Global food systems. To feed and sustain a growing population, K-state research and extension is focused on developing innovative practices through cutting-edge research in areas such as genetics,…

Global food systems. To feed and sustain a growing population, K-state research and extension is focused on developing innovative practices through cutting-edge research in areas such as genetics, disease prevention, food security and farm bill education. Projects and programs: developing and testing new crop, vegetable, and tree varieties suited to the kansas climate; improving the efficiency of feed and water use, reproduction and animal health; reducing food waste caused by insects, poor storage, and processing techniques; creating sustainable agricultural systems that intensify productivity; identifying ways to maintain cattle rangeland threatened by variations in climate and woody speciesencroachment; leading national and international teams to solve global food issues; helping familiesstretch their food dollars. Water and natural resources. To ensure future generations have a reliablesource of clean water, our focus will be to develop and implement programs to help kansans maintainand improve water quality and quantity. Projects and programs: breeding new drought-tolerant cropvarieties for human and pet food, livestock feed, and fuel; identifying best-adapted turf species andcultivars for kansas; developing more efficient irrigation and water monitoring systems for home andfarm use; reducing runoff and sedimentation into reservoirs; improving livestock genetics to increasefeeding efficiency, which reduces feed and water needs; working with the state of kansas andpartnering with stakeholders to implement strategies identified in the 50- year vision for the future ofwater plan; balancing the use and protection of the state's natural and recreational resources that leadto significant ecological, medical, economic and cultural benefits. Health. Targeting the diversity ofkansans, our programs address quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across lifestages for all socioeconomic groups. Projects and programs: identifying and implementing practices tohelp prevent adult and childhood obesity. Providing options to help families and practitionersunderstand H ealth-care choices for elderly kansans. Educating consumers on safe food handling withfood preparation, food preservation, food service and more. Educating kansans on strategies forpracticing healthy behaviors. Community vitality. Rural, suburban, and urban communities throughkansas face many challenges. When citizens are encouraged to combine their experiences and skills towork together, everyone in the community benefits. Projects and programs: helping communities of allsizes maintain necessary services, such as grocery stores, that hire locally and generate local sales tax; working directly with farmers, ranchers, and families to develop better financial management practices; engaging community groups and local businesses by providing leadership, research-based expertise andtechnical assistance to make communities better places to live and work; advancing the health andwelfare of companion animals; assisting communities, along with new and existing business, bycoordinating support and training efforts, creating support networks and increasing access to universityresources. Developing tomorrow's leaders the complex global society of the future will requireleaders with effective teamwork and communication skills. We need to prepare leaders of all ages, sothey may contribute to a vibrant kansas economy for years to come. Projects and programs: buildingoutstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today's global society and workplace (EG. 4-hmembers are twice as likely to attend college and pursue careers in science, engineering and computer technology); meeting the needs of military youth and their families at kansas military installations and families of deployed members of the national guard and army reserve; training kansans of all ages tobe better citizens and leaders.