TOPEKA – Young cattlemen and women from across the state met in Topeka February 16-17 for the first installment of the 2026 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA), which marks the program’s 20th year.
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 across Kansas.
In their first gathering, YSA members were introduced to the array of member services provided by KLA, heard about the importance of being an advocate for the livestock industry, learned about lobbying at the state Capitol and took part in the annual KLA legislative meeting and dinner.
Additionally, YSA members toured the capitol with KLA lobbyists, viewed the House of Representatives in session and participated in a financial planning seminar conducted by Pinion.
KLA communications staff, Riley County beef producers and entrepreneurs Andy and Sara Larson, and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcaster Greg Akagi gave the group an overview of various outlets available to help tell the beef production story, inspired them to get involved in their communities as a representative of the beef industry and shared information on how to handle media inquiries.
The Larsons talked about their experience in launching their own direct-to-consumer beef business, 1880 Beef, and their interactions with consumers. Akagi led the class in mock radio and television interviews.
Members of the 2026 YSA class are James Brack, Moscow; Sierra Cargill, Medicine Lodge; Gatlin Clawson, Meade; Brooke Falk, Harveyville; MaKala Fitzsimmons, Cunningham; Shane Flach, Manhattan; Casey Giffing, Ulysses; Hannah Grund, Wallace; Nick Higgason, Olmitz; Justine Johns, Minneapolis; Luke Kaiser, Grinnell; Adalaide Kline, Colby; Brady McComb, Pratt; Nick Nowak, Ellis; Quinton Porter, Hays; Jack Roenne, Great Bend; Skye Schumaker, Pratt; Baylee Shultz, Berryton; Teagan Sturdy-Milliken, Lyndon; and Taylee Velasquez, Hugoton.
The class will meet again in May for the second installment of the 2026 program. 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 state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its more than 5,500 members.