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Young stockmen graduate at KLA ConventionKansas
The sixth class of the Kansas Livestock Association Young Stockmen's Academy graduated Dec. 2 at the close of the KLA Convention. Vista from Merck Animal Health partnered with KLA to host 20 members for a series of four seminars throughout 2011. This class brings the total number of YSA alumni to 119. (Photo courtesy of KLA.) Attending the KLA Convention was the final session for this year's class. The two-day event provided participants the opportunity to gain additional industry knowledge and interact with KLA members from across the state. YSA members got a firsthand look into the inner workings of the association by attending the KLA board 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, YSA members received their Masters of Beef Advocacy, following an in-depth spokesperson training session with National Cattlemen's Beef Association Executive Director of Communications Daren Williams. During the first session, which was held in Topeka in February, attendees were exposed to the legislative process, advocacy training and services provided by KLA. YSA members went to the Kansas City area in July to learn more about the agribusiness and retail beef industries during the second tour of the year. The third installment took the group to western Kansas in October, where they spent three days touring beef operations to gain a better understanding of various industry segments. The 2011 class included Austin Cline, Frankfort; Zach Conine, Scott City; Jessica Ebert, Tescott; Kendra Frasier, Manhattan; Eric Gleue, Le Roy; Chelsea Good, Topeka; Randy Hiesterman, Palmer; Ashley Judd, Quenemo; Karaline Mayer, Paxico; Brock Miller, Leoti; Daniel Mushrush, Strong City; Cody Palen, Dodge City; Anthony Rathbun, Geneseo; Cade Rensink, Ada; Carlie Rooney, Garden City; Abe Shanholtzer, Wamego; Raymond Sproul, Sedan; Jennifer Wellnitz, Reading; Clay Wilson, Council Grove; and Katie Yunghans, Leavenworth. 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.
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