TOPEKA, Kan. — The 15th class of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) graduated Dec. 3 at the close of the KLA Convention. Merck Animal Health again partnered with KLA to host 16 members for a series of four seminars throughout 2020-21. This class brings the total number of YSA alumni to 297.
Attending the KLA Convention was the final session for this year’s class and provided these young producers the opportunity to interact with KLA members from across the state and gain more industry knowledge. YSA members got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the association by attending the KLA Chairmen’s Circle meeting. The group also took part in the policy-making process by attending committee and council meetings where members discussed issues affecting their business interests.
Immediately prior to the convention, the YSA class received their Masters of Beef Advocacy degrees, following an in-depth spokesperson training session with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Executive Director of Communications Kate Maher.
During their first session in Topeka in February 2020, attendees were exposed to advocacy training, the legislative process and services provided by KLA and NCBA. The second installment took the group to tour beef and dairy operations representing various segments of each industry in May 2021. YSA members headed to Kansas City in September, where they learned about beef marketing and agribusiness.
Members of the 2020-21 YSA class are Brooke Boulware, Scott City; Brian Carlton, Larned; Clara Cross, Salina; Cayden Daily, Great Bend; Matthew Harrison, Vega, TX; Josh Johnson, Saint Francis; Trent Johnson, Fort Scott; Clayton Kershner, Rush Center; Colton Lowry, Almena; Chris Mushrush, Elmdale; Derek Neal, Montezuma; Audrey Schultz, Andover; Justin Shields, Colby; Brandt Skinner, Weatherford, OK; Darcy Reeve, Maize and Matthew Rezac, Onaga.
YSA leadership training has seen its influence not only at the local level, where alumni are fulfilling the call of duty by serving as KLA leaders, but many also are stepping up to serve on statewide KLA committees and councils.
For more information about the program or to apply to be a part of the next group of young leaders, click here. Applications for the 2022 YSA class are due Dec. 15. They can be filled out electronically and emailed to shelbi@kla.org.
KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.