June 24, 2019
Information Sought On Livestock Equipment Stolen Near Dwight
KLA is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who stole two pickups, a livestock trailer and two worksite utility vehicles from Oleen Brothers south of Dwight. The crimes were committed in the very early morning hours of Ju...
June 21, 2019
BIF Presents National Seedstock Award To Hinkson Angus
Frank and Marilyn Hinkson Hinkson Angus Ranch of Cottonwood Falls was named the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Seedstock Producer of the Year yesterday (6/20) during the group’s annual meeting and symposium in Brookings, SD. The award is presented annually to recognize dedi...
June 20, 2019
KLF Names Cartridges For Cash Scholarship Recipients
The Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) has awarded 21 scholarships totaling $23,000 for the 2019-20 school year. Five Kansas State University students will receive awards through the Merck Animal Health Cartridges for Cash program. This includes three College of Veterinary Medi...
June 19, 2019
Defendants Plead Guilty In Kansas Cattle Theft Case
U.S. Attorney Timothy Dowling announced last week that Anthony Whittley, 28, of Parsons and Jasmine Boone, 28, of Wister, OK, have pleaded guilty to cattle theft. A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Whittley and Boone with transporting 17 head of stol...
June 18, 2019
Holton Native Klahr Joins KLA Staff
Dean Klahr has joined the KLA staff as director of the stockgrowers division. In that role, he will provide staff support for the KLA Stockgrowers Council, serve as a member of the KLA government relations team and work on issues important to KLA’s grass-based members. The Hol...
June 17, 2019
KLA President Encourages Swift USMCA Approval in Kansas City Star Commentary
The Kansas City Star published a guest commentary online last week from KLA President Barb Downey, who called on Congress to swiftly approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). She wrote that cattle and beef producers have a lot at stake in the decision on USMCA. The agr...
June 14, 2019
Steer Fed at Midwest Feeders Wins Brookover Award At Beef Empire Days
A 1,462 lb. Charolais-Angus cross steer won the Earl C. Brookover Memorial Award for the best combined finish at the Beef Empire Days fed cattle show. Fed at Midwest Feeders of Ingalls by JCS GP/Frank Harper, the entry placed eighth live and fifth in the carcass contest. The s...
June 13, 2019
Bourbon County Member Is KLA Recruiter Of The Month
Gary Herrin of Fort Scott has been named KLA Recruiter of the Month for May. He will receive a $50 Cabela’s gift card for his efforts and be entered in a drawing for a grand prize from all 12 monthly winners at the KLA Convention in Wichita. The KLA member with the most recrui...
June 12, 2019
Influential Dietitians Visit Kansas For Nutrition Adventure
Trish Kellogg, Florida blogger for The Diet Diva Beef councils from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma hosted a select group of 25 registered dietitians from across the country in late May for a checkoff-funded event emphasizing beef’s nutritional profile, culinary versat...
June 11, 2019
Beef Quality Assurance Training Session Scheduled For Leavenworth County
The Kansas Beef Council (KBC), Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Leavenworth County Beef Improvement Association will host a special advanced beef cattle care and health training session featuring a calf necropsy. Rocky Top Limousin of Tonganoxie w...
June 10, 2019
EPA Issues Final Rule Exempting Livestock From Onerous Regulation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a final rule last week that clarifies reporting of air emissions from animal waste is not required under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). NCBA and KLA submitted comments sup...
June 7, 2019
Live Show Champions Chosen At Beef Empire Days
The champion live steer and heifer at the Beef Empire Days fed cattle show both were fed at Sunbelt Feedyard of Hugoton. Dale and Carol Voran owned the champion steer, a black entry weighing 1,590 lbs. The champion live heifer was a Charolais cross weighing 1,462 lbs. owned by...
June 6, 2019
Boot Camp Helps Develop Future Feedlot Employees
Twenty animal science students at Kansas State University took a hands-on course during the recently completed spring semester that was intended to develop their knowledge, skills and professional relationships in the cattle feeding business. The Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching...
June 5, 2019
Pork Trade With Canada Would Continue Through African Swine Fever Outbreak
USDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have agreed to allow safe trade to continue in the event African swine fever (ASF) is reported in either country. For business continuity purposes, the two countries have worked to modify export certificates allowing trade of live h...
June 4, 2019
June Spotlight On Economic Contributions Of Dairy
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has declared June as Dairy Month for the industry’s economic contributions to the state. The official proclamation indicates milk produced in Kansas has a value of $590 million per year, with 75% of it further processed in the state. About 300 Kansas da...
June 3, 2019
Cattle Groups Ask Congress For Quick Approval of USMCA
NCBA, KLA and other cattle organizations across the country are encouraging Congress to swiftly approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The trade package, if ratified by Congress, would continue science-based, duty-free trade for U.S. beef producers. &nbs...
May 31, 2019
Fed Cattle Show Highlights 51st Beef Empire Days
Beef Empire Days is underway in Garden City, with 30 different events scheduled May 31 through June 9 to celebrate cattle feeding and the beef industry. One highlight will be the fed cattle show, June 4 at 9:00 a.m. at the Finney County Fairgrounds. More than 100 head of hand-...
May 30, 2019
Cattle Comfort Index Now Available Online For 61 Kansas Locations
Kansas Mesonet now is offering information online that will help cattle producers better monitor extreme weather conditions affecting their animals. Data compiled by Kansas State University from a network of weather monitoring stations across the state is being used to calcula...
May 29, 2019
Connecting Urban Educators With The Ranch
Urban educators from across the nation recently saw Kansas beef production firsthand through the checkoff-funded American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s On the Farm STEM (science, technology, engineering and math teachers) Experience. These educators saw how the beef...
May 28, 2019
K-State Tabs Day As New Head of Animal Sciences & Industry
Michael Day Michael L. Day has been named the new head of the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences & Industry (AS&I). He currently is head of the department of animal science at the University of Wyoming, a position he has held since 2015. Day will beg...
May 24, 2019
Blythe Tells Congress Cattle Contribute Minimal Emissions
White City rancher Debbie Lyons-Blythe told members of Congress the beef cattle industry has a great story to tell in the climate conversation and the facts support that. She testified May 21 before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Roberts, during a h...
May 23, 2019
Beef Month Continues In Advance of Summer Grilling Season
Beef Month in Kansas leads up to the start of the summer grilling season, which officially begins Memorial Day weekend. The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) is using the May celebration to help consumers become more confident in their cooking skills by providing grilling tips and rec...
May 22, 2019
Gov. Kelly Commended For Approving CattleTrace Funding
KLA leadership is expressing appreciation for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s approval of funding for the second year of the CattleTrace pilot project. The $250,000 is part of the fiscal year 2020 budget. “We applaud...
May 21, 2019
Fewer Air Quality Problems Recorded During Spring Burning Season
Final acreage estimates show Flint Hills ranchers burned more than 2.2 million acres of native prairie in Kansas from March 15 to May 5. This is about the same number of acres typically burned during the spring season. Kansas State University Range Beef Cattle Nutrition and Ma...
May 20, 2019
U.S. Beef Gains Greater Access To Japan
U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last week that longstanding restrictions have been eliminated on U.S. beef exports to Japan. The new agreement, which takes effect immediately, allows U.S. beef products from all cattle, regardless of age, to enter Japan for the first t...
May 17, 2019
Kelly Signs ATV Bill
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill this week that will allow all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and work-site utility vehicles (UTV) to cross state and federal highways. Previously, the Kansas Senate unanimously approved SB 63, which also passed by a wide margin in the Kansas House...
May 16, 2019
Private Sector Input Sought On Water Issues
The Kansas Water Office currently is accepting applications from those who would like to serve on one of 14 regional advisory committees. These committees play a key role in advising the Kansas Water Authority on implementation of each region’s water supply priorities. In addi...
May 15, 2019
Kansas Beef Council Invests In Teachers
The Kansas Beef Council and Kansas Corn Commission have partnered to provide educational materials to those teaching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the 6 th through 12 th grades. These checkoff-funded classroom materials highlight the connection between sc...
May 14, 2019
K-State Symposium Will Address Anaplasmosis
The Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will host a symposium on anaplasmosis May 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan. Producers are encouraged to attend, as veterinarians from K-State discuss the current state of the disease in Kansas beef herds. The s...
