Barry Flinchbaugh '64 Animal Sciences, '67g Agricultural Economics

Flinchbaugh is known as a leading expert on agricultural policy and agricultural economics. During his early professional years, he began working with leaders of both political parties on federal farm bills. He went on to serve on a variety of boards of directors, advisory organizations and national task forces, providing input on domestic food and agriculture policy and serving as an advisor to industry and government leaders.

As a professor and extension educator, Flinchbaugh has taught agricultural policy subjects to approximately 4,000 undergraduates and has connected agricultural residents across Kansas with the university's educational resources. On a national level, his contributions to the development of U.S. agricultural policy have included serving as chairman of the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture formed by the 1996 FAIR Act (also known as the Freedom to Farm Act).

A dynamic and popular speaker, Flinchbaugh receives as many as 100 speaking invitations per year. He has written more than 100 publications and has co-authored a textbook on agricultural policy.

Flinchbaugh has been honored with Outstanding Teacher Awards three times by Kansas State University and has been recognized by the agricultural industry with several honors. He received a Distinguished Service Award from the American Farm Bureau and recently was selected as one of Farm Credit's 100 Fresh Perspectives, a national recognition for leaders making positive contributions to agriculture and rural communities.

Flinchbaugh is a lifetime member of Penn State's Alumni Association, its Ag Alumni Society and its alumni Stockman's Club.