Tag: Kansas Department Of Agriculture

On June 3, 2026, a New World screwworm was detected in a calf in Texas. Kansas officials are collaborating with the USDA to prevent the pest, which threatens livestock but not food safety. Livestock owners are urged to monitor animals when traveling to affected areas, and early identification is crucial for treatment.

The State Conservation Commission will meet on May 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the KDA office in Manhattan, Kansas, with a virtual option available. The meeting is public, focusing on policies to protect Kansas' natural resources. Special accommodations must be requested 24 hours before.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced election results for its grain commodity commissions: corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, and wheat, in Districts IV, V, and VI. Newly elected commissioners will begin their three-year terms on April 1, 2026, overseeing funds for market development and research.

In a pioneering initiative, the Kansas and New Mexico Departments of Agriculture hosted an all-women delegation from Mexico to explore U.S. beef cattle genetics. The program aimed to enhance relationships and trade opportunities in the cattle industry, emphasizing women’s increasing roles in agriculture and international trade. Participants engaged in farm visits, networking, and discussions on genetic advancements.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced a $3 million grant awarded to Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to develop BVLOS Unmanned Aerial Systems technology for agriculture. This investment aims to enhance precision agriculture, benefiting farmers and ranchers by improving yields and reducing costs, reinforcing Kansas' leadership in agricultural and aviation technology.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts released a report emphasizing the significance of the state's grasslands and proposing conservation actions. The report underscores the ecological and economic value of these lands, particularly for the beef industry, and encourages collaboration among stakeholders to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

The State Conservation Commission will meet on January 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Kansas Department of Agriculture in Manhattan. The meeting is open to the public, with virtual access available. Contact KDA-DOC for information or special accommodations at least 24 hours in advance.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is gathering input from ranchers and landowners to maintain healthy grasslands, vital for the state's agricultural economy and ecology. An online survey will inform a report, due in early 2026, aimed at educating stakeholders and promoting conservation efforts for Kansas's 15 million acres of grasslands.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program, with $450,000 in funding available. Projects must align with the State Water Plan, focusing on drought-tolerant crops, nutrient runoff reduction, and water conservation. Applications are due by November 25, 2025.

On September 11, 2025, several advisory boards of the Kansas Department of Agriculture will hold meetings at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The public can attend, and specific meeting times and locations are outlined. For inquiries, contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Accommodations require advance notice.

The 61st annual meeting of the Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Commission will be held on July 23, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited to discuss water management issues in the lower Arkansas River basin. For inquiries, contact Lizzie Hickman at the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

A report by the Farm Journal Foundation highlights a shortage of rural veterinarians in Kansas, examining factors like licensing, workforce education, and federal assistance. The findings will aid the Kansas Rural Veterinarian Task Force in addressing this issue. The task force aims to enhance veterinary services through expanded training programs and support.