Kansas State University agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor received the 2026 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award. Tonsor, a professor and extension specialist in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, joined the faculty in 2010. He earned his Ph.D. from K-State in 2006 and previously served on the faculty at Michigan State University.
His research and extension work focus on the cattle/beef and swine/pork industries, with interests spanning the supply chain from production and marketing to consumer demand. He has authored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications and is a frequent resource for livestock industry leaders, policymakers and media.
One of Tonsor’s most significant contributions to the beef industry is the Meat Demand Monitor, launched in 2020 with beef checkoff funding. The monthly report surveys 2,000 to 3,000 U.S. consumers to track preferences, purchasing behavior and demand for meat proteins across retail and foodservice channels. Results are publicly available through www.agmanager.info and provide the industry with timely insight into changing consumer attitudes.