Ag Immersion sets foundation for dietetic careers
In October, ten dietetic interns and one PhD student from Kansas State University set out on a three-day journey to discover all that Kansas agriculture has to offer. The Kansas Soybean Commission and Kansas Farm Bureau partnered to immerse the tour participants in livestock, crop, vegetable and food processing operations to establish strong understanding of agriculture and its intrinsic role in the food system.
From day one, participants dived right in. Observing hog, cattle and dairy production and processing firsthand enhanced understanding of animal welfare and the role ranchers take in raising healthy livestock.
“I enjoyed learning about raising cattle in a feed yard,” Maddie Widau says of the group’s visit to J&N Ranch. “Sometimes the population can get the wrong idea that raising cattle like that is inhumane and can cause issues for the animals, but that is not the case. We also learned about hormones and antibiotics and grass-fed versus grain-fed and how marketing uses those terms.”
Visits to soybean farms in the midst of harvest opened the door for understanding crop production and how technology aids in optimizing each crop.
“Getting to be in a combine during soybean harvest was a wonderful experience,” Sophie Awad shares of the harvest stops. “How technology influences farms is incredible. By the time of harvest, the farmer can know the yield, moisture of the soybeans and the type of soil for future planning.”
Local food saw the spotlight at various points in the tour.
Pre- and post-tour survey data indicates increased understanding amongst participants. On a scale of one to five, responses show knowledge of food increased from 3.91 to 4.73, and knowledge of farming jumped from 1.00 to 4.18 – a sign that participants gained valuable insight to carry into their beginning careers. Self-reported concerns about topics such as antibiotics, environmental impacts, chemicals in crop production and sustainability decreased in the final survey data. Participants rated the value of the entire immersion at 4.91 out of five, noting that the experience boosted their appreciation for agriculture.
This agricultural immersion tour builds upon previous efforts to reach young people with the power to influence future food systems. In the 2023-2024 school year, KSC and KFB hosted meet-a-farmer socials at K-State and the University of Kansas with the goal to reach dietetic students and introduce them to the faces behind food production. The students joining the Fall 2024 tour are in their last year of education and clinicals before taking the next step to earn credentials as registered dietitians.
Tour Experiences:
Rezac Land and Livestock, Onaga, Focus: Swine feed, antibiotics, hormones
Fall Harvest, Highland & Atchison, Focus: Experience a soybean harvest in the field
Lawrence Free State Schools, Lawrence, Focus: Farm to School opportunities
Merchants, Lawrence, Focus: Meet with an experienced dietitian
Juniper Hill Farms, Lawrence, Focus: Niche vegetable farming
Bichelmeyer Meats, Kansas City, Focus: Meat processing
J & N Ranch, Leavenworth, Focus: Feedlot management and beef production
Hildebrand Dairy Farms, Junction City, Focus: Dairy production and processing
Above: On day three, J&N Ranch in Leavenworth welcomed participants to their feedlot to share about cattle production.