Taiwanese Students Learn About Kansas Agriculture

Six National Chung Hsing University students were in Manhattan from March 30 through April 6, 2024, representing their university as part of a bilateral student exchange program to learn about Kansas’ agricultural industry and how Kansas agriculture exports benefit both Kansas and Taiwan. The trip was coordinated by Kansas Department of Agriculture, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver, Colorado. The trip was sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Kansas State College of Agriculture, and KDA.

“While we have been sending Kansas students to Taiwan for many years, this was our first time to host Taiwanese students in Kansas. It was an honor to host the delegation and showcase many different facets of Kansas agriculture,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, international trade director at KDA. “None of the students had ever visited the U.S. before, and we are grateful for the many gracious hosts we had throughout the week that opened the doors to their businesses and homes and made the students feel welcome in Kansas. The relationships built through this program are truly invaluable.”

The six National Chung Hsing University students who participated were studying majors ranging from international business to animal sciences to food science and biotechnology. While in Kansas, the delegates visited Kansas State University’s animal research units and agronomy farm, Kansas Wheat, Manhattan Commission Company, and A&H Farms, Manhattan; the American Royal and Signal Theory, Kansas City, Missouri; Vermillion Valley Equine Center, Belvue; Lazy Heart D Ranch, Westmoreland; Dean and Diane Becker farm, Seneca; Landoll Corporation, Marysville; Hildebrand Dairy, Junction City; PrairieLand Partners, Wamego; NextGen Cattle Company, Paxico; and the State Capitol, and Combat Air Museum, Topeka.

“I enjoyed every moment I spent in the beautiful state of Kansas. I was able to have a glimpse of the entire agriculture chain from farm to table. It was wonderful to see that people from different backgrounds and with various talents support agriculture in so many ways,” said Grace Huang, one of the visiting students. “Our visit to Kansas Wheat was remarkable. I was impressed by how much farmers invest in research and improving their production.”

The Taiwanese students were hosted by six Kansas State University students who traveled to Taiwan last fall as part of the bilateral exchange program.

“This program has been extremely beneficial to both the K-State students as well as the Taiwanese students. Not only has it allowed for cultural exchange, but also exploration of agriculture. The tours allowed us to think critically of the traditional agricultural customs of each country,” said Katie Cummings, a K-State sophomore in agriculture education who was part of the trip to Taiwan in fall 2023. “I am truly grateful for this program and hope it continues so more students can reap the benefits.”

Opportunities such as the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program provide knowledge and networking to the delegates. In 2023, Kansas exported $193 million in agricultural products to Taiwan and Taiwan was Kansas’ sixth-largest agricultural trading partner. International relationships with countries such as Taiwan help open opportunities for more exports in the future.

Each fall, KDA coordinates the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program application process which is open to K-State students. For more information, contact Dana Ladner at KDA, 785-564-6660, Dana.Ladner@ks.gov; Heather Lansdowne, 785-564-6706, AgMedia@ks.gov.