K-State professor receives award celebrating innovations in agriculture
Kansas is a powerhouse in the beef industry, thanks in part to K-State agricultural economics professor Ted Schroeder.
Schroeder, a university distinguished professor, received this year’s Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Award, which recognizes K-State College of Agriculture faculty who are excelling through innovative teaching, research or extension that impacts the global food system.
Mark and Eva Gardiner, who own and operate one of the largest registered Angus operations in the country, are a part of a multi-generational farming (and K-State) family. Impressed by the college’s impact on the global food system, the pair established the award in 2019.
Schroeder knew the Gardiners long before receiving the award. In fact, the Gardiners have a decades-long relationship with the decorated faculty member.
“In 1995, the beef industry was failing,” Mark Gardiner said. “A few fellow K-State alumni and I — and a few others concerned about the decline in the beef industry — developed a bold plan that eventually became U.S. Premium Beef. Dr. Schroeder was instrumental in advising us as we developed our plan.”
Ernie Minton, the Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture, also sings Schroeder’s praises.
“He is one of the most productive faculty members in the department,” Minton said, “with a tremendous capacity to positively impact our teaching and research missions in agricultural economics.”
The Gardiner Award showcases the clear connection between supporting faculty and growing student opportunities. Schroeder, with a strong commitment to both education and legislative advising, has mentored students on campus since 1986. A sought-after national and international speaker, he lends a hand in keeping the K-State College of Agriculture competitive in the minds of both prospective and current students.