KLA
TOPEKA — Young cattlemen and women from across the state met in Topeka February 25-26 for the first installment of the 2025 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA). Merck Animal Health remains the exclusive program sponsor, partnering with KLA to host members for an in-depth look into KLA and the beef industry. A series of four seminars are held throughout the year in various locations across Kansas.
Though the initial class meeting was delayed due to winter weather, 16 of the 20 YSA members were able to attend this session and learn about the array of member services provided by KLA, hear about the importance of being an advocate for the livestock industry, see KLA lobbyists in action at the state Capitol and take part in the annual KLA Legislative Meeting & Dinner.
Additionally, YSA members attended a Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting at the Capitol and participated in a financial planning seminar conducted by Pinion.
As part of an interactive session led by KLA communications staff and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcaster Greg Akagi, the group was given an overview of various outlets available to help tell the beef production story, as well as how to handle media inquiries. Class members saw multiple examples of how many producers, including KLA members and YSA alumni, use diverse methods to share their message with consumers. Akagi led the class in mock radio and television interviews.
Members of the 2025 YSA class are Paige Adams, Hutchinson; Kyler Berning, Leoti; Walker Clawson, Meade; Jenna Fitzsimmons, Cunningham; Jenna Goetzmann, Manhattan; Hayden Guetterman, Paola; Luke Higgason, Larned; Jenna Hlavaty, Cimarron; Hunter Hope, Jetmore; Jordan Koons, Buffalo, OK; Elizabeth Lutz, Nickerson; Camryn Ricker, Ford; Jamie Schaake, Garden City; Luke Schneider, Saint John; Madelyn Stackley, El Dorado; Caleb Volkman, Hugoton; Daniel Walsh, Manhattan; Clayton Wharton, Syracuse; Cassandra Wolff, Caldwell; and Wyatt Woods, Cimarron.
The second YSA session will be held in May. Members will have the opportunity to learn more about the agribusiness and beef retail industries in the Kansas City area.
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.