The 2024 KLA Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) met for its third session last week. Class members from across the state spent three days touring various segments of the beef and dairy industries. The YSA program is exclusively sponsored by Merck Animal Health.
El Dorado Livestock Auction hosted the group’s first stop, where they participated in Beef Quality Assurance training and heard from market co-owner Josh Mueller. Poland Angus Ranch near Isabel hosted the second stop. Richard Poland shared the story of his operation and walked the group through his heavy-bred first-calf heifers.
Adams Cattle Company LLC/XIT Ranch near Plains hosted the first stop on day two of the tour. John and Jack Adams spoke to the class about the history of the family ranch and how they operate today. The Adamses also touched on their successful Quarter Horse program. The second stop was High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, where managing partner Greg Bethard talked about the inner workings of the dairy, the expansion currently underway and how the operation utilizes its resources to remain efficient and sustainable. The final stop of the day was at Heritage Beef near Sublette. General Manager Galen Wright took the class around the feedyard, gave its history and explained how the business operates.
On the final day of the tour, the class had the opportunity to visit the National Beef packing plant in Dodge City.
YSA will meet for its fourth and final session during the KLA Convention & Expo in Manhattan November 20-22.