ODDE PRESENTED DILLINGHAM AWARD FOR AG LEADERSHIP

     Recently retired Kansas State University Animal Sciences & Industry (AS&I) Department Head Ken Odde was honored last week by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City. Odde was presented the Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence during a May 15 luncheon in Kansas City. Former Missouri Director of Agriculture Lowell Mohler also was honored with a Dillingham Award at the event.
     Odde served as department head for 10 years. During his tenure, undergraduate AS&I enrollment grew from 793 students in 2007 to 1,226 in 2017. Odde’s philosophy to provide students not only lecture education, but hands-on experience, has been critical to turning out animal industry-ready graduates.
     Under Odde’s leadership, $32 million in new and renovated facilities were added to the department. This includes the Stanley Stout Center, a new Purebred Beef Unit, the new Sheep and Meat Goat Center and Burtis Arena.
     Odde retired as department head in January 2018. He continues to serve in a faculty role with a research and teaching appointment. K-State AS&I Graduate Program Director and Research Coordinator Even Titgemeyer is the interim department head while the search for a permanent department head takes place.

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KLA WEEKLY VIDEO

KLA Vice President of Communications Todd Domer says all segments of the beef industry are being asked to provide input on indicators intended to help ranchers, auction markets, feedyards, packers, supermarkets and restaurants continuously improve the sustainability of U.S. beef.