A New Chapter in Agricultural Diplomacy: 2026 Taiwan–U.S. Agricultural Youth Exchange Program Successfully Concludes

The sixth “2026 Taiwan–U.S. Agricultural Youth Exchange Program,” jointly organized by National Chung Hsing University and the Kansas Department of Agriculture, has successfully concluded. Faculty and students from NCHU traveled to Kansas, where they engaged in in-depth exchanges with partner institution Kansas State University as well as representatives from industry, government, and academia. Through a week-long program of site visits and academic activities, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. agricultural industry chain—from production and processing to transportation and policy planning—yielding fruitful outcomes.

The program covered diverse fields including animal science, horticulture, agronomy, food processing, and agribusiness. Students attended the American Royal Spring Livestock Show, where they observed animal evaluation and breeding techniques, and gained insight into the importance of coordination between humans and animals as well as professional training. They also visited the Kansas City Zoo and the Throckmorton Greenhouses and Gardens at Kansas State University to learn about animal welfare and modern greenhouse management technologies, including innovative applications such as vertical hydroponics.

To better understand the agricultural supply chain, students toured the DeLong Grain Transloading Export Facility, BNSF Railway logistics hub, and the Biodiesel Class and Research Lab. These visits demonstrated how the United States leverages large-scale production and efficient transportation systems to convert agricultural products into feed and energy, highlighting both efficiency and added value.
The delegation also participated in discussions with Kansas state officials, including Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Josh McGinn and Kansas House of Representatives Lindsay Vaughn, addressing issues such as water resource shortages and agricultural policy. Students noted that these face-to-face dialogues enhanced their understanding of the connections between policymaking and industry development, while also inspiring reflection on the future of agriculture in Taiwan.

In addition, Debby Hung-Hui Huang, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver, joined the delegation for a dinner, during which students shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This exchange not only deepened students’ professional knowledge but also strengthened their interdisciplinary integration and critical thinking skills, offering long-term benefits for their future engagement in agricultural research and practice. The agricultural youth delegation from Kansas State University is scheduled to visit NCHU later this year, marking another significant milestone. Looking ahead, NCHU will continue to promote international exchange programs, cultivating agricultural professionals with global perspectives and local implementation capabilities, and injecting new momentum into the sustainable development of Taiwan’s agriculture.

↑ Visit American Royal Spring Livestock Show

↑ Students experience horseback riding at Vermillion Valley Equine Center