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 species encroachment; leading national and international teams to solve global food issues; helping families stretch their food dollars. Water and natural resources. To ensure future generations have a reliable source of clean water, our focus will be to develop and implement programs to help kansans maintain and improve water quality and quantity. Projects and programs: breeding new drought-tolerant crop varieties for human and pet food, livestock feed, and fuel; identifying best-adapted turf species and cultivars for kansas; developing more efficient irrigation and water monitoring systems for home and farm use; reducing runoff and sedimentation into reservoirs; improving livestock genetics to increase feeding efficiency, which reduces feed and water needs; working with the state of kansas and partnering with stakeholders to implement strategies identified in the 50- year vision for the future of water plan; balancing the use and protection of the state's natural and recreational resources that lead to significant ecological, medical, economic and cultural benefits. Health. Targeting all kansans, our programs address quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across life stages for all socioeconomic groups. Projects and programs: identifying and implementing practices to help prevent adult and childhood obesity. Providing options to help families and practitioners understand health-care choices for elderly kansans. Educating consumers on safe food handling with food preparation, food preservation, food service and more. Educating kansans on strategies for practicing healthy behaviors. Community vitality. Rural, suburban, and urban communities through kansas face many challenges. When citizens are encouraged to combine their experiences and skills to work together, everyone in the community benefits. Projects and programs: helping communities of all sizes 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 and technical assistance to make communities better places to live and work; advancing the health and welfare of companion animals; assisting communities, along with new and existing business, by coordinating support and training efforts, creating support networks and increasing access to university resources. Developing tomorrow's leaders the complex global society of the future will require leaders with effective teamwork and communication skills. We need to prepare leaders of all ages, so they may contribute to a VIB rant kansas economy for years to come. Projects and programs: building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today's global society and workplace (EG. 4-h members 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 to be better citizens and leaders.