Policy focused on conservation, dairy checkoffs, livestock disaster programs and other key issues was approved by KLA members during the group’s annual business meeting November 21 in Manhattan.
A new resolution was passed supporting market-based payment rates for participation in voluntary conservation programs. The resolution also states KLA supports increased technical assistance payment rates and greater access to private technical service providers associated with programs administered by USDA.
KLA members approved a new resolution that supports both the national dairy checkoff and Kansas dairy checkoff as important promotion and research programs that help dairies maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets for fluid milk and dairy products. The resolution clarifies the need for administrators of both programs to make regular reports accessible to Kansas dairy producers, so they have a better understanding of the financial position of the checkoffs and the effectiveness of their programs. Members also believe the Kansas dairy checkoff should maintain an efficient and user-friendly refund process, should a producer choose that option.
An amendment was made to existing policy regarding the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The amended policy supports legislative efforts to incentivize the installation of grazing infrastructure, including both water and fencing, at any time during CRP contracts. Currently, CRP inhibits the establishment of permanent infrastructure necessary for a livestock operation with grazing acres.
Members voted to reaffirm policy that supports federal legislation to improve livestock disaster programs, including an increase in payment limitations and adjusted gross income eligibility requirements for all USDA livestock disaster programs.
In all, KLA members approved 77 resolutions for 2026. Other issues addressed in KLA policy range from taxes to animal health to water.