May 13, 2019
U.S. Senate Bill Would Reform Rules For Livestock Haulers
U.S. Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran from Kansas are among a bipartisan group of original co-sponsors of legislation aimed at reforming federal hours of service (HOS) rules for livestock haulers. NCBA supports the Transporting Livestock Across America Safety Act as a way to ...
May 10, 2019
Blythe Part Of Beef Sustainability Panel Discussion
One of the featured presentations at this week’s Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit in Kansas City was a panel discussion about sustainability in the beef industry. Speakers on the panel were White City rancher Debbie Lyons-Blythe, Kristen Parman with the Livestock Marketi...
May 9, 2019
YSA Class Tours Agribusiness, Retail Beef Industries
Scott Bormann (standing), Merck vice president of U.S. commercial operations, visits with the class.Also pictured are YSA members Garrett McKinney (left), Walton, and Bryce Barnett, Muscotah. Beef producers from across the state participating in this year’s KLA Young Stockmen’...
May 7, 2019
Josefiak Earns April Recruiter Of The Month
Pawnee County KLA Chair Kayla Josefiak of Burdett has been named recruiter of the month for April. She will receive a $50 Cabela’s gift card and be entered in a grand prize drawing among the 12 monthly winners to be held at the KLA Convention. Josefiak recently organized and h...
May 6, 2019
USDA Transitioning To Electronic Tags For Traceability Program
USDA is beginning the process of moving from metal identification tags to electronic tags as part of the national traceability system. The transition is projected to take four years. Starting January 1, 2023, only official radio frequency identification (RFID) tags will be acc...
May 5, 2019
Beef Month Opens With Proclamation Signing
Gov. Laura Kelly recognized the contributions ranchers and feeders make to the state’s economy last week by declaring May as Beef Month in Kansas. The official proclamation signing took place at the Capitol in Topeka, with several members of the beef community joining the gove...
May 3, 2019
Lawmakers See How Food Is Produced During A Day At The Ranch
Diltz Lindamood (right) explains the farming practices and equipment used on Lindamood Ranch. Several Kansas legislators and U.S. congressmen participated in “A Day at the Ranch” April 27 near Eureka. Joined by industry leaders representing numerous facets of Kansas agricultur...
May 2, 2019
Kansas Beef Council Engages With Registered Dietitians
The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) reached more than 150 dietitians from across the state at the Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Conference April 12 in Manhattan. KBC sponsored a keynote session led by Jim White, a registered dietitian, American College of Sports Medicine...
May 1, 2019
Frazier Announces Plans To Retire From NCBA
Kendal Frazier Former KLA staff person and current NCBA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kendal Frazier has announced he will retire at the end of this year. Frazier has been with NCBA for 34 years, the last four as CEO.  ...
April 30, 2019
Stockmanship Tour Coming to Kansas
The NCBA Stockmanship & Stewardship Tour will make a stop September 20-21 in Manhattan. Program highlights will include low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and facility design sessions. Among the featured presenters will be note...
April 29, 2019
KLA Legislative Priorities Will Require Veto Session Action
The Kansas Legislature will reconvene Wednesday (5/1) for the veto session. Two KLA legislative priorities remain to be finalized. KLA was successful in convincing the House and Senate to recommend $250,000 for the second year ...
April 26, 2019
LIP Deadline Extended For Livestock Lost To Adverse Winter Weather
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week it will extend the deadline to May 3 to file notices of livestock losses due to adverse winter weather under the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). This is applicable for adverse weather conditions occurring from January 1...
April 25, 2019
Trade Talks With Japan Important For U.S. Beef
Bilateral trade talks are underway between the U.S. and Japan, with plenty at stake for the beef industry in the negotiations. NCBA strongly supports a bilateral agreement between the two countries to help offset the 12% tariff rate disadvantage U.S. beef is subject to as a re...
April 24, 2019
Bill Introduced In Congress To Address Rural Veterinary Shortages
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is applauding U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo from Idaho and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan for reintroducing the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act. Elements of the bill, if passed, would address regional shortages...
April 23, 2019
Meat Export Executive Named New Beef Board CEO
The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB) has named Gregory Hanes as the organization’s new chief executive officer (CEO). Hanes will begin in the position June 17. He comes to CBB from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) in Denver, where he most recently w...
April 22, 2019
Kansas Unified In Support Of New WOTUS Rule
NCBA and KLA recently filed official comments with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supporting the new waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule proposed by the Trump administration. If fully implemented, the new rule would replace the onerous 2015 version promulgated under the...
April 19, 2019
KLA Chosen To Receive Don L. Good Impact Award From K-State
KLA has been selected by the Kansas State University Livestock and Meat Industry Council to receive the 2019 Don L. Good Impact Award. The award will be presented October 4 during the K-State Animal Sciences & Industry (AS&I) Family and Friends Reunion at the Stanley S...
April 18, 2019
RTK Hires Executive Director
Gentine Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) recently named Lynn Gentine as executive director. Gentine, a native of Little River, brings 20 years of experience in grant writing and project start-up, promotion and marketing to RTK. She also has seven years of experience in supervis...
April 17, 2019
KLF Scholarship Application Deadline Is April 20
The deadline to apply for Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) scholarships is fast approaching. Those interested in applying can click here to access the application and requirement information. All materials must be postmarked by April 20. Students in Chase, Franklin, Lyon, McP...
April 16, 2019
World Pork Expo Cancelled To Avoid Potential African Swine Fever Spread
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Board of Directors announced last week the World Pork Expo, scheduled for June in Des Moines, has been cancelled to avoid potentially spreading African swine fever (ASF). More than 20,000 individuals and exhibitors, some from ASF-posi...
April 15, 2019
USDA Grant Funding Anaplasmosis Control Project At K-State
Researchers at Kansas State University have been awarded a $1.2 million research grant to study the optimal antimicrobial use for controlling Anaplasma marginale, the causative agent of bovine anaplasmosis. Kathryn Reif, assistant professor in the diagnostic medicine and patho...
April 12, 2019
Beef Leads Donations In Ag Month Food Drive
Pictured are (L to R) Tama Dutton with Catholic Charities and KLA staff members Wendy Harms and Aaron Popelka. KLA staff took part in an Ag Month food drive to battle hunger. Individuals donated food to support the work of Catholic Charities of northeast Kansas. &n...
April 11, 2019
Walker Named Recruiter Of The Month
Wilson County KLA Chair Russ Walker of Altoona was KLA recruiter of the month for March. Walker signed up four new members at the annual KLA meeting for Wilson and Elk counties. He will receive a $50 Cabela’s gift card and be entered in a drawing of all monthly winners to be h...
April 10, 2019
Members Action Needed To Replace Overreaching Waters Of The U.S. Rule
KLA is encouraging members to submit comments before April 15 supporting the new waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If fully implemented, the new rule would replace the onerous 2015 version, w...
April 9, 2019
KLA Sponsoring Presentation to Assist Producers Affected by Plainville Livestock Bankruptcy
KLA has teamed up with Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas State University Extension to sponsor a program on “Legal Issues Resulting From Livestock Buyer Bankruptcy.” Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau professor of agricultural law and taxation at the Washburn University School ...
April 8, 2019
Beam Confirmed As Kansas Ag Secretary
The Kansas Senate confirmed Mike Beam as Kansas agriculture secretary April 5. Prior to the vote by the full Senate, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously recommended Beam’s confirmation. KLA signed a letter drafted by the Kansas Agricultural Allia...
April 5, 2019
KLF Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching
The deadline to apply for Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) scholarships is April 20. Students pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field, including veterinary medicine, should check out the availability and requirements here . Students in Chase, Franklin, Lyon, McPhe...
April 4, 2019
Rewards Offered In Case Of Flatbed Trailer Stolen Near Louisburg
KLA is offering a reward up to $2,500 in a case involving the theft of a flatbed trailer from a livestock producer in Miami County. Doug Bowes reported a 24’ flatbed trailer was stolen the night of March 30 from his property northeast of Louisburg. The black Big Tex brand trai...
