Five individuals and three businesses were recognized December 4 at the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Convention for joining in 1969 and now marking a half-century of continuous KLA membership. KLA currently has 107 members who have been loyal to the association 50 years or longer.
Those honored for 50 years of membership were Wilma Ackerman, Sabetha; Gene Hess, Scott City; Marcella Holbrook, Washington; Harry LaToush, Scott City; Donald Lonker, Medicine Lodge; Cattle Empire LLC, Satanta; Citizens State Bank, Gridley; and Stockgrowers State Bank, Maple Hill.
Six members were recognized for attaining 60 years of membership, Walt Fletcher, Lakin; Lauren Pringle, Yates Center; Don Smith, Tribune; Duane Walker, Canton; Ag Press-Grass & Grain, Manhattan; and Bar S Ranch, Paradise; all wrote their first dues check in 1959.
Wayne “Jackie” Leffler of Americus, who joined KLA in 1949, received an award for achieving 70 years of membership.
“It is individuals and businesses like these that joined because they saw the value KLA provides for their operations and our industry that make our association strong. These longtime members are to be commended for their decades of support for the Kansas Livestock Association,” said KLA President Harry Moser, a rancher from Wheaton.
KLA is a trade organization protecting the business interests of independent ranchers, feeders and dairy farmers. Members of the association are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, including cow-calf production, backgrounding, cattle feeding, swine, dairy and sheep. The association’s work is funded by voluntary dues dollars paid by its more than 5,600 members.