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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 20, 2009

KLA YOUNG STOCKMEN’S ACADEMY TOURS WESTERN KANSAS

          ( TOPEKA ) – The second installment of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) was held July 8-9 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.
          C-Bar Ranch near Brownell was the first stop on the tour. Ranch owner Steve Maier visited with YSA members about his cow-calf and seedstock operation and fee hunting business. He encouraged the young group to “think outside the box” as they develop their own operations. Jim Meetz and Derek Martin hosted the group at Lane County Feeders near Dighton. Participants received a firsthand look at an electronic cattle management system, which utilizes a camera and ultrasound to sort calves into marketing groups.
          YSA members also made a stop at Royal Farms Dairy in Garden City and Seibert Feeding near Macksville. Kyle Averhoff, dairy manager and partner, gave an overview of the industry and explained some of the challenges dairymen face today, including decreasing milk prices and labor availability. Gary and Dale Seibert discussed how they manage highly stressed cattle at their backgrounding operation.
          The group toured the National Beef plant at Dodge City . In addition, a Beef Quality Assurance demonstration was conducted to illustrate the importance of utilizing proper injection sites when administering animal health products.
      The 2009 class includes Paige Alexander, Satanta; Chris Boyd, Isabel; Sharon Breiner, Manhattan; Parry Briggs, Emporia; Clint Bryant, Arkansas City; Travis Bryant, Penokee; Kyle Casey, Leoti; Garet Farney, Manhattan; Brandon Greenwood, Wamego; Abbie Grossnicklaus, Mound City; Spencer Jacobs, Manhattan; Trisha Janssen, Geneseo; Derik Klaassen, Newton; Tiffany Lee, Leavenworth; Mitch Mayer, Alma; Elissa Mullinix, El Dorado; Clem Neely, Chanute; Erik Peterson, Lindsborg; Caleb Strauss, Junction City; and Andrew Sylvester, Wamego.
          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.

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