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...