Kansas Agriculture Marketing Expert Appointed: Boosting Rural Growth and International Trade
“Suzanne Ryan-Numrich organized over 150 trade missions promoting Kansas agriculture across more than 30 countries in her decade-long tenure.”
We at the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) are thrilled to announce a significant development in our ongoing efforts to bolster the state’s agricultural sector. In a move that promises to invigorate Kansas agriculture marketing and international trade, Suzanne Ryan-Numrich has been appointed as the new director of the KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for our agency and the broader Kansas agricultural community.
A Decade of Dedication to Kansas Agriculture
Ryan-Numrich brings to her new role a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. For the past ten years, she has served as the agency’s international trade director, playing a key role in the Ag Marketing team. Her focus has been on providing market development support and technical expertise on international trade, making her uniquely qualified to lead our division into a new era of growth and expansion.
During her tenure, Ryan-Numrich has:
- Organized over 150 trade missions promoting Kansas agriculture in more than 30 countries
- Worked directly with state, national, and international trade groups and organizations
- Served on the USDA Technical Advisory Committee for Animals and Animal Products
- Advised the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and United States Trade Representative on agricultural trade issues
Her extensive experience and deep understanding of both domestic and international agricultural markets position her perfectly to lead our division’s efforts in creating an environment that facilitates growth and expansion of Kansas agriculture.
The KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing: A Multifaceted Approach
The Division of Agriculture Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach is at the heart of our efforts to support and grow Kansas’s agricultural sector. Under Ryan-Numrich’s leadership, the division will continue to focus on several key areas:
- Agriculture workforce development
- Domestic market development
- International market development
- Compliance education
- Agency outreach and advocacy
- Economics and statistics
- The From the Land of Kansas trademark program
These focus areas are designed to create a comprehensive support system for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
Expanding Kansas’s Agricultural Footprint
One of the primary goals of the KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing is to expand the Kansas agriculture industry both domestically and internationally. Ryan-Numrich’s extensive experience in international trade will be invaluable in this regard. Her work has already laid a strong foundation for Kansas agriculture on the global stage, and in her new role, she will be able to leverage these connections to create even more opportunities for Kansas producers.
As we look to the future, we anticipate seeing:
- Increased participation in international trade shows and missions
- Expanded market access for Kansas agricultural products
- Enhanced support for exporters navigating international regulations and trade agreements
- Greater collaboration with federal agencies to address trade barriers
These efforts will not only benefit large-scale agricultural operations but also provide new opportunities for small and medium-sized farms and agribusinesses across Kansas.
Supporting Rural Kansas Communities
The appointment of Ryan-Numrich also underscores our commitment to supporting rural Kansas communities. Agriculture is the backbone of many of these communities, and by strengthening the agricultural sector, we aim to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities in rural areas.
Some of the initiatives we expect to see under Ryan-Numrich’s leadership include:
- Enhanced support for local farmers’ markets through the From the Land of Kansas program
- Expanded workforce development programs to address labor shortages in rural areas
- Increased focus on agritourism as a means of diversifying rural economies
- Greater emphasis on value-added agriculture to increase farm income
These efforts align perfectly with our mission to create an environment that facilitates growth and expansion of Kansas agriculture, benefiting not just individual farmers and ranchers, but entire rural communities.
Leveraging Technology for Agricultural Growth
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, it’s crucial that we embrace innovative solutions to support our agricultural sector. While the Kansas Department of Agriculture focuses on policy and marketing, we recognize the importance of technology in modern farming practices. Companies like Farmonaut are at the forefront of this agricultural technology revolution, offering advanced, satellite-based farm management solutions that complement our efforts to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Farmonaut’s platform provides valuable services such as:
- Real-time crop health monitoring
- AI-based advisory systems
- Blockchain-based traceability
- Resource management tools
These technologies align well with our goals of increasing farm productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing transparency in agricultural supply chains. While we don’t have a direct partnership with Farmonaut, we encourage Kansas farmers and agribusinesses to explore such technological solutions as part of their overall strategy for growth and efficiency.
From the Land of Kansas: Promoting Local Foods and Farmers’ Markets
One of the key programs under the Division of Agriculture Marketing is the From the Land of Kansas trademark program. This initiative plays a crucial role in supporting local foods and farmers’ markets across the state. Under Ryan-Numrich’s leadership, we expect to see this program expand and evolve to meet the changing needs of both producers and consumers.
The From the Land of Kansas program aims to:
- Increase consumer awareness of Kansas-grown and produced products
- Provide marketing support for small and medium-sized producers
- Facilitate connections between local producers and retailers
- Promote agritourism opportunities across the state
By strengthening this program, we aim to create a robust local food economy that benefits both urban and rural communities across Kansas.
International Trade: A Key Focus for Kansas Agriculture
Given Ryan-Numrich’s extensive experience in international trade, we anticipate a renewed focus on expanding Kansas’s agricultural exports. Her work over the past decade has already laid a strong foundation, organizing over 150 trade missions to more than 30 countries. This global perspective will be invaluable as we seek to open new markets for Kansas agricultural products.
| Year Range | Number of Trade Missions | Countries Visited | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-2015 | 45+ | 10+ | Established initial trade relationships in key Asian markets |
| 2016-2018 | 50+ | 15+ | Expanded presence in European markets, increased exports by 15% |
| 2019-2021 | 35+ | 20+ | Navigated trade challenges during global pandemic, maintained export levels |
| 2022-2023 | 20+ | 25+ | Focused on emerging markets in Africa and South America, projected 10% export growth |
As we move forward, our international trade efforts will focus on:
- Identifying and developing new export markets for Kansas agricultural products
- Providing support and resources for Kansas producers looking to enter international markets
- Addressing trade barriers and advocating for Kansas agriculture on the global stage
- Leveraging technology to facilitate international trade and enhance supply chain transparency
Workforce Development: Ensuring a Strong Future for Kansas Agriculture
Another critical aspect of the Division of Agriculture Marketing’s work is workforce development. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, it’s essential that we have a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of modern farming and agribusiness.