April 3, 2019
Relief Efforts Continue For Nebraska Farmers And Ranchers
Flooding continues to devastate farms and ranches in Nebraska. The latest damage estimate issued by Nebraska officials was $1.3 billion, including $400 million for cattle operations and $440 million for row crops. Gov. Pete Ricketts said three-fourths of the state’s 93 countie...
April 2, 2019
Smoke Problems Avoided During Onset Of Burning Season
Widespread prescribed burning took place across the Flint Hills March 25-26 before windy and wet conditions narrowed the window of opportunity late in the week. According to the Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management Facebook page, preliminary data from air quality monitors throu...
April 1, 2019
Legislators Act On Bills Of Interest To KLA Members
Lawmakers debated bills on the House and Senate floors last week prior to the deadline for nonexempt bills to pass the second house. Several are of interest to KLA members. ATVs/UTVs on state highways - HB 2248 passed the Senate on a 39-0 vote. As amended by the Senate Transpo...
March 29, 2019
Bipartisan Congressional Group Urges USDA To Expedite Dairy Program Implementation
U.S. House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota is leading a group of 70 Democratic and Republican House members urging USDA to place a high priority on the implementation of dairy provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill. In a letter to U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, P...
March 28, 2019
Gov. Kelly Eases Motor Carrier Regulations To Assist In Disaster Relief
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order last week temporarily exempting commercial motor carriers and operators from some regulations to expedite disaster recovery efforts in areas affected by the recent blizzard and flooding. For vehicles involved in providing direc...
March 27, 2019
Work On New Dietary Guidelines For Americans Starts This Week
The first meeting of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee will take place Thursday and Friday (3/28-3/29) in Washington, D.C. This is the first of five meetings scheduled for the committee, which will evaluate the latest scientific evidence and make recommendations o...
March 26, 2019
GAO Report Suggests Heightened FMD Readiness Needed
The Government Accounting Office (GAO) has issued a report suggesting USDA’s preparedness for a potential foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak needs to be strengthened. As an example, the report indicated the entire current U.S. supply of FMD vaccine would be sufficient to pr...
March 25, 2019
Legislative Action Includes CattleTrace Funding Enhancement
March 22 was the last day for Kansas legislative committees to meet, as the deadline for non-exempt bills to pass the second chamber is this week. The Kansas Senate passed the fiscal year 2020 budget bill last week. It included the recommended funding enhancement of $250,000 f...
March 22, 2019
Go To Ksfire.org Before Conducting A Prescribed Burn
The prescribed burning season is underway, with ranchers and landowners using the practice to improve grazing distribution and decrease undesirable vegetation. In order to balance the use of prescribed fire in the Flint Hills with the need for clean air in downwind communities...
March 21, 2019
New KLA County Chairs Will Provide Local Leadership
Thirteen new KLA county chairs recently began three-year terms. Incoming local leaders, and their counties, are Joe Meiwes, Allen; Darren McGhee, Anderson; Chad Cargill, Barber; Paul Woydziak, Barton; Jared Whitcomb, Chase; Trisha Janssen, Ellsworth; Marisa Kleysteuber, Finney...
March 19, 2019
Nebraska Ag Organizations Accepting Donations For Relief Efforts
Ranchers and farmers in Nebraska have been hard hit by a blizzard and extensive flooding that has reached historic levels in some areas, resulting in the loss of homes, livestock and feed resources. To assist producers impacted by these natural disasters, the Nebraska Cattleme...
March 18, 2019
Legislature Sends Income Tax Bill To Gov. Kelly For Her Signature
The Kansas Senate passed its school finance plan last week after lengthy debate. SB 142 would add roughly $92 million to the school finance formula in the upcoming fiscal year. This amount is intended to comply with last year’s Kansas Supreme Court ruling that the Legislature ...
March 15, 2019
New York Mayor Issues Mandate Not Supported By Science
NCBA responded on social media to this week’s announcement by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio that all city schools will implement Meatless Mondays “for the future of the planet.” Key messages posted by NCBA on Twitter and Facebook were highlighted by the latest comprehensi...
March 14, 2019
Producers With Cattle Losses Should Immediately Check LIP Eligibility
Cattle producers who have experienced death losses or disease due to adverse winter weather could be eligible for compensation through the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). An owner or contract grower must file a notice of loss with their local county Farm Service Agency...
March 13, 2019
Top Beef Advocates Gather In Topeka
Members of the Kansas beef community were in Topeka last week for an advanced beef advocacy workshop. The two-day training, organized by the Kansas Beef Council (KBC) and NCBA, was designed to equip attendees with the tools and experience necessary to effectively engage consum...
March 12, 2019
Support Of Beef Checkoff Remains Favorable
The latest national cattle producer attitude survey showed 72% approve of the beef checkoff, which is about steady with last year. Luce Research conducted the random survey of 1,200 beef and dairy producers during January 2019. In evaluating the checkoff’s performance in repre...
March 11, 2019
Legislators Back At Work
Legislators returned to work last week after a short break following the first turnaround deadline. KLA and CattleTrace provided an update on the animal disease traceability pilot program for the House Rural Caucus. The same day, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means approved...
March 8, 2019
USDA, FDA Announce Fake Meat Agreement
USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reached a formal agreement this week regarding the oversight of lab-grown fake meat. According to NCBA, under the terms of the agreement, USDA will be responsible for inspecting all facilities that harvest, process, package or la...
March 7, 2019
New Campaign Shares Checkoff Program
The Cattlemen’s Beef Board has launched a new educational resource for producers to learn more about how their beef checkoff investment is being leveraged to grow beef demand. The Drive is a publication that seeks to be a go-to resource for news and in-depth information. It is...
March 6, 2019
Nominations Open For Kansas Leopold Conservation Award
Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK), Sand County Foundation and the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts are accepting applications for the 2019 Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the $10,000 award honors Kansas farmers, ra...
March 5, 2019
Kansas Agriculture Celebrated In March
KLA and the Kansas Beef Council are part of the agriculture community involved in a statewide food drive to be held throughout March to reduce hunger and honor Kansas Agriculture Month. The Neighbor to Neighbor Food Drive is a collaborative effort put together by the Kansas De...
March 4, 2019
Bills Receive Legislative Action Prior To Deadline
The House and Senate adjourned February 28, known as turnaround day, which marks the last day for non-exempt bills to be passed out of their chamber of origin. The break will last until March 6. Early last week, the House Committee on Taxation favorably passed SB 22, which wou...
March 1, 2019
Downey Testifies On Proposed WOTUS Rule
KLA President Barb Downey of Wamego testified this week during a hearing hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corp of Engineers on the proposed waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. During her testimony, Downey thanked the agencies for issuing a proposed def...
February 28, 2019
KBC Dietitian Shares How Lean Beef Fits In A Healthy Diet
Heidari with WIBW morning show anchor Chris Fisher. In honor of Heart Month, Kansas Beef Council Director of Nutrition Abby Heidari, RDN, LD, appeared on the WIBW-13 TV morning show last week to discuss the health benefits of eating lean beef. Heidari shared with viewers the d...
February 27, 2019
KLA Members Asked To Submit Comments
The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration is accepting comments on a petition submitted by NCBA and other national organizations. The petition requests a temporary exemption from current hours-of-service limits for livestock haulers. KLA and NCBA will submit comments by...
February 26, 2019
KLA Testifies On Several Bills Being Considered By The Legislature
The Legislature was busy last week trying to meet two important deadlines. The final day for committees to meet was yesterday (2/25), followed by the “turn around” deadline February 28, where non-exempt bills must pass their house of origin to stay alive for further considerat...
February 25, 2019
Members Receiving Insufficient Fund Checks From Plainville Livestock Should Follow These Steps
KLA has received numerous calls from members who have received insufficient fund checks originating from Plainville Livestock Commission, Inc. KLA staff was able to determine that Almena State Bank has frozen the custodial account of the market and filed an interpleader case i...
February 22, 2019
Students Can Now Apply For Kansas Livestock Foundation Scholarships
The Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) now is accepting applications for 2019-20 scholarships. Applicants must be graduates of a Kansas high school and, except for vet students, undergraduate students at a Kansas community or senior college. The Merck Cartridges for Cash progra...
