Pictured are (front row, L to R) Taylee Velasquez, Hugoton; Justine Johns, Minneapolis; Adalaide Kline, Colby; Baylee Shultz, Berryton; Teagan Sturdy-Milliken, Lyndon; Sierra Cargill, Medicine Lodge; (second row, L to R) Brooke Falk, Harveyville; Shane Flach, Manhattan; Luke Kaiser, Grinnell; Gatlin Clawson, Meade; Nick Higgason, Olmitz; Jack Roenne, Great Bend; Skye Schumaker, Pratt; (back row, L to R) MaKala Fitzsimmons, Cunningham; Nick Nowak, Ellis; Quinton Porter, Hays; James Brack, Moscow; Brady McComb, Pratt; Hannah Grund, Wallace; and Casey Giffing, Ulysses.
In their first session, the class was introduced to all the member services provided by KLA, heard about the importance of being an advocate for the livestock industry, learned about lobbying at the state Capitol and took part in the KLA Legislative Meeting and Dinner. YSA members also toured the Capitol, viewed the House of Representatives in session and participated in a financial planning seminar conducted by Pinion.
As part of advocacy training, KLA communications staff were joined by Riley County ranchers Andy and Sara Larson, as well as WIBW-Topeka farm broadcaster Greg Akagi, to give the group an overview of the outlets available to help tell the beef production story.
The class will visit the Kansas City area in May to learn about the agribusiness and beef retail industries for their second seminar.