campus,” Mattox said. “And we do whatever we can to help promote research. We also do a service project, which is making care packages for cancer patients.”
The science of spring burning
5/6/26 Salina Journal
“This is a safe and natural process,” said Logan Thompson, director of Rannells Ranch and assistant professor of animal science. “Grasslands and fire go hand in hand.”
Thursday, May 7, 2026
National/International
Radon Test Kits Show 238% Error, Leaving Homeowners Gambling with False Safety Data
5/6/26 AInvest
First, if you're going the DIY route, the most reliable option is a certified passive detector from a reputable source. The gold standard is the National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University. They offer discounted kits that are designed to meet strict quality standards. This is the "get what you pay for" principle in action-investing a little more upfront in a certified kit from a trusted program gives you a much better chance of getting a true reading than buying the cheapest electronic monitor off a shelf.
State/Regional
How Cities Move the World: Transportation Planning Behind Mega Sporting Events
4/20//26 KPR’s Science Matters podcast
Kansas State graduate researcher Salma Aouam is researching this complex ballet and studying the best practices for transportation investment for today and the long term.
Local
Graduation schedules set for Salina-area schools
5/6/26 Salina Journal
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is hosting its spring graduation and hooding for master's candidates on May 9.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
National/International
DOJ investigating beef packers
05/04/26 Heasrt stations
“Strong consumer demand for beef is the leading economic force for why we have higher prices,” said Glynn Tonsor.
State/Regional
Graduation schedules set for Salina-area schools
05/06/26 Salina Journal
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is hosting its spring graduation and hooding for master's candidates on May 9.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
National/International
Is the Grass Ready? Rethinking Pasture Turnout Beyond the Calendar
05/04/26 Drovers
As soon as pastures green up, beef producers start thinking about turnout. They don’t want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed. Pasture turnout is an important time in a cow herd management calendar. It is critical to make sure both the forage and cattle are ready before opening the pasture gate. Kansas State University Extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff says it is important to scout pastures before opening the gate: “Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary.”
State/Regional
Down Time from Screen Time?
05/04/26 High Plains Journal
In the United States, screens are everywhere. Televisions, laptops, tablets, electronic bulletin boards and – of course – cell phones. “Yet, what we know about positive childhood development,” said K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles, “is that screens are not very helpful. Often, they are simply a mindless activity that doesn’t grow children’s brains or their social-emotional or physical development.”
Monday, May 4, 2026
National/International
Bala Natarajan named Kansas State University Distinguished Professor
5/1/2026 The American BAZAAR
Kansas State University has awarded its highest faculty honor, the title of University Distinguished Professor, to Bala Natarajan for his significant contributions to electrical engineering and cyber-physical systems. Natarajan, a professor in the Mike Wiegers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, joins a select group of faculty recognized for making a permanent impact on their field.
State/Regional
How local Master Gardeners are making a lasting impact in Johnson County
5/3/2026 The Kansas City Star
Across Johnson County, K-State Extension programs have more than 1,100 volunteers contributing their time and expertise. These volunteers support 4-H youth development, horticulture, Master Naturalist, Master Food Volunteers, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and the Master Gardener program. Their service is the backbone of much of what Extension accomplishes locally. Among these programs, the Master Gardener volunteers are especially visible throughout the community. They help maintain 10 Demonstration Gardens across Johnson County, where the goal goes beyond beautification. These gardens are living classrooms that showcase research-based gardening practices promoting environmental stewardship, sustainable landscapes, and practical home gardening techniques.
Kansas ranchers warned of incurable tick-borne cattle illness
5/1/2026 KSN
Kansas State University Extension is warning cattle producers about a dangerous tick-borne illness that has no treatment or vaccine. K-State Extension veterinary entomologist Cassandra Olds is urging farmers and ranchers to watch out for signs of bovine theileriosis. The disease first appeared on the East Coast, but now “we’re seeing it crop up and move westward over time, especially here in Kansas,” Olds said in a video on YouTube.
Local
1st Infantry Division and Kansas State University renew partnership
5/1/2026 JC Post
Fort Riley announced that there will be a proclamation signing between Kansas State University and the 1st Infantry Division on May 5 at 4 pm at Victory Park at Division Headquarters. The annual proclamation signing reaffirms the shared commitment between Fort Riley and Kansas State University to support soldiers, families, veterans, and the broader Flint Hills community. This long-standing partnership strengthens education, research, spouse employment, quality‑of‑life initiatives, and regional collaboration.
