K-State Extension

Austin Anders volunteered at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and enjoyed it so much that he became director in 2021. In addition to the Museum of Independent Telephony, wild west memorabilia, an operating C. W. Parker carousel, and antique farm equipment, the Center has a new farm toy exhibit building with more than 1,500 farm toys on display. Learn more at https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/06/kansas-profile-dickinson-county-heritage-center.html.

K-State Extension - Rural Grocery Initiative When Dighton's only grocery store was destroyed by fire, residents faced long drives for basic necessities. A community-led effort, supported by K-State's Rural Grocery Initiative, helped bring local food access back to the western Kansas town. Read more at https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/06/rural-grocery-initiative-dighton-store.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=K-State%20Rural%20Grocery%20Initiative%20helps%20restore%20food%20access%20in%20Dighton&utm_campaign=KST%20Faculty/Staff%206-24-26.

Are you a garden enthusiast looking to volunteer? K-State Extension Master Gardener is looking to train volunteers to educate and serve their communities in gardening. Click the link below to check out your county's application process before it's too late. https://extension.k-state.edu/master-gardener/get-involved/volunteer.html

June is National Dairy Month! We asked our dairy specialist, Mike Brouk, a few questions to learn more about the dairy industry! How many glasses of milk do you think a dairy cow can produce in a day?
" It depends on the level of production of the cow. At the KSU dairy, our cows produce about 195 to 214. In Kansas, the average cow gives about 150."

Don’t miss out on the 2nd Annual K-State 105 CEC Conference: June 24-26 in beautiful Courtland, Kansas, the Irrigation Capital of Kansas. This conference is for small business owners, dreamers, and entrepreneur support organizations. It’s an opportunity to be inspired and reinvigorated by like-minded people who can encourage you and offer support. Registration closes June 20th. Learn more at https://extension.k-state.edu/program-areas/supporting-communities/cec/

June is National Dairy Month! We asked our dairy specialist, Mike Brouk, a few questions to learn more about the dairy industry! What is one thing you wish more people knew about dairy farming?
"How progressive our dairy operations have become. Most people do not realize the effort and dedication it takes to put dairy products on the grocery shelf. We are 24-7 without holidays. Every day we milk, feed and care for dairy animals. This is a family business. ... Running a small or large dairy requires attention to a lot of details."

In 2014, communities in northwest Kansas started a small business pitch competition among students to encourage young people to think about entrepreneurship. Forty-eight students were involved. This has grown into a statewide Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge involving 1,200 students and more than $70,000 in cash prizes. Learn more at https://extension.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2026/06/kansas-profile-youth-entrepreneurship-challenge.html

June is National Dairy Month! We asked our dairy specialist, Mike Brouk, a few questions to learn more about the dairy industry!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
"Working with people and helping dairy producers succeed. I have been blessed to enjoy a career that has included many wonderful people, and many opportunities to learn as well as teach. ... From a declining and dying industry 30 years ago to a vibrant and growing industry that currently ranks 12th in the nation in the number of lactating dairy cows. It has been a difficult road and has involved a great number of people and communities. This is the fastest growing segment of Kansas agriculture and is a testament of what hard work and cooperation can achieve."

June is National Dairy Month! We asked our dairy specialist, Mike Brouk, a few questions to learn more about the dairy industry!
What inspired you to work in the dairy industry?
"I was raised on a small row crop operation and was introduced to the dairy industry as a freshman at the University of Missouri through an introductory course in dairy science. I was intrigued by the complexity of the dairy cow and dairy operations. ... I have enjoyed working with the science but really have focused on how we apply science to the actual farm setting."