Four Kansas State University students traveled to Taiwan August 8-16, 2025, to represent Kansas in the Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program. The bilateral exchange offers students an opportunity to explore Taiwan’s agricultural industry and deepen their understanding of economic ties between Kansas and Taiwan, particularly through agricultural exports.
“During their time in Taiwan, these students gained new global perspectives, learned how to navigate cultural differences, and communicated across language barriers,” said Suzanne Ryan-Numrich, Ag Marketing Division Director at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “These experiences will not only make them more competitive in the job market, but also prepare them to become more thoughtful, engaged leaders ready to take on global challenges.”
The delegates included:
- Preston Dunn, St. John – Senior, Agricultural Economics and Animal Sciences and Industry
- Anna Koch, Rose Hill – Senior, Animal Sciences and Industry
- Madison Seyb, Johnson – Junior, Animal Sciences and Industry
- Grace Young, Osawatomie – Milling Science and Bakery Science
- Dana Ladner, Compliance Education and Workforce Development Coordinator at KDA
While in Taiwan, the students visited the National Chung Hsing University, interacted with local university students, met with the Director General of the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and toured a variety of agricultural sites.
“From dragon fruit farms and hydroponic systems to tea research stations and meat processing facilities, I learned so much about how farming looks in a different part of the world,” said Young. “Programs like this don’t just educate; they inspire future leaders to think globally, connect meaningfully, and bring fresh ideas back to Kansas agriculture.”
“While I enjoyed many of the stops along the way, a few of my favorites were touring multiple meat processing facilities and gaining insight into their practices,” Dunn added. “I also found it especially meaningful to hear a farmer share how he is innovating to attract young people back to agriculture and revitalize his rural community.”
The program is coordinated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver, Colorado, and is sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Kansas State University College of Agriculture and KDA.
In 2024, Kansas exported $209 million in agricultural products to Taiwan, making Taiwan the state’s sixth-largest agricultural trading partner.
Each fall, KDA coordinates the Taiwan Youth Exchange Program application process which is open to college students. For more information, contact Dana Ladner at KDA, at 785-564-6660 or [email protected].