'Impressive' storm stretch in April brings cooler temperatures
5/1/2026 The Mercury
K-State meteorologist Chip Redmond said about 2 to 2.5 inches of rain fell locally at the end of April, capping an impressive stretch of storms. "We had 31 hours this month where we recorded in the Manhattan area a thunderstorm in the vicinity," he said. "That’s pretty impressive considering we only average around seven to 10 hours or so."
Friday, May 1, 2026
National/International
The Surprising Reason Why Costco Baked Goods Are Never Piping Hot
4/30/26 Harvest Public Media
Generally speaking, refrigeration will cause bread to go stale faster. Instead, store it in a paper bag or in a bread box on a counter. Additionally, try to avoid storing it in any kitchen “hot spots” that might be warmer than others (like near the stove or oven). You can even freeze bread for anywhere from six to eight months, according to food safety experts at Kansas State University. They recommend making sure the bread is cooled completely, then wrapping it well before freezing for maximum preservation.
State/Regional
Fed up with sky-high beef prices? Some people are stocking their freezers with a whole cow
4/30/26 Harvest Public Media
Buying meat straight from the farm is not a new concept. But the industry gained steam in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grocery stores couldn’t keep their coolers stocked, and people wanted to know they’d have a stable meat supply, said Erin Beyer, assistant professor and extension meat science specialist at Kansas State University. “When it all boomed, we were getting lots of calls at the time of, ‘Do you know anywhere that has [bulk beef]?’” she said.
New documentary focuses on food insecurity in Garden City
4/30/26 High Plains Public Radio
The new documentary was produced through a joint effort by Tom Hallaq, an associate professor at the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, and Valerie Padilla Carroll, a professor and interim department head of Social Transformation Studies, both at K-State. Three student interns — supported by funding from the Chapman Center for Rural Studies — played a vital role in research and production. "This project demonstrates what's possible when storytelling crosses disciplinary lines," Hallaq said. "Merging media craft with social insight, our students have documented the strength of the Garden City community while drawing attention to the urgent need for greater food access."
‘Extreme’ uncertainty over gas prices, experts say. How high could they go in Wichita?
5/1/26 Wichita Eagle
With Kansas’ average gas price sitting at $3.75, an average price over $5 in the next three months wouldn’t be out of the question, one expert says. “I wouldn’t expect it to go much over $4 in the next month, you know, barring some very extreme event,” said Lance Bachmeier, a professor of economics at Kansas State University. “But I think in terms of the next three months, you know, $5 (to) $5.50 wouldn’t be out of the question.”
IGP Institute serves thousands with courses, research, workshops
4/30/26 World Grain
The IGP Institute at Kansas State University reached more than 8,000 people from more than 50 countries in 2025 through its courses, workshops, research and presentations, according to its review report. KSU has initiated a plan to increase student learning by offering traditional courses through new credit and non-credit certificate programs, he said. “As a result, the IGP Institute and the department are working together to plan and develop multiple course that will be available both online and in person, while providing micro-credentials as enhanced benefits to the students,” said Joseph Iwika, IGP Institute director and head of the Department of Grain and Food Science.
Seeing red? Ladybug sightings surging in Kansas
4/30/26 KSNW
Ladybugs appear to be out in larger numbers this year, according to K-State Extension. “The excessive number of ladybird beetles is not an uncommon phenomenon,” Raymond Cloyd, a K-State Extension expert in horticulture entomology.
Local
K-State Alumni Association awards 17 students for excellence and leadership
4/29/26 The K-State Collegian
At the end of each academic year, the Kansas State Alumni Association gathers to honor students across campus for their excellence in leadership, service and outstanding accomplishments during the year. This year, 17 students were honored as graduating, international and graduate students. Brandon Moreno, associate director of engagement and belonging, extended his pride to the recipients for their acts of service during their four years as Wildcats. “It’s very special for me to be awarding these students because congratulating them for their leadership and service on campus and being able to recognize their value to the community during their four years here is very special,” Moreno said.