WIBW farm broadcaster Kelly Lenz (left) visits with YSA member Tommy Thayer of LaCygne.
The 2019 KLA Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) met for its first session last week in Topeka. The class consists of 20 young cattlemen and women from across the state. Merck Animal Health is again the exclusive sponsor of the program.
During the two-day session, attendees participated in advocacy training, learned more about the legislative process and heard from KLA staff about the array of member services the association provides. As part of an interactive training session led by KLA staff, Jamie Lindamood of Eureka and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcaster Kelly Lenz, the group was given an overview of the importance of being advocates and the various tools available to help them reach consumers. Lindamood shared with the group how she has implemented advocacy on their family operation by helping coordinate a ranch tour each spring for Wichita consumers.
In addition, YSA members attended a Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee meeting at the Capitol and participated in a financial planning seminar conducted by K-Coe Isom.
The second installment will be held in May. Members will travel to Kansas City for a look at the agribusiness and retail beef industry.