MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. — Kansas State University (KSU) announced on April 17 the addition of Charles Stark to the College of Agriculture as he joins the Department of Grain Science and Industry and the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. 

Stark will serve as the Jim and Carol Brown associate professor in feed technology and manufacturing and faculty coordinator of the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center.

A native of Hastings, Nebraska, U.S., Stark was raised on a small dairy farm, but made his way to Kansas when he attended Kansas State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science and his master’s and doctorate’s degrees in grain science.

In this new position, Stark says he is most excited to be able to give back to the feed industry. 

“I believe the feed science program is at a crossroads in history with this unique faculty position,” Stark said. “The opening of the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center will allow the faculty and staff to build upon the rich history of both departments, while creating new and exciting programs that will provide global leadership and help feed 9 billion people by 2050.”

Stark previously served as an assistant professor and extension specialist in the Prestage Department of Poultry Science at North Carolina State University and has been working in the feed industry for the last 20 years. He has provided audits, technical support and training to over 33 feed mills in eight different countries. He says his goal is to be able to use these experiences to benefit feed mills, grain elevators and animal producers in Kansas and beyond.

Beginning in early August, Stark will assume his responsibilities at KSU in teaching, research and outreach, and says he is especially looking forward to working with students.

“I hope to inspire students to work in the feed industry, while sharing both my industry experiences and mistakes,” Stark said.

His industry experiences will guide him in his new position according to Ken Odde, head of Kansas State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry who said, “We expect Dr. Stark to strengthen the integration of feed science and animal nutrition research programs.”

With his connections, Stark will also further support the mission of International Grains Program (IGP) by focusing on adding value to Kansas and U.S. crops, said Dirk Maier, grain science department head and director of the IGP.

“He has tremendous expertise and experience with integrated livestock feed production,” Maier said. “As Kansas expands integrated livestock productions, there is more need for feed manufacturing capabilities that will expand and add value to our commodities. In addition, he will further strengthen the excellent faculty we have in place within the two departments in support of the feed and animal industries.”