CALF_News_Feb_March_2019

32 CALF News • February | March 2019 • www.calfnews.net F or over 120 years the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) has repre- sented the livestock community in Kansas. At their recent convention in Wichita, the members elected new officers, approved policy and pursued new innovations on the trade show floor. Lee Reeve, outgoing KLA President, encouraged the attendees to take advantage of expertise and experience from all available sources as we face the future of the industry. Elected president for the coming year was Wamego rancher Barb Downey. A fourth-generation rancher, Downey and her husband, Joe Carpenter, oper- ate a registered Angus and commercial Angus-based cowherd. Their cattle are sold as seedstock or finished and sold through U.S. Premium Beef. President elect is Harry Moser, a cow-calf producer fromWheaton. Five members were honored for 50 years of service, including John Atwater, Paul Hayse, Pat Ireland, Laue Charolais Ranch and Sublette Feeders. The Kansas Livestock Foundation awarded 22 scholarships totaling $23,500 for the 2018-19 school year. KLA policy The association approved policy issues at their annual meeting. Resolu- tions included support of a Kansas constitutional amendment on education funds and supporting increased state funding for wildfire suppression in light of recent fires in the state. Members also passed a resolution urging local and state law enforcement officials to actively enforce state trespassing laws along navigable streams in Kansas. Amendments were made on funding of CattleTrace, opposition to Packers and Stockyard provisions on livestock marketing, and support of the ratifica- tion of the U.S. Mexico-Canadian Trade Agreement. Exemptions for livestock haulers were reaffirmed as were ones supporting the Beef Industry Long Range Plan and the KLA resolution on immigration opposing state legislation that would enact more restrictive immigration policies than exist under federal law. The resolution also supports federal immigration policy that would allow for an efficient and adequate guest worker program.  LEFT: In addition to attending educational sessions and policy meetings, the 950 KLA Convention attendees also enjoyed the 47th Annual Trade Show, which featured more than 100 exhibitors. Outgoing KLA President Lee Reeve of Garden City told members, “We produce the best beef in the world, and that’s one thing that isn’t going to change.” When challenges arise, members can depend on KLA’s structure and strength to respond swiftly. BELOW: Barb Downey (right) of Wamego was elected KLA president during the convention. By Betty Jo Gigot Publisher | Photos courtesy KLA KLA Convenes in Wichita The Young Stockman Academy began their final session of the year at the KLA Convention. NCBA’s Ryan Goodman is leading the class in an advocacy training session, following which they will graduate with their Masters of Beef Advocacy.