By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) will hold its 113th Convention & Expo from November 19-21 in Manhattan, Kansas. The event at Hilton Garden Inn and Manhattan Conference Center is designed to educate and connect cattle producers across the state.
The event begins Wednesday evening with the Cattlemen’s Banquet, sponsored by INTRUST Bank, Micro Technologies, and Tyson Fresh Meats. Attendees will see recognition of longtime KLA members and scholarship recipients, and participate in a live auction benefiting KLA initiatives.
Nevil Speer, a Kentucky-based agricultural consultant, will deliver the keynote speech, highlighting how improvements in beef quality over the last 25 years have boosted consumer demand. Speer has extensive experience in academia, private consulting, and contributions to BEEF Magazine and Feedstuffs.
Thursday morning features Beef Industry University, sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas. Kansas native Kevin Good of CattleFax will analyze 2026 market trends, covering supply, demand, production, weather, feed, and energy costs.
Thursday afternoon’s Consumer Trends Forum, hosted by Kansas Beef Council and sponsored by Kansas Soybean Commission, includes speakers Shalene McNeill, Travis O’Quinn, and Ted Schroeder. They will discuss beef nutrition, meat quality, and consumer insights affecting livestock marketing.
Thursday evening, the Industry Appreciation Reception at Flint Hills Discovery Center, sponsored by Equity Bank and Kansas Feeds Inc., will provide networking, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages for attendees.
Friday concludes with the Membership Breakfast, sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, Elanco, U.S. Premium Beef, and Smithfield. NCBA CEO Colin Woodall will discuss organizational priorities and recent successes.
Livestock producers and stakeholders can register online at www.kla.org or by phone at (785) 273-5115. Early bird pricing ends November 1. KLA works to advance member interests on legislative, regulatory, and industry issues at state and federal levels.
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle