2024 Speakers
Justin Axman
Justin Axman is a Kansas Native that grew up on a farm in Central Kansas and currently operates as a Nutritionist with DNMC. Justin earned his Associate of Science from Pratt Community College in 2011, Bachelor of Science in Biology from Emporia State University in 2013, and his Master of Science in Animal Science from Kansas State University in 2015. During his time at KSU, he also served as Research Assistant at the Beef Cattle Research Center. In addition to Justin’s educational background and prior to joining DNMC, he has operated in multiple nutrition and operation-focused roles. These roles have allowed Justin to gain extensive practical knowledge in providing nutritional and management support for livestock producers regarding efficacy of various dietary regimens, ingredient evaluation and quality control, grain processing methods, as well as formulation of complete rations, premixes, and supplements. These items are a vital part of producers’ daily operations which allows Justin to continuously add value to their bottom line and have a positive impact on their business. Justin and his wife, Whitney, reside in Cimarron, KS with their two children, Hayes (3) and Hollis (1).
Abe Lollar
Born and Raised in Derby, Kansas, I have always had a passion for the outdoors, and decided to try and make it my career. I graduated from Emporia State University with a BS in Biology, and a focus in Environmental Biology in 2012. My career has always had some type of connection with water, whether it been with lakes, stream, rivers, wetlands, insects, crustations, fish, birds, reptiles, mammals, water chemistry, soil conservation and/or water quality and quantity . I have worked in several Midwest states as an Intern, Seasonal, Biological Technician, and currently as a Biologist for Ducks Unlimited located in Garden City KS. In my current position I work with private landowners, public land managers, to help navigate State, Federal, and Non-Governmental programs that these entities can use for wetland habitat creation, restoration, enhancement, and protection. With Playa Lakes being the number one source of recharge to the Ogallala aquifer, it has been a goal of mine to restore, enhance, and protect as many playa lakes as possible in various ways. To date with partnership, I have assisted over a hundred different landowners with $1.2 million of out-of-pocket cost to help restore over 12,000 acres of playa lake wetlands and upland buffers(and growing). Other projects that I am currently working on are Salt cedar (Tamarisk) removal and reseeding along the Arkansas River in Colorado and Kansas, Phragmites control along our river systems and wetlands, and always trying to assist landowners with wetland conservation and ways to incorporated it into their operations. These projects are not only providing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife but are benefiting people via recreation, water quality, quantity, and bottom lines.
I am also currently serving as the Chair for the Upper Arkansas River Regional Advisory Committee and Chair for the Finney County Conservation District.
Wes McCary
Matt Smith
Zach Louk
Nate Hylla
Wally Congdon
Randy Fisher
NRCS
