Kla Meets For 130th Annual Convention

By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor 

Victoria native Troy Sander (right), a cattle feeder now based in Oklahoma City, Okla., is the 2025 KLA president. Sander is chief operations manager for Heritage Beef, which has feedyards in Haskell and Labette counties. Members elected Ty Breeden, an ag banker and rancher from Quinter, as KLA President-Elect. | Photo Courtesy KLA

Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) turned a new page when they held their 2024 convention for the first time in Manhattan. The move was appreciated by K-State ag students, giving them an opportunity to attend meetings and learn about issues pertaining to the livestock industry. They no doubt were a beneficial addition to the nearly 900 attendees who gathered the third week of November. 

Policy discussed and approved this year included a resolution supporting the creation of a milk marketing trust statute for dairy producers. Additionally, a resolution to find a strategy for renovation of K-State’s dairy facilities was included. 

Federal immigration policy was supported that allows an efficient and adequate guest worker program and opportunities for foreign ag workers to obtain year-round authorization. 

In all, KLA membership approved 75 resolutions. Included were policies ranging from deer permits, taxes and water to noxious weed control. 

A total of $38,500 in scholarships was awarded to 34 students at the convention. 

Thirty-five members were honored for decades of loyalty to KLA, including the Leonhard Ranch of Berryton. A continuous member since 1934, they were recognized for a remarkable 90 years of service. 

Troy Sander of Oklahoma City is the 2025 KLA president of. President-elect is Ty Breeden of Quinter. 

 

Cowboy Channel host and rodeo announcer Justin McKee shares his experiences in the cattle and rodeo industries while encouraging KLA members to tell their own stories during his keynote speech at the KLA Cattlemen’s Banquet. | Photo courtesy KLA
Nearly 900 members and industry stakeholders
gathered in Manhattan for the KLA Convention and Expo, Nov. 20-21, 2024. This was the first time in its 130 year history the KLA held its annual convention in the Little Apple. | Photo courtesy KLA