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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 29, 2007

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 June 26-27 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 19 KLA members from across the state, spent two days touring beef operations to gain a better understanding of various industry segments.

          Stops were made at Circle S Angus Ranch near Kingman and Giles Angus Ranch at Bucklin. YSA members got a glimpse into these two progressive cow-calf operations, both of which use superior genetics and good management practices to produce high-quality beef. Participants also made a pasture stop near Lewis where Robert Cross discussed his stocker operation and the benefits of grazing irrigated grassland.

          Jerry Bohn hosted the group at Pratt Feeders. He gave an overview of the feeding industry and explained some of the challenges cattle feeders face today, including environmental issues and immigration reform. To see firsthand how beef and ethanol are processed and readied for delivery to the marketplace, YSA members toured the National Beef plant at Dodge City and the Abengoa Bioenergy plant in Colwich.

          In addition, a Beef Quality Assurance demonstration was conducted during the tour to explain the importance of utilizing proper injection sites when administering animal health products. The group also heard from a panel of KLA members about the association and issues affecting producers in every segment of the industry.

          The 2007 YSA class includes Erin Birney, Ford; Keith Bryant, Ulysses; Randall Debler, Alma; Garrett Eggers, Yates Center; Chad Gross, Ulysses; John Koons, Manhattan; Beau Larson, Sharon Springs; Josh Lilley, Alma; Seth Link, Leoti; Dusty Markham, Kansas City; John McCurry, Burrton; Dan Schmidt, Blue Rapids; Nancy Sproul, Manhattan; Justin Stout, Lenexa; Tom Strahm, Sabetha; Jennifer Struthers, Clearwater; Micca Sullivan, Stillwater, OK; Clint Theurer, South Haven; and Cale Wiehe, Tonganoxie.

          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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