K-State News & Communication Services
MANHATTAN — Kansas agriculture is rich with opportunity — between workforce shortages and declining populations of young adults in rural communities, there is a clear path forward for next-generation agriculture specialists — and realizing its full potential will require more people prepared to lead, innovate and work across the industry.
The future of the world’s breadbasket rests in the hands of today’s learners, and Kansas State University is creating new opportunities to prepare them to be tomorrow’s agricultural leaders.
Kansas agriculture faces challenges; K-State is ready to help
Cassie Jones, professor of animal sciences and industry and Presidential Engagement Fellow at K-State, points to research indicating that 60 percent of Kansas agricultural businesses are experiencing workforce shortages. Addressing those gaps could support an estimated 39,000 jobs and generate billions of dollars in additional economic output for the state.
“That is not just an individual business issue,” Jones said. “It is a state issue that we need to be addressing through statewide systems.”
K-State’s College of Agriculture is responding by creating more flexible ways for students to earn agriculture degrees, whether they begin in Manhattan, online, at a community college or closer to home. Through a new degree program and a new K-State office in southwest Kansas, the university is meeting students where they are and offering valuable programming for the state’s future leaders.
New diversified agriculture program gives future ag leaders flexible degree options
Students can pursue K-State’s new bachelor’s degree in diversified agriculture in three ways: on the Manhattan campus, fully online or through the K-State Southwest office in Garden City.
The flexible degree allows students to combine agricultural coursework with business, communication and other areas aligned with their career goals.
“Not every student can or should have to leave their community to earn a K-State degree,” said Dan Moser, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture. “By offering the diversified agriculture degree in Manhattan, online and in Garden City, we can give students more ways to access a K-State education while preparing them for careers in the places that need them.”
The college has also expanded online agriculture degree options, including an online bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and an associate of applied science in food and feed manufacturing, creating additional pathways for working professionals, transfer students and place-bound learners.
K-State has also expanded the number of credits students may transfer from two-year institutions. Students can now bring as many as 75 of the 120 credits required for many bachelor’s degrees, reducing both the time and cost of completion.
“That is a game changer,” Jones said. “It allows students to bring more hours with them and makes the path to a bachelor’s degree more direct, transparent and affordable.”