February 21, 2019
Cattlemen’s Day To Be Preceded By Stockmen’s Dinner Honoring Bohn
The keynote speaker at Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day will talk about the potential for plant-sourced and laboratory-produced meat to take market share from the red meat industry. Brad Morgan, senior director of protein for the Performance Food Group, will offer his p...
February 20, 2019
Beef Fest Names Winners In Feedlot, Carcass Contests
Steers owned by Gary and Judy Meats from LeRoy and heifers owned by Spring Creek Ranch of Cassoday won the overall gain contest as part of the 2018 Flint Hills Beef Fest feedlot and carcass awards. The Meats’ steers gained 3.87 lbs. per day from the time they went on grass in ...
February 19, 2019
Young Ranchers Gather In The Capital City
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 a...
February 18, 2019
KLA Members Take Positions On Bills
Last week, the deadline to introduce bills by individual legislators and non-exempt committees spurred a significant increase in bill introductions. In addition, KLA members met for the 2019 KLA Legislative Meeting, February 13. Numerous bills were discussed, with members givi...
February 15, 2019
ELD Exemption Extended Through September
Congress passed an appropriations bill yesterday (2/14) that would prevent another government shutdown. Included in the package is an extension of the electronic logging device (ELD) exemption for livestock haulers. Transporters of livestock currently are not required to have ...
February 14, 2019
NCBA Develops New Assessment Tool To Evaluate Climate Change Proposals
Despite progress the U.S. beef industry has made in areas potentially influencing climate change, some policymakers continue to make it a target. The most recent is a congressional resolution, referred to as the Green New Deal, that was introduced last week by a group of new U...
February 13, 2019
Medical Providers Hear Beef Message During Conference In Topeka
The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) reached more than 100 members of the medical community at Stormont Vail Health’s “Shape Shifting Conference” February 1 in Topeka. Physicians, dietitians, nurses, exercise physiologists, social workers and occupational and physical therapists atte...
February 12, 2019
Members Encouraged To Attend This Week’s Legislative Meeting
Members will have the opportunity to provide input on bills under consideration at the state Capitol during the KLA Legislative Meeting, February 13 in Topeka. The meeting and dinner will be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and adjoining Maner Conference Center. &nbs...
February 11, 2019
KLA Testifies On CattleTrace Budget Provision
The state Legislature turned its focus to the fiscal year 2020 budget with the introduction of Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget bills in both the House and Senate. Senators passed two bills that could have a significant impact on the budget. SB 22, which would return money to individ...
February 8, 2019
Kansas Well-Represented In National Beef Leadership
Jerry Bohn Kansans are prominent among leadership in national beef organizations. During the recent Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, LA, Jerry Bohn from Wichita was elected vice president of NCBA. Bohn, a past KLA president, served as chairman of the NCBA Policy Divi...
February 7, 2019
K-State Offering Ranch Management Series
Kansas State University will be hosting winter ranch management seminars across the state throughout February. Topics to be discussed are environmental factors affecting conception rates and the impact forage quality and availability have on beef cow nutrition during late gest...
February 6, 2019
Stockmanship & Stewardship Tour Coming To Kansas In September
Kansas will be one of five states hosting Stockmanship & Stewardship events during 2019. The Kansas Beef Council will host cattle producers for further education on proper stockmanship techniques September 20-21 at the Stout Center on the Kansas State University campus in ...
February 5, 2019
Wiggs Named Recruiter Of The Month
Shawnee County KLA Chairman Rusty Wiggs of Topeka has been named recruiter of the month for January. He will receive a Cabela’s gift card for his efforts and be entered in a grand prize drawing from the 12 monthly winners to be held at the KLA Convention in December. In additi...
February 4, 2019
BQA Award Presented To Matador Ranch
Matador Cattle Company (MCC) was presented the National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Cow-Calf Award last week during the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, LA. MCC is comprised of three ranches purchased by Fred C. Koch from 1941 to 1952, including the Spring Creek Ran...
February 1, 2019
Cattle Profit Margins Expected To Shift During 2019
CattleFax Vice President of Industry Relations Kevin Good told those attending last week’s Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, LA, the cattle industry has been on “one heck of a good run” for a few years and he expects that to continue into 2019. During the CattleFax Ou...
January 31, 2019
Fake Meat Supporters File Surprising Comments On Regulation
An initial review of public comments on the lab-grown meat regulation issue showed encouraging signs, according to NCBA. Fake meat activists submitting comments support USDA oversight and science-based labeling. During discussions on the issue last year, activists opposed dail...
January 30, 2019
Help Determine Positions On Specific Bills During The KLA Legislative Meeting
Members can help direct action on specific bills under consideration in the state Legislature during the KLA Legislative Meeting and Dinner, February 13 in Topeka. The event will be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and adjoining Maner Conference Center. KLA’s lobbying team will...
January 29, 2019
USDA Scientists Conduct Antimicrobial Resistance Research
A recent study conducted at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE, found the microbial flora and antibiotic resistance levels were similar in both conventionally produced ground beef and ground beef from cattle raised without antibiotics. Study authors said t...
January 28, 2019
Legislature Moving At Sluggish Pace
It was a short week at the Statehouse. Lawmakers were not in session for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and adverse weather conditions shut down the Statehouse parts of two other days. The new session continues to slowly progress, as committees hold informational hearings to acqua...
January 25, 2019
Plan To Attend The KLA Caucus In New Orleans
KLA members attending the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, LA, are invited to an issues briefing January 31 before policy and checkoff committee meetings the next day. The KLA Caucus will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Hilton Riverside Hotel Canal Room. Some of the prop...
January 24, 2019
Phillips, McClaskey Join American Royal
The American Royal Association has hired Glen Alan Phillips as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. Phillips comes to the Royal from the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, where he spent 18 years serving as senior director of ag programs and events, ass...
January 23, 2019
Online BQA Training Program Results In 50,000 Certifications
More than 50,000 cattle producers have been certified through the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program since the online learning system was first offered nearly two years ago. Tens of thousands now have become BQA-certified either in-person or online, with an estimated 80% of ...
January 22, 2019
Free BQA Training Sessions Scheduled For Five Kansas Locations
Five advanced beef cattle care and health training sessions will be hosted by the Kansas Beef Council (KBC) during February and March. These checkoff-funded sessions will provide beef producers with up-to-date standards and technologies to improve animal welfare and food safet...
January 21, 2019
New Young Stockmen’s Academy Class Announced
The 2019 KLA Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) class consists of 20 participants from across Kansas. Merck Animal Health is partnering with KLA to host members in their 20s for a series of four seminars throughout the year. The program will expose YSA members to the importance of...
January 18, 2019
Traceability Pilot Project Seeking More Cow-Calf Producers
More cow-calf producers are needed to participate in the CattleTrace pilot project. Organizers specifically need cow-calf producers who sell cattle at livestock auction markets or to feedyards participating in the project. Auction markets taking part in the pilot program are F...
January 17, 2019
NCBA Responding To New Diet Study
NCBA, as a contractor to the beef checkoff, is actively monitoring and responding to media covering a report from the EAT-Lancet Commission to transform the food system worldwide. Authors of the report are suggesting drastic reductions in red meat consumption, with greater emp...
January 16, 2019
Members Encouraged To Be Part Of KLA Legislative Meeting And Dinner
Member input is needed during the KLA Legislative Meeting and Dinner, February 13 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. Following lunch at 11:30 a.m., a review of bills under consideration in the Kansas Legislature will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by the social and dinne...
January 15, 2019
Bertrand Completes Stockgrowers Executive Committee
KLA Stockgrowers Council Chair Brent Bertrand of Wallace recently announced his four appointments to the council’s executive committee for 2019. Bertrand appointed Jenny Giles Betschart of Ashland, Ed Durst from Morrowville, Kenton Mangan of Tribune and Clint Sturdy from Lyndo...
January 14, 2019
KLA Lobbying Team At The Capitol As State Legislature Convenes
The 2019 Kansas legislative session will convene today (1/14) with a new chief executive in Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and a slightly more conservative House controlled by Republicans. Gov. Kelly’s campaign promises centered on more funding for education and roads, funding Me...
