Meet Katheryn Wessel - International Trade Director

Meet Katheryn Wessel - International Trade Director

November 4, 2025 | In the news ยท International

Hello! I am Katheryn Wessel, the new International Trade Director in the Ag Marketing team at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. I grew up on a row crop and hog farm in northeast Nebraska and enjoy heading home to lend a hand on the farm whenever I can. I earned my bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and global food systems leadership from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in international agricultural development from the University of California, Davis.

My career has taken me from Kansas to Washington, D.C., and around the world, working with Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture, Kansas State University, and several USAID Feed the Future Innovation Labs. Through these experiences, I have coordinated international projects focused on trade facilitation, market development, and food safety, and I’ve experienced firsthand how agriculture and food powerfully connect people, economies, and cultures across the globe.

Now, I’m excited to be back in Kansas, supporting our state’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses as they explore and expand into international markets. My goal is to make international marketing more accessible and help Kansas companies build lasting trade relationships around the world.

Some of the services KDA offers include:

  • Assistance in developing international marketing strategies and export plans
  • Guidance on market research and export regulations
  • Hosting foreign buying teams interested in Kansas products
  • Leading trade missions and participation in international trade shows

KDA is also a proud member of Food Export–Midwest, a nonprofit that helps U.S. companies expand their export sales. Through their Branded Program, eligible companies can receive 50% cost reimbursement for a wide range of international marketing and promotional activities. This is a helpful resource for businesses looking to grow globally.

Here at KDA, we are eager to help Kansas businesses explore new opportunities and make the most of these programs. If you have questions or ideas about expanding your exports, please don’t hesitate to reach out, I would love to connect!

Katheryn Wessel
International Trade Director
Kansas Department of Agriculture

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