(TOPEKA) � The second installment of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen's Academy (YSA) was held July 9-10 in western Kansas. Fort Dodge Animal Health is partnering with KLA to host members in their 20s for a series of four seminars throughout the year. The group, consisting of 20 KLA members from across the state, spent two days touring beef operations to gain a better understanding of various industry segments.
Pratt Livestock was the first stop on the tour. Auction Market Manager Jake Lewis and National Animal Identification System Program Manager Bryan Rickard visited with YSA members about the importance of age and source verification and premises registration. Jeff Sternberger hosted the group at Midwest Feeders near Ingalls. Sternberger gave an overview of the feeding industry and explained some of the challenges cattle feeders face today, including high fuel and feed costs.
Participants also made a stop at Pelton Simmental/Red Angus near Burdett. Lynn
Pelton gave the group a glimpse into his progressive seedstock operation, which
uses superior genetics to produce high-quality beef.
The young KLA group toured the National Beef plant at Dodge City. In addition,
a Beef Quality Assurance demonstration was conducted during the tour to illustrate
the importance of utilizing proper injection sites when administering animal
health products. The group also met with a panel of KLA members to discuss
the association and issues affecting producers in every segment of the industry.
The 2008 class includes Guy Bracken, Oswego; Corey Brasher, Pratt; Ryan Breiner,
Manhattan; Aaron Cross, Lewis; Rodney Derstein, Manhattan; Levi Ebert, Saint
George; Shilo Eggers, Yates Center; Phillip Goodyear, Junction City; Billy
Harris, Manhattan; Rob Holland, Bucyrus; Mark Huseman, Ellsworth; Rick Nelson,
Parker; Brandon New, Leavenworth; Ryan Parker, El Dorado; Janet Ratliff, Cheney;
Todd Strahm, Onaga; Ben Stromgren, Osage City; Justin Struthers, El Dorado;
Heath Stuewe, Maple Hill; and Philip Weltmer, Smith Center.
The third YSA session will be held during October. Members will have the opportunity
to learn more about the agribusiness and retail beef industries.
KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at
both the state and federal levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers
are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative
representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications
and the advancement of youth.
