The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) hosted a training June 6 in Manhattan for 15 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers. These educators teach middle and high school classes ranging from life sciences to horticulture. The group started at the Stanley Stout Center, then toured Downey Ranch of Wamego and Tiffany Cattle Company near Herington.
A tour of Downey Ranch featured hands-on stations showcasing how STEM principles are a daily part of ranch management. Stations included discussions on herd management using drones and heat sensors, genetic technology demonstrations featuring semen samples under microscopes, interactive pregnancy-check model presentations and a display of new equipment innovations such as GPS collars. Faculty from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, including professor of veterinary medicine Bob Larson, clinical assistant professor of animal sciences Phillip Lancaster and assistant professor of animal sciences Maci Mueller, were on hand to help with the demonstrations and answering questions.
While at Tiffany Cattle Company, attendees learned about technologies like hormone implants and how feedyard design can improve animal handling. They also saw the regenerative practices the feedyard uses alongside Elevate Ag.
Feedback gathered through pre- and post-event surveys revealed a noteworthy shift in participants’ views regarding beef production practices. Specifically, the teachers expressed trust in the innovative methods and technologies employed, including antibiotic use and the humane treatment of animals. Building this trust shows the value of the On the Farm STEM training program funded by the checkoff and provided by the American Farm Bureau Federation.