January 11, 2019
Veteran KLA Staff Member Mike Beam Named Kansas Secretary of Agriculture
Mike Beam Kansas Gov.-Elect Laura Kelly named long-time KLA staff person Mike Beam as her secretary of agriculture today. Beam will become interim secretary January 14 and remain in that capacity until confirmation by the Kansas Senate. Beam will lead ...
January 10, 2019
Free CattleFax Webinar Will Offer Market Expectations
Cattle producers can learn more about factors expected to affect the market in 2019 during an upcoming free CattleFax webinar. The CattleFax Trends+ Cow-Calf Webinar will take place January 23 at 6:30 p.m. Central time. &nb...
January 9, 2019
Carpenter Named Top KLA Recruiter For December
Thomas County KLA Chairman Wayne Carpenter of Brewster kicked off the 2019 KLA Top Hand Contest by recruiting four new members December 10 at the Northwest Kansas Area KLA Meeting in Colby. His efforts earned him KLA Recruiter of the Month for December. He will receive a Cabel...
January 8, 2019
Wildfire Season Projected To Start Earlier In Kansas
Southwest and central Kansas face an elevated wildfire threat for the 2019 season, according to projections by the National Weather Service and Kansas Mesonet. Increased fuel loads exist in these areas as the result of late summer rains. &nb...
January 7, 2019
Kansas Ranchers Reappointed To Beef Board
USDA has announced the appointment of 35 cattle producers to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. The group includes two Kansans, Randall Debler of Alma and DJ Edwards from Hamilton, who were reappointed and will serve three-year terms. &n...
January 4, 2019
ELD Exemption Misinterpreted
News stories circulated by some media have presented misinformation on the status of federal electronic logging device (ELD) regulations for livestock haulers. For clarification, according to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), during the government shutd...
January 3, 2019
2018 Was A Good Year For Beef Demand
Beef demand remained strong during 2018, according to NCBA, a contractor to the beef checkoff. Beef demand index values for the January through October period averaged 6% higher than the same time period of 2017. This trend has been at work for several years. The beef demand i...
January 2, 2019
LMIC Forecasts January 1 Beef Cow Numbers Nearly Even With A Year Earlier
Heifer and beef cow slaughter levels surged during 2018. USDA estimates total heifer slaughter under federal inspection is 7.3% higher through October 2018 compared to the same period a year earlier. Beef cow slaughter in the same report was estimated to be 10.3% above 2017 fo...
December 28, 2018
Perdue Outlines Status Of USDA Functions During Federal Shutdown
The federal government shutdown will not prevent USDA from carrying out programs related to law enforcement, the protection of life and property or financed through available funding. U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue said during the first week of the shutdown, 61% of USDA employ...
December 27, 2018
Consider KLF When Giving
KLA members considering end-of-the-year gifts have the option of giving to the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF). Throughout the year, KLF supports the Kansas livestock industry through youth scholarships, educational programs and leadership development. Contributions can be d...
December 26, 2018
Exercise Tested State’s Response to Animal Disease Outbreak
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Division of Animal Health conducted an exercise December 17-20 to test the state’s preparedness for a foreign animal disease outbreak. KLA joined KDA, other state agencies, federal and local government officials, a number of industry ...
December 21, 2018
Five Tips For A Foolproof Holiday Roast
The holiday season is roast season, and there’s nothing better than a perfectly prepared roast as the centerpiece of a festive meal. While holiday roasts are popular, one in five people admit to not knowing how to properly cook a roast. Luckily, the chefs from NCBA, a contract...
December 20, 2018
Judicious Antibiotic Use A Priority For Beef Producers, Purchasers
McDonald’s and Costco recently joined a growing list of large beef purchasers making announcements about the use of antibiotics by their meat suppliers. While companies continue to address the issue independently, the focus of this movement is on livestock producers judiciousl...
December 19, 2018
Cattle Feeders Elect Leadership
Members of the KLA Cattle Feeders Council elected individuals to serve on the group’s executive committee during the KLA Convention in Wichita. Steven Bagley with Green Plains Cattle Company was elected chairman, while Troy Sander of Heritage Beef was selected to serve as vice...
December 18, 2018
Consider KLF When Giving
KLA members considering end-of-year gifts have the option of giving to the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF). KLF supports the Kansas livestock industry through youth scholarships, educational programs and leadership development. Contributions can be directed toward specific a...
December 17, 2018
State To Test Animal Disease Response Readiness
The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health (DAH) will lead an emergency preparedness exercise December 17-20. Joining DAH in the simulated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) exercise will be other state agency employees, federal and local government personnel, un...
December 14, 2018
NCBA Requests Immediate Action To Reduce Trade Barriers in Japan
NCBA this week urged the Trump administration to move quickly to tear down trade barriers for U.S. beef in Japan during a public hearing on the potential economic impact of a U.S.-Japan bilateral trade agreement. Japan is the top export market for U.S. beef, accounting for nea...
December 13, 2018
Trump Administration Proposal Would Clarify WOTUS Rule
Following years of uncertainty related to the 2015 waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, the Trump administration this week proposed a more clear and understandable definition of federal authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, th...
December 12, 2018
Senate-Approved Farm Bill Contains NCBA Priority
The U.S. Senate approved the conference report on the 2018 Farm Bill yesterday (12/11) by an 87 to 13 margin. Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts said the bill brings the nation’s farmers and ranchers one step closer to certainty and predictability. &nbs...
December 11, 2018
Farm Bill Conference Report Goes To Congress
Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees signed the 2018 Farm Bill conference report yesterday. This is the final product of negotiations between the committees. The report now must be voted on by both chambers of Congress. The report does include authorization o...
December 10, 2018
KLA Affiliates Benefit From Convention Auctions
The benefit auction held during the banquet at the KLA Convention raised $35,325 for three organizations. More than 500 KLA members and guests attended the banquet and auction. Items sold to benefit KLA PAC brought $30,125, with the money to be used to help elect candidates fo...
December 7, 2018
Ranchers Invited To Learn More About CattleTrace At Manhattan Meeting
Collaborators with the CattleTrace pilot project for animal disease traceability will host an information session December 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Manhattan Commission Company. The program will provide details of how cow-calf producers can get involved in the project. In early ...
December 6, 2018
KLA Membership Approves Policy On A Wide Range Of Issues
KLA members approved policy addressing school finance, wildfire suppression, animal traceability and other issues during the group’s annual business meeting November 30 in Wichita. KLA members drive the policy process, starting with regional roundtable discussions around the s...
December 5, 2018
Reeve Shares Experiences With Membership
Lee Reeve Outgoing KLA President Lee Reeve, who once operated a fish hatchery utilizing warm water produced by his family’s ethanol plant, used that experience to draw analogies during his parting remarks last week at the KLA Convention. He talked of lessons learned in seeking...
December 4, 2018
Miami County Committee Earns Top Recruiter Award
Miami County KLA Chairman Joe Atwood The Miami County KLA Committee signed up 36 new members this year to take recruiter of the year honors. Recognized during the KLA Convention in Wichita, the committee received a 30-30 rifle and a Greeley Hat Works hat for their efforts.&nbs...
December 3, 2018
Ranchers elected to lead KLA
KLA President Elect Harry Moser and KLA President Barb Downey Wabaunsee County rancher Barb Downey of Wamego moved up to KLA president during the group’s annual business meeting November 30 in Wichita. Members chose Harry Moser, a cow-calf producer from Wheaton, as the new KLA...
November 30, 2018
Researchers Recommend U.S. Traceability System
As the need to develop a U.S. cattle identification and traceability system continues to gain traction among all sectors of the beef industry, David Gregg and his team at World Perspectives recently conducted a feasibility study examining how a nationally significant system co...
November 29, 2018
Congratulations To KLF Scholarship Winners
Twenty-two students who received scholarships from the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) for the current school year were recognized during last night’s banquet. This group earned a total of $23,500 from KLF and its partners. Funds for the scholarships were raised through the ...
November 28, 2018
Voice Of The Chiefs To Highlight This Evening’s KLA Convention Banquet
Registration is available on-site for the KLA Convention, which starts today (11/28) and runs through Friday at the Wichita Hyatt and Century II Convention Center. The opening banquet speaker will be Kansas City Chief’s play-by-play announcer Mitch Holthus. The Smith Center na...
