Kansas Ag Facts
“Kansas has a history and a future unlike any other state. Through closer examination, students in Kansas should have pride and peace in knowing that this richly exciting ecosystem–their richly exciting ecosystem–is the heart of America in more ways than one.”
– KFAC’s Exploring Natural Resources Guide Educator’s Guide
Kansans have so much to proud of in our state, and KFAC recognizes how exciting it is to learn about the state in which we live. Kansas Day, celebrated in January, and State Ag Day, celebrated in March, are truly and uniquely Kansas. Through resources for Kansas Day and State Ag Day, students and adults alike will learn what makes Kansas so special.
Agriculture is the #1 industry in Kansas, with aircraft manufacturing and education close behind. Approximately 90% of Kansas land is for agricultural use, and the state ranks high in wheat, grain sorghum and silage production. In 2005, there were 64,500 farms in Kansas, with a total of 47,200,000 acres for farm land.
To view your county’s agricultural statistics, visit Kansas County Farm Facts, presented by the National Agricultural Statistical Service.
General Kansas Facts
The Seal of the State of Kansas
The motto which appears on the Great Seal, “Ad astra per aspera,” is Latin for “To the stars through difficulties.” The thirty-four stars represent the fact that Kansas was the thirty-fourth state admitted to the Union. On the seal, a sunrise overshadows a farmer plowing a field near his log cabin, a steamboat sailing the Kansas River, a wagon train heading west and Native Americans hunting bison.
To learn more about the Great Seal,
visit the Office of the Governor.
The Kansas Flag
The Kansas flag is a dark blue field that showcases a sunflower, which is the state flower, the Great Seal and the words “Kansas.” In the seal, the thirty-four stars represent the fact that Kansas was the thirty-fourth state admitted to the Union. Above the stars is the motto “To the stars through difficulties.”
To learn more about the Kansas Flag,
visit the Office of the Governor.
The Kansas Capitol
The Kansas Capitol resides in Topeka, and it is one of the most beautiful State Capitol buildings in the country. The state capital location and building have quite a history.
To learn more about the Kansas Capitol, visit the Office of the Governor.
Kansas Population
According to the 2000 census, the state population was 2,668,418 people. The next census will be 2010. The largest city in Kansas is Wichita with a population of 344,284; however, other major cities in Kansas include Kansas City, Overland Park and Topeka. Major industries in Kansas are agriculture, aircraft manufacturing and education.
Kansas Climate
The average climate is good for both crop and livestock production. There is approximately 25.52 inches of precipitation yearly. The average temperature in January is 28.7° F and 79.6° F in July. Average wind speed in the state of Kansas is 12.04 miles per hour.
Kansas Symbols
State Flower:
Native Sunflower
State Tree:
Cottonwood
Photo: Mary Anne Stoskopf
State Soil:
Harney Silt Loam
State Bird:
Western Meadowlark
Photo: Bob Gress, Great Plains Nature Center
State Animal:
American Bison
Photo: Bob Gress, Great Plains Nature Center
State Insect:
Honeybee
Photo: Stephen Ausmus, USDA ARS
State Reptile:
Ornate Box Turtle
Photo: Bob Gress, Great Plains Nature Center
State Amphibian:
Barred Tiger Salamander
Photo: Bob Gress, Great Plains Nature Center
More Kansas Facts
For more Kansas facts, visit the Office of the Governor.
