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.
- 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.
Mikayla Hargis
Mikayla Hargis, from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. She is now a Ph.D. student in Leadership Communication at Kansas State University, advised by Dr. Nellie Hill-Sullins, studying how scientists communicate with the public and how institutions can encourage faculty to engage in science communication.
Email: mrhargis@ksu.edu 
Mellany Roenne
Mellany Roenne, from Meriden, KS, is pursuing two B.S. degrees in Animal Science and Industry and Agronomy. Her research focuses on the effects of grazing exclusion on weed and grass populations in the Flint Hills under high-intensity stocking rates of cattle. Dr. Sophie Westbrook is her guiding professor for this research.
Email: roennemel@ksu.edu
Grant Snider
Grant Snider, from Lee's Summit, MO, is pursuing his M.S. in Agronomy. Under the guidance of his major professor, Dr. Sophie Westbrook, his research focuses on the detection, monitoring, and management of rangeland weeds in the grazed grasslands of Rannells Ranch.
Email: gsnider000@ksu.edu
Emerson Tarr
Emerson Tarr, from Le Roy, IL, is pursuing her M.S. in Agricultural Communications and Education. Her research explores producer decision-making and the adoption of agricultural innovations within Flint Hills grazing systems, guided by her major professor, Dr. Nellie Hill-Sullins.
Email: etarr@ksu.edu