November 27, 2018
Now Live On Alexa, Chuck Knows Beef
The new Chuck Knows Beef function now is live on Amazon Alexa. Users can enable Chuck directly through the Alexa app. Powered by Google Artificial Intelligence, Chuck is the consumer’s guide to all things beef. It can help answer consumer questions with customized responses ba...
November 26, 2018
Undersecretary Ibach Hears CattleTrace Update In Great Bend
USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach was in Great Bend last week for a meeting with collaborators and stakeholders of the CattleTrace pilot project for disease traceability. USDA is a partner in the project, which will test an end-to-end cattle ...
November 21, 2018
Kansas Leopold Award Presented To Hoeme Family
Hoeme Family Farm and Ranch of Scott City has been named the winner of the 2018 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. Presented November 19 during the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) Convention in Wichita, the $10,000 award recognizes landowner achievement in ...
November 20, 2018
Kansan Is Finalist For National Anthem Singing Contest At Cattle Convention
Four finalists have been named in the 5 th annual NCBA National Anthem Singing Contest. One of the finalists, Prairie Rose Robbins, is a Kansan. The 15-year-old from Brookville is competing for a chance to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" at the opening general session and the ...
November 19, 2018
Jansonius To Be Honored For 100 Years Of Membership During KLA Convention
One of the highlights of the upcoming KLA Convention in Wichita will come during the November 28 banquet when Jansonius Farms of Prairie View is recognized for 100 years of consecutive membership. Jansonius is KLA’s longest-standing member, having joined in 1918. Glenn Jansoni...
November 16, 2018
Beachner Bros. Livestock Wins World Championship Ranch Rodeo
Beachner Bros. cowboys in the wild cow milking. (Photo provided by Working Ranch Cowboys Association.) Kansas teams won three of the top four holes and most of the individual events at the World Championship Ranch Rodeo (WCRR), November 8-11 in Amarillo. Beachner Bros. Livesto...
November 15, 2018
Beef Value Ideas Shared With Culinarians
The Kansas Beef Council recently hosted area chefs and culinary students for a beef merchandising workshop at L’Ecole Culinary School in the heart of Kansas City. Chicago-based Master Butcher and James Beard-nominated author of The Art of Cutting Beef , Kari Underly, led the w...
November 14, 2018
Bid On Items In Benefit Auctions During KLA Convention
The November 28 live benefit auction at the KLA Convention in Wichita will sell livestock equipment, western art, bull sale credits and a stem cell therapy procedure. Proceeds from these items will help fund programs and initiatives for the KLA Political Action Council (PAC), ...
November 13, 2018
R-CALF Lawsuit Threatens Producer Control Of State Checkoff Programs
A federal district court in Montana issued an order last week that expands the scope of an ongoing lawsuit over the beef checkoff. The action last week adds Kansas and 13 other states to a case previously involving the checkoff in Montana. R-CALF filed suit against USDA to sto...
November 12, 2018
Cow-Calf Producers Invited To Attend CattleTrace Meeting At Dodge City
Collaborators with the CattleTrace pilot project for animal disease traceability will host an information session November 13 at 6:00 p.m. at Winter Livestock in Dodge City. The program will provide details of how cow-calf producers can get involved in the project. In early 20...
November 9, 2018
KLA-Endorsed Candidates Have High Success Rate In General Election
A high percentage of candidates supported by KLA was elected in the November 6 general election. However, a number of races involving KLA-supported candidates for the Kansas House of Representatives remained too close to call, with provisional and mail-in ballots still being c...
November 8, 2018
Checkoff Workshop Helps Digital Influencers Tell Beef Story
The Kansas Beef Council hosted 14 digital influencers from the Kansas City area October 23 for their second “Meat Up, Kansas City” event. NCBA Executive Chef Dave Zino led participants through a checkoff-funded workshop discovering umami flavors in cooking beef. In addition, d...
November 7, 2018
KLA Member Input Needed On Policy Issues Discussed At The Convention
Members can have a voice in the policy process by providing input during business meetings at the KLA Convention, November 28-30 in Wichita. Committees and councils will discuss issues important to the livestock industry. The KLA Stockgrowers Council will consider a report pro...
November 6, 2018
Winter Livestock In Pratt To Host CattleTrace Meeting For Cow-Calf Producers
Collaborators with the CattleTrace pilot project for animal disease traceability will host an information session November 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Winter Livestock in Pratt. The program will provide details of how cow-calf producers can get involved in the project. In early 2018, KL...
November 5, 2018
KLA Members Encouraged To Vote In This Week’s Election
KLA has endorsed candidates for Congress, statewide offices and the Kansas House of Representatives who have demonstrated support for the state’s livestock industry. The full list of KLA endorsements can be found here . KLA members are encouraged to stand up for the livestock ...
November 2, 2018
EPA Proposal to Exempt Livestock from Emissions Reporting
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, accompanied by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, signed a proposed rule this week that would, if finalized, exempt livestock operations from reporting manure emissions under the Emergency Planning and Community Ri...
November 1, 2018
KLA Endorses Watkins In 2nd Congressional District
The KLA Board of Directors voted last week to support a recommendation from the KLA Political Action Council to endorse Steve Watkins for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District. Watkins, a U.S. Army veteran, is the Republican nominee in the November 6 general electio...
October 31, 2018
Apply Now For 2019 Young Stockmen’s Academy
KLA currently is accepting applications for the 2019 Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) class. This will be the 14 th class since the program began in 2006. YSA consists of four seminars throughout the year designed to educate young members about KLA, the legislative process, advo...
October 30, 2018
BQA Training And Certification Sessions Scheduled For November
KLA, the Kansas Beef Council (KBC) and the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will host two advanced beef cattle care and health training sessions in November. Each session also will be webcast to an additional location. K-State veterinarians Dan Thomson an...
October 29, 2018
Speakers To Address Traceability, Sustainability At KLA Convention
Beef Industry University (BIU) at the KLA Convention will focus on cattle traceability and industry sustainability. The convention will take place November 28-30 at the Hyatt Hotel and Century II Convention Center in Wichita, with BIU scheduled for Thursday afternoon. World Pe...
October 26, 2018
Dividend Pending For KLA Workers’ Compensation Program Members
The KLA workers’ compensation program has applied for approval to issue a $1.26 million dividend. If approved by the Kansas Insurance Department, this will bring total dividends issued during the 25-year history of the program to more than $13 million. Dividends received by pr...
October 25, 2018
Mankato Livestock To Host Ranchers For CattleTrace Information Session
Collaborators with the CattleTrace animal disease traceability project and Kansas State University Research and Extension are hosting an information session November 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Mankato Livestock. Presenters will provide details of how cow-calf producers can get involved...
October 24, 2018
Meet Chuck Knows Beef
The newest addition to the “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” brand family, Chuck Knows Beef, will be on display November 29 at the KLA Convention in Wichita. Season Solorio, senior executive director of brand marketing for NCBA, a contractor to the beef checkoff, will demonstrate...
October 23, 2018
Member Input Requested At Six KLA Leadership Roundtables
Six KLA leadership roundtables will be held this fall. Those attending will be updated on state and national issues, have the opportunity to provide input on topics of concern to producers and be asked for feedback on KLA programs and services. Dates and locations include are ...
October 22, 2018
Chute Stolen In Wilson County
KLA member Russ Walker has reported the theft of a portable squeeze chute from a pasture northeast of Altoona. The chute was manufactured by WW Livestock Systems, has a self-catching head gate and is gray with a red handle on the left side. It was stolen sometime October 21.&n...
October 19, 2018
Industry Responds To Negative Report About Antibiotic Use
NCBA and KLA provided accurate information about antibiotic use in cattle production to media covering a negative report this week. The report, issued by a number of anti-meat activist groups, graded the 25 largest fast food and fast casual restaurants on their meat sourcing a...
October 18, 2018
Cattle Industry Recommends Names For Next Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
NCBA recently nominated eight individuals from the health and dietary fields for USDA to consider as it appoints the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. According to NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall, these individuals have the objectivity ...
October 17, 2018
KLA To Submit Comments Opposing Use Of Dairy Nomenclature On Imitation Products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting comments on the labeling of plant-based products with names that include those of dairy foods. Dairy industry groups have tried, unsuccessfully, to get FDA to take enforcement action against mislabeled, imitation dairy produ...
