Payton Dahmer

Dr. Payton Dahmer is an Instructor and Livestock Judging Coach in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University. His work integrates teaching, student development, applied research, and industry engagement to prepare the next generation of leaders in animal agriculture. Through classroom instruction, experiential learning opportunities, and competitive livestock evaluation programs, Dr. Dahmer emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and technical skills that are essential for success across the livestock and allied industries. Dr. Dahmer's responsibilities span undergraduate and graduate education, academic advising, coaching nationally competitive livestock judging teams, and leadership of the Kansas State University Sheep and Meat Goat Center. His teaching and mentoring philosophy centers on connecting scientific principles with practical application, creating educational experiences that bridge the classroom, research enterprise, and livestock industry. His leadership has contributed to multiple national championship-caliber livestock judging teams, providing students with opportunities to develop industry-relevant skills in evaluation, communication, leadership, and problem solving. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Dahmer conducts applied research across multiple livestock species, focusing on questions that advance animal production, nutrition, management, and workforce development. Through collaborative research and mentorship, he provides students with meaningful opportunities to engage in scientific inquiry while addressing challenges relevant to producers and industry stakeholders. Through a commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and industry engagement, Dr. Dahmer works to strengthen the future of animal agriculture by developing skilled professionals, advancing applied knowledge, and fostering connections between the university and the communities it serves.