Agriculture

Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, providing a total economic contribution of $76 billion while supporting over 256,000 jobs across Kansas (14% of the workforce). In 2022, Kansas farmers and agribusinesses exported $5.46 billion worth of goods and Kansas ranked as a national leader in red meat, cereal grain and oil-seed production.

For almost 130 years, K-State Research and Extension has helped fuel the state's agricultural production. Innovations discovered at Kansas State University have led to greatly improved crop, fruit, and vegetable varieties, livestock traits and handling systems, and pest control.

While farming is admirable as a way of life, it is also a business. Therefore, our research-based programs promote:

• effective production practices;
• competitive pricing;
• business management skills;
• environmentally sound production practices;
• alternative agriculture businesses;
• youth education about food and fiber sources;
• successful living on a few acres.