October 16, 2018
Blach Returns To Present Cattle And Beef Outlook At KLA Convention
Randy Blach CattleFax Chief Executive Officer Randy Blach will talk about what predicted larger beef supplies in 2019, combined with expected record pork and poultry production, will mean for cattle prices during his presentation November 30 at the KLA Convention. His appearan...
October 15, 2018
Gubernatorial Candidates Hear KLA Priorities During Special Forum
KLA leaders and staff met with the three major candidates for Kansas governor October 9 in Topeka to discuss key issues affecting the livestock industry. Members of the KLA Board of Directors, KLA Political Action Council (PAC) and KLA PAC 500 shared the association’s prioriti...
October 12, 2018
Dietetic Interns Participate In Workshops Funded By Beef Checkoff
The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) recently hosted beef education and media training workshops for students enrolled in dietetic internship programs at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City and Kansas State University in Manhattan. More than 40 dietetic interns and...
October 11, 2018
Corpstein Named Recruiter Of The Month
Atchison County KLA Chair Clint Corpstein of Atchison earned KLA recruiter of the month honors in September. Members recruited by Corpstein came as a result of the annual county meeting where producers heard from KLA Vice President of Legal & Government Affairs Aaron Popel...
October 10, 2018
Kansas Livestock Foundation Awards Hampel Oil/Mobil Delvac Scholarships
Two Kansas State University students have been awarded $1,000 Hampel Oil/Mobil Delvac scholarships by the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF). Both are in their junior year. Ashley Swaim of Delia is the daughter of Larry and Tammy Swaim and is studying agronomy. Karrie Van Winkl...
October 9, 2018
Haywire Ranch Hands Emerge Victorious At Kansas Championship Ranch Rodeo
Cowboys and cowgirls from Haywire Cattle Company of El Dorado won the Kansas Championship Ranch Rodeo (KCRR), held September 28-29 at Medicine Lodge. Haywire won the stray gathering and team penning on the way to the title. Team members were Andy, Callie and Randy Jones; Justi...
October 8, 2018
Champions Chosen At Kansas Junior Livestock Show
In the grand champion steer drive at the 2018 Kansas Junior Livestock Show, a 1,337 lb. crossbred led by Cooper Henson of Holcomb captured top honors. Lauren Aust of La Cygne owned the reserve grand, a 1,362 lb. Charolais. Ashley Kennedy of Satanta showed the supreme champion ...
October 5, 2018
Show To Feature Young Exhibitors From Across Kansas
The largest youth livestock show in Kansas gets underway today (10/5) at the state fairgrounds in Hutchinson. More than 2,000 head of livestock, including cattle, swine, sheep and goats will be shown by 806 exhibitors throughout the weekend at the Kansas Junior Livestock Show ...
October 4, 2018
USDA Traceability Goals Aligned With KLA Policy And CattleTrace Structure
USDA announced four overarching goals for advancing animal disease traceability last week. Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach said USDA has a responsibility to producers to implement a modern system that tracks livestock from birth to harvest using...
October 3, 2018
Services Friday For Former KLA Executive
Former KLA Executive Vice President John E. Meetz of Wichita passed away October 2 at the age of 73. A native of Newton, Meetz was employed at KLA from June 1970 to February 1984. Under his leadership, KLA membership grew from under 3,000 to more than 9,000; the KLA Cattle Fee...
October 2, 2018
Holthus To Highlight Wednesday Evening At KLA Convention
Registration is open for the KLA Convention, November 28-30 in Wichita. Those attending the convention will hear from Kansas City Chief’s play-by-play announcer Mitch Holthus at the opening banquet. The Smith Center native and eight-time Kansas Sportscaster of the Year will sh...
October 1, 2018
NCBA Continues To Push For FMD Vaccine Bank In Farm Bill As Negotiations Continue
U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts and his conference committee colleagues announced last week the new Farm Bill would not be completed before the current bill expired September 30, 2018. The group released a statement on progress of the new Farm Bill. &...
September 28, 2018
Revised Trade Agreement With Korea Good For U.S. Red Meat Producers
Meat industry organizations praised the Trump administration following an announcement earlier this week that a revised free trade agreement with Korea had been signed. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Halstrom called it “reassuring news fo...
September 27, 2018
Kansans Headed To Regional Qualifier For Livestock Auction Championships
Six Kansans will compete in an upcoming regional qualifying event for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). Neil Bouray of Webber, Andrew Finley from Carbondale, Jase Hubert of Emporia, Tanner Jessup from Hillsboro, Dakota Davis of Caldwell and Ethan Schuette fro...
September 26, 2018
CattleFax To Be Honored During K-State Family And Friends Reunion
CattleFax will be presented the Don L. Good Impact Award during the Kansas State University Animal Sciences & Industry (AS&I) Family and Friends Reunion, October 12 in Manhattan. The award, named in honor of the former K-State AS&I Department head, recognizes indiv...
September 25, 2018
Winners Recognized From KLA PAC Golf Tournament
KLA hosted 147 players September 14 in Manhattan for the annual KLA Political Action Council (PAC) Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the tournament help fund KLA PAC contributions to candidates who support and appreciate livestock production in Kansas. &nbs...
September 24, 2018
West Nile Diagnosed In Kansas Horses
The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of multiple confirmed cases of West Nile virus in horses across the state. These cases have been reported over the past few weeks in Lyon, Seward, Neosho, Marion and Wichita counties. All ...
September 21, 2018
YSA Group Makes Beef, Dairy Stops On Kansas Tour
The 2018 KLA Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) gathered September 17-19 for their third tour of the year. Young members spent three days touring various segments of the beef and dairy industries in central and western Kansas. Merck Animal Health is the exclusive sponsor of the YS...
September 20, 2018
RTK Photography Contest Winners Named
Ten winners have been announced for the seventh annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. Crystal Socha of Augusta won the Fan Favorite category and was chosen by the judges as the grand prize winner. Her photo, titled “Keeping Watch,” received 378 votes on R...
September 19, 2018
Houston To Open NIAA Traceability Forum In Kansas City
NCBA President Elect Jennifer Houston will be the opening speaker at the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) Strategy Forum on Livestock Traceability this month in Kansas City. The forum will take place September 24-26 at the Westin Crown Center Hotel. Houston, a ...
September 18, 2018
Ranch Teams Set To Compete At Kansas Championship Ranch Rodeo
A dozen ranches from across the state will compete in the 30 th annual Kansas Championship Ranch Rodeo (KCRR), September 28-29 at Medicine Lodge. The 12 teams were invited to participate after qualifying at various ranch rodeo events over the past year. Ranch teams entered in ...
September 17, 2018
NCBA Encouraged By USDA Involvement In Fake Meat Public Meeting
The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service and Food and Drug Administration have announced a joint public meeting to discuss the potential hazards, regulatory oversight considerations and labeling of cell-cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry tissue. NCBA will...
September 14, 2018
G3 Pair Wins Super Cow-Calf Show
G3 Cattle of Uniontown exhibited the winning pair in this week’s Super Cow-Calf Show at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The grand champion was a crossbred cow with a steer calf at side. This is the second year in a row a G3 pair has won the show, which is for commercial c...
September 13, 2018
Beef Exports Show Continued Strength, While Pork Sales Tempered By Tariffs
Export volumes of U.S. beef and pork were higher in July than a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The value of exports was mixed, with beef posting another near-record month, while pork reflected the negative ...
September 12, 2018
Super Cow-Calf Show Today In Hutchinson
A special show featuring commercial cow-calf pairs will take place today (9/12) at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. No fitting is allowed for the Super Cow-Calf Show, with entries consisting of one cow and her natural calf in pasture condition. Cows and calves will be judg...
September 11, 2018
Checkoff-Funded Beef Certificate Program Reaches Thousands Of Kansas Students
The Kansas Beef Council (KBC), in partnership with the Kansas Corn Commission, offers beef education resources and reimbursement to Kansas high school and middle school family and consumer science classrooms. Reimbursement funds provided through the checkoff-funded Beef Certif...
