Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly traveled to Fort Hays State University June 14 to sign House Bill 2290 in a ceremony. The bill creates a strategic affiliation among FHSU, Hays; Northwest Kansas Technical College, Goodland; and North Central Kansas Technical College, Beloit.

This strategic partnership will enable the three institutions to create more accessible programs and student services; and expand apprenticeships, internships, and employment with local agricultural and technical businesses in western Kansas.

“Presidents Ben Schears, Eric Burks and I believe this is a powerful, unified and essential step forward in our efforts to help rural students, businesses and communities prosper in the face of daunting economic and demographic challenges,” said Tisa Mason, FHSU president. FHSU reports that the population of Kansas’s First Congressional District declined by 1.6% between 2010 and 2020, when the state’s overall population increased by 6%. Moreover, Kansas is among the least successful states in retaining its college graduates, inhibiting economic growth. To read more visit bit.ly/saiforthays.

Ag Summit set for Aug. 17

The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced the eighth annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 17 in Manhattan.

This year, the format will be modified to focus on the topics of workforce and water, rather than holding sector-specific sessions. These two topics have been identified by multiple sectors in the state as areas of concern.

The event will be at the Manhattan Conference Center, connected to the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan. There is a social event from 6 to 8 p.m. the evening prior, Aug. 16. The events are free, but registration is required. Register online at bit.ly/kgsaggrowth.

KWA Regional Advisory Committee drive

The Kansas Water Office is accepting applications from individuals with an interest in serving as a member of one of the 14 Regional Advisory Committees which are established by the Kansas Water Authority.

RAC members provide input and advice to the KWA on identified regional and statewide water resource-related goals and action plans developed in support of state water plan implementation.

Interested individuals can apply at bit.ly/kworac. The application deadline is June 30.

Walmart comes to Olathe

Walmart announced June 13 it will build its first-ever fully owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe. The $257 million plant will create 667 new permanent jobs, while construction of the facility will create 1,000 design, fabrication and construction jobs.

According to the Kansas Governor’s Office, this 330,000-square-foot facility is part of Walmart’s overall strategy to create an end-to-end supply chain for high-quality Angus beef. At the same time, the move is also part of its goal to increase transparency and capacity in its supply chain for its Midwest customers.

The groundbreaking is planned for later in 2023, with an opening date of sometime in 2025. It will process Sustainable Beef LLC Angus cuts into case-ready beef products for Walmart stores in the Midwest. Walmart has an equity investment and long-term commercial agreement in Sustainable Beef LLC.

“At Walmart, enhancing quality is integral to how we innovate,” said David Baskin, Walmart senior vice president of deli, meat and seafood. “Once opened, our case-ready beef facility in Olathe will mark an important next step in our journey to create an end-to-end Angus beef supply chain, ensuring our customers have access to the high-quality meats they expect at the everyday low prices they rely on.”