KLA Convention Opens with Banquet

By Scout Nelson

The 2025 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Convention & Expo will begin with the annual Cattlemen’s Banquet, sponsored by INTRUST Bank, Micro Technologies and Tyson Fresh Meats.

This evening event serves as a time to recognize leadership, honor commitment and support the continued progress of the beef and livestock industry. The banquet will include recognition of longtime KLA members along with the presentation of scholarship awards.

A live auction will also take place during the evening. Funds raised from the auction will benefit the KLA Political Action Council, Kansas Livestock Foundation and Ranchland Trust of Kansas. These organizations play an important role in supporting advocacy, education, and conservation efforts within the livestock and beef community.

The program will feature keynote speaker Nevil Speer, an industry consultant from Bowling Green, Kentucky. Speer will highlight how improvements in beef quality over the past 25 years have played a major role in maintaining strong consumer demand today.

With experience in both academic research and private industry, he has worked with start-up companies and offered consulting support across many agricultural sectors. Speer also contributes regularly to Feedstuffs and BEEF Magazine, sharing insights on market trends and livestock production.

The convention will be held November 19-21 in Manhattan. Members may register online, by calling (785) 273-5115, or by using the printable form available on the KLA website.

Hotel lodging is available, although some room blocks are already full. The Hilton Garden Inn and Fairfield Inn have reached full capacity under the KLA rate. However, rooms are still available at the Holiday Inn Express, Bluemont Hotel and Courtyard Manhattan. Guests should mention KLA when booking to receive the convention rate.

The Cattlemen’s Banquet continues to serve as a key gathering for industry leaders to connect, celebrate progress, and focus on strengthening the future of livestock production in Kansas and beyond.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-jessicahyde