K-State Dairy Project in a Holding Pattern
By Jennifer M. Latzke, Editor, Kansas Farmer Magazine
Kansas dairy farmers are not giving up on the proposed Kansas State University dairy project, says K-State Dairy Extension Specialist Mike Brouk.
Brouk spoke at the annual Kansas Dairy Meeting in March updating dairy farmers on the status of the proposed $43 million new dairy teaching and research facility at K-State. Proposed projects at K-State must have state legislative approval and be included in the budget process. The 2025 legislative session ended without any action on the proposed dairy project. But it wasn’t for a lack of trying.
“It was discussed in the hallways during the session, but there were other things that were considered, and the legislature was struggling with the budget,” Brouk explains. “However, the legislative leadership continues to be supportive of the project, and we are planning for a push during the 2026 legislative session. We have already started the efforts to get this to the finish line.”
The project will demolish the current dairy, which was built in the late 1970s and is outdated for teaching and research functions. The new facility will include more than enough for research needs and the milking herd. It will also have current milking technology, such as a small rotary milker, like those used in larger dairies that have made Kansas their home, and two robotic box stall milkers, similar to those used in smaller and medium sized dairies.
The K-State dairy project is delayed one more year due to budget concerns at the state level. (Photo by Jennifer M. Latzke)