TOPEKA, Kan. — Beef industry stakeholders from across the state participated in the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Leadership Conference January 24-25 in Topeka. The two-day educational seminar exposed attendees to services provided by KLA, advocacy training and the legislative process.

While at the Capitol, the group attended a Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting and heard from KLA lobbyists on how they protect member interests during the legislative process. Conference attendees also had a chance to meet with their respective legislators to discuss important beef and dairy industry issues.

As part of the conference, members took part in an interactive advocacy training session led by KLA staff and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcaster Greg Akagi. Participants were given an overview of the importance of being an industry advocate and the various media outlets available to help them reach consumers who want to know more about how and where their food is produced. Jamie Lindamood, a rancher from Eureka, shared with the group how she has implemented advocacy in her daily routine through social media and by inviting consumers to visit her ranch to better understand agriculture.

In addition, the Kansas Beef Council provided information on how checkoff dollars are used to promote beef, support important industry research and educate consumers about the benefits of including beef in a healthy diet.

This year’s class brings the total number of graduates of the leadership training program to 714 since it was initiated in 1981. Sponsors of the biennial event included the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, KCoe Isom and the Kansas Livestock Foundation

KLA is a trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its 5,700 members.