Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics

Congratulations, Dr. Logan Levi Britton!

The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City is proud to recognize its 2026 class of Young Leaders in Agribusiness. This year’s honorees represent the future of agriculture bringing innovation, dedication, and leadership across the agribusiness industry.

We’re excited to celebrate their achievements and the impact they’re making in shaping the future of ag. Congratulations to all of the 2026 Young Leaders!

Learn more about the program and this year’s announcement here: https://www.agbizkc.com/news

🌾Winning the Game Grain Marketing Webinar Series

Volatile grain markets may provide opportunities for Kansas farmers and agribusinesses to price 2026 crops at or above breakeven costs. Join us for the June 2026 update of this monthly webinar series to gain timely market insights and strengthen your grain marketing plan.

]No fee to attend but registration is required at https://agmanager.info/events

Presented by: Daniel O’Brien and Guy Allen from Kansas State University

Can’t attend live? A recording of the presentations will be available the following day.

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Manoj Sharma will present his Ph.D. Dissertation Defense, “Three Essays on Trade Policy, Commodity Trade and Deforestation,” on June 8 at 4pm in Waters 342. Major Professor: Dr. Nelson Villoria

Join us for the Warm-Weather Wednesday Webinar Series this spring!

✔️ Timely agricultural market and farm management insights
✔️ Expert presentations from Kansas State University faculty and specialists
✔️ Convenient Zoom format

Wednesdays: May 27, June 3 & June 10
12:00–1:30 p.m. CT via Zoom
No fee to attend — registration required. Register once and attend any or all sessions.
https://agmanager.info/events

Topics include:
• Fertilizer & diesel price outlook
• Black Sea grain and oilseed market trends
• Kansas farm income forecasts
• KFMA farm income review
• Wheat forage dual-use coverage options

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Congratulations to Gillian Mae Villa on being named a 2026 Agricultural Economics Outstanding Senior! 🎉

Originally from Santa Maria, California, Gillian has made a strong impact at K-State through leadership, research, and industry engagement. During her time on campus, she has been actively involved in Ag Ambassadors, undergraduate research, and served as president of the NAMA competition team.

Gillian has also represented the K-State College of Agriculture through national organizations and professional development opportunities including Farm Foundation, AFA, MANRRS, and IFAMA.

Following graduation, Gillian will join PepsiCo as an associate procurement analyst.

Congratulations, Gillian, on this well-deserved recognition and best wishes on this exciting next chapter! 👏

Please join us for a retirement party in honor of Mary Winnie on May 28 from 3-7p.m. RSVP at https://bit.ly/4wFDboP

We will be celebrating her more than 47 years of service! 💜

Congratulations to Cambree Schmaltz on being named a 2026 Agricultural Economics Outstanding Senior! 🎉

Originally from Bayard, Nebraska, Cambree grew up involved in her family’s cow/calf and backgrounding feedyard operation, which inspired her passion for the beef industry and agricultural economics.

During her time at K-State, Cambree published undergraduate research with Dr. Ted Schroeder, completed internships with Adams Land & Cattle and Balance4ward, and was actively involved in organizations including College of Agriculture Ambassadors, the Risk Management Center, Collegiate Cattlewomen, and the Beef Cattle Institute Leadership Experience. Her study abroad experiences in Costa Rica and Argentina further expanded her understanding of global agriculture and livestock production systems.

Following graduation, Cambree will return to the Nebraska Panhandle to begin a Livestock Risk Protection Operations Support role with Compass Ag Solutions.

Congratulations, Cambree, on this outstanding achievement! 👏

Congratulations to Mackenzie Malson on being named a 2026 Agricultural Economics Outstanding Senior! 🎉

Originally from Parma, Idaho, Mackenzie graduated with degrees in agricultural economics and global food systems leadership, along with minors in international agriculture and communications and education for agriculture.

During her time at K-State, Mackenzie demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement through roles with the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, Sigma Alpha, the Risk Management Center Student Fellows program, and as an Agricultural Economics Ambassador. She also gained valuable industry experience through internships with Rabo AgriFinance, Kansas Farm Bureau, and the University of Idaho, while serving as an undergraduate research assistant in the department.

Following graduation, Mackenzie will pursue a master’s degree in agricultural economics with a focus on livestock economics.

Congratulations, Mackenzie, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

Congratulations to Carissa Dalquest on being named a 2026 Agricultural Economics Outstanding Senior! 🎉

A native of Council Grove, Kansas, Carissa has made an incredible impact during her time at K-State through leadership, research, judging team success, and industry experience. From serving as vice president of the Ag Econ/Agribusiness Club to earning All-American honors and interning with both USDA and Senator Roger Marshall’s office, she has truly exemplified excellence inside and outside the classroom.

Following graduation, Carissa will spend the summer with the Kansas Soybean Association before attending Texas A&M University School of Law to pursue a career in food and agricultural law and policy.

Congratulations, Carissa, we can’t wait to see all you accomplish! 👏

Congratulations to all of our Agricultural Economics undergraduate and graduate students graduating this semester! 🎓

We celebrate your hard work, leadership, perseverance, and the impact you’ve made during your time at K-State. Whether through research, student organizations, internships, competitions, or classroom success, you have helped strengthen our department and community.

We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see where your next chapter takes you. Congratulations, Class of 2026!💜