By Scout Nelson
The 2025 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) met September 15-17 for its third seminar of the year, embarking on a three-day bus tour through eastern and central Kansas beef and dairy operations.
Sponsored exclusively by Merck Animal Health, the program offers participants a close look at modern livestock production and leadership in agriculture.
Arndt Farms near Emporia hosted the group’s first stop, where members toured scenic pastures in Chase and Lyon counties and learned about the Arndts’ diversified cattle management in the Flint Hills.
The class then visited Manhattan Commission Company for a Beef Quality Assurance training and injection site demonstration led by Tim Parks, DVM, with Merck. Livestock market co-owner John Cline guided the group through the facility and shared the market’s history. Kaw River Cattle Company near Westmoreland wrapped up the day with a tour of new feeding pens, working facilities, and a shop building, followed by dinner and networking.
On day two, members visited Lyons Ranch of Manhattan. Past KLA and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Jan Lyons discussed volunteer leadership and ranch history.
Karl and Amy Langvardt gave a brief tour and explained their Angus breeding philosophies. Next, Hildebrand Farms Dairy of Junction City showcased its farm store, dairy processing facility, and cattle barns, including new robotic milking machines.
Melissa Hildebrand Reed described the dairy’s marketing strategies and operational successes. The day concluded at Irsik & Doll’s Turon Feedyard, where KLA Cattle Feeders Council Chair Daniel Berg, along with Jason Rios and 2024 YSA alumnus Jayden Rios, led a tour of the feedyard.
The final day featured a visit to Creekstone Farms in Arkansas City, where members toured the processing facility and learned about the company’s branded beef programs.
The 2025 YSA class includes 20 members from across Kansas and Oklahoma. Their fourth and final session will be held during the KLA Convention & Expo in Manhattan, November 19-21, focusing on continued leadership and industry advancement.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle