KLA's Policy Talks with Congress

By Scout Nelson

Last week, leaders and staff from the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) made a significant visit to Washington, DC, where they engaged in pivotal discussions with various government agencies and members of Congress. This trip underscored the association’s commitment to advocating for the interests of livestock producers on a national level.

During their stay, the KLA team attended meetings with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). These sessions provided valuable insights into current environmental and health regulations that impact the agricultural sector.

The delegation also held strategic discussions with U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, as well as U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann, Derek Schmidt, Sharice Davids, and Ron Estes.

Key topics addressed included the threats posed by emerging animal diseases, the persistent labor issues in agriculture, and the tax provisions crucial to the economic sustainability of livestock production.

Further enhancing their advocacy efforts, KLA members met with staff from the office of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, to discuss additional support and understanding for agricultural challenges.

The participants of these meetings included a diverse group of KLA members, representing various councils and leadership positions within the organization. Their unified presence in the capital was a powerful demonstration of their dedication to advancing the interests of Kansas livestock producers.

This visit not only facilitated direct dialogue with policymakers but also helped strengthen relationships that are essential for future legislative and regulatory outcomes beneficial to the agricultural community. Through such proactive engagements, KLA continues to play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect the agricultural industry at large.

Photo Credits:kansas-farm-bureau