Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Announced

Jul 21, 2023

The Sand County Foundation, in partnership with Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) and the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD), has announced four finalists for the Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the $10,000 award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to the land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

This year’s finalists are Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita, the Kevin Karr family of Emporia, Janus Farms of Cherryvale and Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville.

The Flickner family installed sub-surface drip irrigation technology to become more efficient with water. Their innovative farm is a collaboration of partners, where new methods to improve soil health and conserve water are demonstrated.

The Karr family uses no-till practices and have enhanced wildlife habitat and reduced fuel use, while building a better soil structure. The combination of no-till and cover crops have bolstered the farm’s ability to recover from drought.

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Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.