September 10, 2018
Miami County KLA Committee Earns August Recruiter Of The Month
The Miami County KLA Committee continues to recruit new members and, as a result, has earned recruiter of the month honors for the fourth time this year. Since January, the group has signed up 24 new members and increased KLA membership in Miami County by 91%. In addition to r...
September 7, 2018
Kansas Disease Traceability Pilot Project Moves Forward
Partners in the Kansas-based cattle traceability pilot project have officially established CattleTrace as a not-for-profit corporation. According to CattleTrace Board Chairman Brandon Depenbusch, who works for Innovative Livestock Services, this was an important step to provid...
September 6, 2018
Agriland Exhibit Shows How Food Is Grown In Kansas
The Kansas Beef Council, along with other commodity groups, will again be hosting Agriland at the Kansas State Fair, September 7-16 in Hutchinson. Located in the Pride of Kansas Building, the interactive exhibit provides an opportunity for children and adults to see how food i...
September 5, 2018
Rising Beef Demand Coincides With Increased Production
According to University of Georgia agricultural economist Levi Russell, beef demand is on the rise, which is good news considering the industry has seen an increase in beef production over the past few years. Russell reported in the third and fourth quarters of 2017, beef dema...
September 4, 2018
KLF Club Calf Sale Entry Deadline Approaching
Entries for the 2018 Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) Club Calf Sale are due in the KLA office September 14. Entry fees are $50.00 per animal. The sale is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. October 6 during the Kansas Junior Livestock Show in Hutchinson. Purebred and crossbred steer and...
August 31, 2018
NAFTA Negotiations Half Way Home
The U.S. and Mexico reached a preliminary agreement this week to update the North American Free Trade Agreement. This was a bilateral deal, with hopes Canada would agree to the terms in the near future. Although the ...
August 30, 2018
KLA Members Invited To K-State Tailgates
KLA members attending Kansas State University home football games are invited to attend the pre-game tailgate function hosted by the K-State Department of Animal Sciences & Industry. KLA and KLA Environmental Services are co-sponsors of the events, which will be held befor...
August 29, 2018
Kansas Stockman Wins Awards In National Contest
The Kansas Stockman received several awards during the Agricultural Media Summit earlier this month in Scottsdale, AZ. As part of the annual Livestock Publications Council (LPC) contest, an article from the November/December 2017 issue won third place in the production/managem...
August 28, 2018
Additional Counties Eligible For Water Supply Assistance Due To Drought
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Division of Conservation has expanded the number of counties eligible for the Livestock Water Supply Financial Assistance Initiative. This program provides state funds, up to a maximum of $6,000, to landowners who drilled livestock wa...
August 27, 2018
Loomis, Meats Entries Win Beef Fest Grand Awards
Heifers owned by Loomis Ranch of Council Grove and steers entered by Gary and Judy Meats of LeRoy earned grand awards at Flint Hills Beef Fest in Emporia. The awards were based on the best combined finish in the grass futurity and live stocker show. A total of 99 heifers and 1...
August 24, 2018
Beck Tells Ranchers If FDA Wins Jurisdiction Battle Over Fake Meat, The Beef Industry Loses
NCBA has been driving efforts to determine which federal agency will regulate fake meat products, according to the organization’s Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck. She told those attending the August 17 Flint Hills Beef Fest Producer Seminar in Emporia the only way...
August 23, 2018
Ranch Tour To Include Stops Near Madison
The Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association has organized a ranch tour in the Madison area for September 5. Those interested should gather at the Madison High School football field by 2:00 p.m. Tour stops will be at the Harold Engle backgrounding facility, Browning Ranch and ...
August 22, 2018
Cow-Calf Producers Invited To Learn More About Pilot Project At Salina Meeting
Collaborators with the CattleTrace pilot project for animal disease traceability are hosting an informational session August 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Farmers & Ranchers Livestock in Salina. The program will provide details of how cow-calf producers can get involved. In early 201...
August 21, 2018
Finalists Named For Kansas Leopold Conservation Award
Ranchland Trust of Kansas, the Sand County Foundation and the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) have named finalists for the 2018 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. The award honors Kansas landowners for achievement in voluntary stewardship and dedication to ...
August 20, 2018
Invasive Species Control Highlights Field Day Program at Loma Land & Cattle
A panel discussion on the best options for managing invasive plant species on rangeland topped the agenda at the final KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day in the 2018 series. During the August 16 event in Linn County, Natural Resources Conservation Service (...
August 17, 2018
FSA Website Helps Match Up Those Who Need Forage Resources With Suppliers
Livestock owners in need of hay and/or grazing acres can list the resources needed on the Farm Service Agency website Hay Net. Likewise, landowners who have hay or pasture available can post an entry here . The site is designed to match up those in need of livestock feed and f...
August 16, 2018
Loma Land & Cattle Hosting Today’s Ranch Field Day Near La Cygne
Today’s (8/16) KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day will be hosted by the Robert Thayer family of La Cygne. Located in Linn County, the Loma Land & Cattle Company cow-calf operation utilizes fescue and native grass pastures. It also includes a backgroundi...
August 15, 2018
Quinter Field Day Audience Hears About Windbreak Benefits
The benefits of windbreaks and utilizing cover crops to improve soil health were highlighted at the August 13 KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day near Quinter. Nearly 100 ranchers attended the event, hosted by Tyler and Kassie Remington. Jami Seirer, northwe...
August 14, 2018
Cartridges For Cash Program Benefits Students
The Merck Animal Health Cartridges for Cash program provided $7,000 in Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) scholarships to six students for the 2018-19 school year. Funds for next year’s scholarships will be awarded based on the number of empty Ralgro and Revalor cartridges turn...
August 13, 2018
Rokey Named Recruiter Of The Month
Rokey Named Recruiter Of The MonthNemaha County member Morris Rokey of Sabetha earned July KLA Recruiter of the Month honors by signing up three new members. His efforts earned him a $50 Cabela’s gift card and an entry in the grand prize drawing among all 12 monthly winners. N...
August 9, 2018
Quinter Ranch To Host KLA/K-State Ranch Field Day Monday
Tyler and Kassie Remington will host Monday’s (8/13) KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day on their ranch near Quinter. The family grows feed for their cowherd on irrigated and dryland acreage, including cover crops and annual forages for grazing and silage. &...
August 8, 2018
Ranch Field Day In Barber County Highlights Range Renovation
Principals in the Blew partnership explained to more than 100 ranchers attending Monday’s (8/6) KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day near Medicine Lodge how they’ve rehabilitated the Nichols Ranch in Barber County. The first year they leased the ranch, which ...
August 6, 2018
KLA endorses candidates in primary election
The KLA Political Action Council (PAC) and KLA Board of Directors made candidate endorsements for this week's primary election, which will be held, Tuesday, August 7. Below is a list of candidates endorsed by KLA who have a contested primary race. Candidates with uncontested p...
August 3, 2018
KLA Offering Reward In Osage County Stolen CAttle Case
KLA member Doug Huston has reported two purebred Angus cows stolen from a pasture three miles east of Overbrook. Huston said the fall-bred cows were stolen either July 26 or early July 27. The cows weigh about 1,500 lbs. and have blue identification tags in the right ear with ...
August 2, 2018
Grassland And Cattle Improvement On Medicine Lodge Field Day Program
C.J. and Russell Blew will host the first KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day Monday (8/6) on the Nichols Ranch near Medicine Lodge, which they lease. Prior to the Anderson Creek Wildfire going through the ranch, the Blews and the landowner had begun clearin...
August 1, 2018
Animal Ag Groups Call On Trump To Settle Fake Meat Regulation Debate
NCBA and other leading animal agriculture organizations sent a letter to President Donald Trump last week urging him to ensure USDA, not the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is the primary regulatory authority over lab-grown meat products. FDA has moved aggressively in rece...
July 31, 2018
Checkoff Function Gives Digital Influencers Something To Blog About
Kansas Beef Council (KBC) staff recently hosted nine of the top digital influencers in the Kansas City area for an evening of beef education. Titled “Meat Up,” the checkoff-funded event put influencers through a meat cutting class during which they fab...
July 30, 2018
EQIP Funds Available For Water Projects In 50 Counties
EQIP Funds Available For Water Projects In 50 CountiesThe Kansas Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office announced last week the availability of special Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) cost-share funds for certain projects that address livestock wa...