Our Team
The People Who Make Our Work Possible
The Rannells Ranch team brings together researchers, educators, and land managers who guide the ranch’s operations and research. Their work blends ecological science with practical grazing management to support producers, students, and the long-term health of the Flint Hills.
Ranch Leadership
With deep knowledge of Flint Hills range conditions, Logan Thompson and Colin Tobin manage cattle operations and pasture use while guiding research that reflects real ranching needs.
Dr. Logan Thompson: Director
Dr. Thompson studies grazing management and rangeland ecology in the Flint Hills. In his role as ranch manager, he guides daily operations and supports research that connects science with practical cattle management.
Dr. Colin Tobin: Associate Director
Dr. Tobin studies livestock foraging behavior and range management. In his role as associate director, he supports research focused on livestock management to optimize rangeland resources in the Flint Hills.
The Project Review Committee serves in an advisory capacity and meets annually to review activities and accomplishments to date as well as future plans. The committee includes:
- Officers of the Livestock and Meat Industry Council
- Interim Dean - College of Agriculture, Dan Moser
- Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs and Director, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station - College of Agriculture, Jane Schuh
- Department Head of Animal Science and Industry, Teresa Douthit
- Department Head of Agronomy, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz
- Up to three ranchers identified by LMIC to ensure research is focused on challenges and opportunities for Flint Hills beef producers.
The committee ensures continued collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches underpin research at Rannells Ranch in order to fulfil the intent of the donors of this property. Kansas State University is to use this facility to advance the varied areas of science that support the health, productivity, and sustainability of the grassland resources in order to advance the profitability and sustainability of beef production in the Flint Hills grassland of Kansas.
Graduate and undergraduate students assist with data collection, livestock monitoring, and field research while gaining hands-on experience in rangeland ecology and grazing systems. Their work directly contributes to ongoing studies at the ranch.
Megan Anglin
M.S. student in Agronomy
Advisor: Dr. Colin Tobin
Email: megananglin@ksu.edu
Mikayla Hargis
Ph.D. student in Leadership Communication
Advisor: Dr. Nellie Hill-Sullins
Email: mrhargis@ksu.edu

Jace Owen
M.S. student in Animal Sciences & Industry
Ruminant Nutrition
Advisor: Dr. Logan Thompson
Email: jace20@ksu.edu

Jordan Sylvester
M.S. student in Animal Sciences & Industry
Ruminant Nutrition
Advisor: Dr. Logan Thompson
Email: jordansylvester@ksu.edu

Emerson Tarr
M.S. student in Agricultural Education and Communication
Advisor: Dr. Nellie Hill-Sullins.
Email: etarr@ksu.edu