By Scout Nelson
The benefit auction held during the Cattlemen’s Banquet at the KLA Convention on November 19 raised $74,100 to support three organizations in the livestock community. More than 650 KLA members and guests attended the event, helping generate strong financial support through donated items and active bidding.
A total of $50,050 was raised for the KLA Political Action Council (PAC). These funds will help support state Legislature candidates who back the Kansas livestock industry. The top-selling item for KLA PAC was a Pietta 1873 Great Western II .357 mag revolver engraved with the KLA PAC logo. It was donated by Moser Ranch and purchased by Black Diamond Cattle Co. of Council Grove for $10,000.
The Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK), a KLA affiliate, received $19,100 from donated items sold during the live auction. The highest-selling lot was a dinner with Kansas Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam, which sold for $11,500. The winning bid came from several supporters: Black Diamond Cattle Co., Council Grove; Blythe Angus, White City; Downey Ranch, Wamego; and Kniebel Cattle Co., White City. Secretary Beam generously donated the dinner.
The Kansas Livestock Foundation, which focuses on charitable, scientific, and educational programs, generated $4,950 through the auction. Its highest-selling item was a Scientific Hay Conserver, donated by GoBob America’s Ranch Equipment and purchased by Ty Breeden of Quinter for $2,000.
Volunteer leaders from KLA and its affiliate groups expressed appreciation for the generous donors and buyers whose contributions support the mission-driven work of these organizations. Their participation helps strengthen advocacy, conservation, and education efforts within the Kansas livestock sector.
Photo Credit: kansas-livestock-foundation
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy, Livestock