Under Ryan-Numrich’s leadership, we expect to see enhanced efforts in:
- Developing partnerships with educational institutions to create relevant training programs
- Promoting agricultural career opportunities to young people across Kansas
- Supporting continuing education and skill development for current agricultural workers
- Addressing labor shortages in key agricultural sectors
These efforts will ensure that Kansas agriculture remains competitive and innovative in the years to come.
“The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s marketing division focuses on expanding markets in both domestic and international spheres, covering multiple agricultural sectors.”
Compliance Education: Navigating Regulatory Landscapes
As part of our commitment to supporting Kansas farmers and agribusinesses, the Division of Agriculture Marketing also focuses on compliance education. This crucial work helps agricultural producers navigate the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring they can operate efficiently while meeting all necessary standards.
Key aspects of our compliance education efforts include:
- Providing up-to-date information on relevant regulations and standards
- Offering workshops and training sessions on compliance issues
- Developing resources to help producers implement best practices
- Assisting with the interpretation and application of new regulations
By focusing on compliance education, we aim to reduce regulatory burdens on Kansas agricultural producers while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
Economics and Statistics: Data-Driven Decision Making
In today’s data-driven world, accurate and timely economic information is crucial for making informed decisions. The Division of Agriculture Marketing plays a key role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating economic data related to Kansas agriculture.
This work includes:
- Tracking key economic indicators for various agricultural sectors
- Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities
- Providing economic forecasts to help guide policy decisions
- Collaborating with research institutions to analyze long-term trends in agriculture
By providing this valuable economic data, we help Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses make informed decisions about their operations and future investments.
Advocacy: Giving Voice to Kansas Agriculture
As the voice of Kansas agriculture, the KDA plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses at both the state and national levels. Under Ryan-Numrich’s leadership, we expect to see continued strong advocacy efforts, including:
- Representing Kansas agricultural interests in policy discussions
- Collaborating with industry organizations to address key challenges
- Promoting the importance of agriculture to the broader public
- Engaging with lawmakers to ensure favorable policies for Kansas agriculture
This advocacy work is essential in creating an environment where Kansas agriculture can thrive and grow.
Leveraging Technology for Agricultural Growth
While the KDA focuses on policy, marketing, and advocacy, we recognize the crucial role that technology plays in modern agriculture. Innovative solutions like those offered by Farmonaut can significantly enhance farm productivity and sustainability. Their satellite-based farm management solutions align well with our goals of increasing agricultural efficiency and promoting sustainable practices.
Some key technologies that can benefit Kansas agriculture include:
- Satellite-based crop health monitoring
- AI-driven farm advisory systems
- Blockchain-based traceability solutions
- Advanced resource management tools
We encourage Kansas farmers and agribusinesses to explore these technological solutions as part of their strategy for growth and efficiency.
Looking to the Future of Kansas Agriculture
As we welcome Suzanne Ryan-Numrich to her new role, we are filled with optimism about the future of Kansas agriculture. Her extensive experience, coupled with the diverse initiatives of the Division of Agriculture Marketing, positions us well to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
We anticipate seeing:
- Increased exports of Kansas agricultural products to global markets
- Enhanced support for local food systems and farmers’ markets
- Greater adoption of innovative agricultural technologies
- Improved workforce development programs to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector
- Stronger advocacy for Kansas agriculture at state and national levels
Through these efforts, we aim to ensure that Kansas remains a leader in agriculture, driving economic growth and supporting rural communities across our state.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Kansas Agriculture
The appointment of Suzanne Ryan-Numrich as the new director of the KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Kansas agriculture. Her wealth of experience, particularly in international trade, positions her perfectly to lead our efforts in expanding markets, supporting rural communities, and raising awareness of Kansas’s agricultural prowess.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of creating an environment that facilitates growth and expansion of Kansas agriculture. With Ryan-Numrich at the helm of our marketing division, we are confident in our ability to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
We invite all stakeholders in Kansas agriculture – from farmers and ranchers to agribusinesses and rural community leaders – to join us in this journey. Together, we can ensure a bright and prosperous future for Kansas agriculture.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the role of the KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach?
A: This division focuses on retaining and growing farms, ranches, and agribusinesses, expanding the Kansas agriculture industry, assisting rural Kansas communities, and raising awareness of and appreciation for agriculture.
Q: What experience does Suzanne Ryan-Numrich bring to her new role?
A: Ryan-Numrich has a decade of experience as the agency’s international trade director, during which she organized over 150 trade missions promoting Kansas agriculture in more than 30 countries.
Q: How does the From the Land of Kansas program support local agriculture?
A: This trademark program supports local foods and farmers’ markets, promoting Kansas-grown and produced products and providing marketing support for small and medium-sized producers.
Q: What are some key focus areas for international trade in Kansas agriculture?
A: Key focus areas include identifying new export markets, providing support for producers entering international markets, addressing trade barriers, and leveraging technology to facilitate international trade.
Q: How does the KDA support workforce development in agriculture?
A: The KDA focuses on developing partnerships with educational institutions, promoting agricultural career opportunities, supporting continuing education, and addressing labor shortages in key agricultural sectors.
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For more information about the KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach, please visit the KDA website.