Staff writer
What better way to learn about producing livestock and advocating for the industry than by attending a livestock school?
Laura Klenda of Pilsen, an ag teacher at Centre, is a member of the 2018 Kansas Livestock Association Young Stockmen’s Academy.
“I’m always looking for ways to grow,” she said. “It’s a chance to learn more about the livestock industry, to expand my connection with people in the industry, and to bring information back to my students.”
Members will be exposed to leaders from all segments of the industry, including purebred, cow-calf, backgrounding, dairy, feeding, processing, retail, foodservice, animal health, marketing, finance, etc.
Klenda attended the first of four seminars Feb. 12-13 in Topeka with 19 other members.
During the first session, she learned what KLA provides for its members. The group then went to the statehouse and met with legislators. They learned how KLA uses staff lawyers who are familiar with law-making to counsel legislators and convey KLA positions.
The group will be in the Kansas City area in May for its second session. Klenda said they will go on tours and interact with customers in grocery stores.
At the end of the year, members will receive a Master of Beef Advocacy certificate.
“I am learning a whole bunch of things that can tie in to my classes,” Klenda said. “For example, things that I learned about beef nutrition will be used in my Food Science class. I also learned how to get information on how to interact with animals, which I am using in my Animal Science and Small Animal Care class.”