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Scarlett Hagins or Ryan Higbie (785) 273-5115

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 25, 2008

KLA YOUNG STOCKMEN’S ACADEMY MEETS IN TOPEKA

           ( TOPEKA ) – The 2008 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) gathered for the first time this month. Young producers from across the state met in Topeka for the first of four seminars to be held throughout the year. Fort Dodge Animal Health once again is partnering with KLA to host a group of 20 members for an in-depth look into KLA and the beef business.

            During the first session, attendees were exposed to the legislative process, media and services provided by KLA. Interview training, presented by KLA staff and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcasters Kelly Lenz and Greg Akagi, illustrated the importance of beef producers becoming advocates and delivering a positive message on behalf of their industry. The group visited KLA headquarters and participated in a financial planning seminar, led by Kennedy and Coe, LLC, that focused on debt management and planning for the future of the family business. The class toured the Capitol and attended a Senate Agriculture Committee meeting. Attendees also took part in KLA’s legislative meeting, where they and other members determined positions on individual bills under consideration by the Kansas Legislature.

            The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) provided information on how checkoff dollars are used to promote beef’s nutritional value and versatility in high-population areas across Kansas and the U.S. KBC staff also explained the inner workings of the producer-run checkoff program and gave members a breakdown of how the dollars are spent.

            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; Philip Weltmer, Smith Center.

            The second installment of the YSA class will be held in July. Members will tour operations representing various segments of the Kansas beef industry. More information about YSA can be found at www.kla.org.

            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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