Livestock Academy Graduates New Class

By Scout Nelson

The Young Stockmen’s Academy celebrated the graduation of its 2025 class during the annual Kansas Livestock Association Convention held November 21 in Manhattan. This program is designed for young adults in their 20s who are interested in leadership and professional development within the livestock industry.

Merck Animal Health partnered with the association once again to support the four-session training series. Since its beginning in 2006, the program has graduated with more than 370 members.

The final session of the year took place during the three-day KLA Convention, where participants expanded their industry knowledge and built connections with livestock professionals from across Kansas.

Graduates also gained firsthand experience with the association’s leadership structure by attending the KLA Chairmen’s Circle meeting. They were able to observe and participate in the policy-making process through committee and council meetings, helping them better understand how decisions are made within the industry.

The first session of the year was held in Topeka in February. Participants received training in advocacy and media skills and were introduced to the Kansas legislative process. They also learned about member services provided by both the Kansas Livestock Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

The second session in May took place in the Kansas City area, where attendees explored topics related to beef marketing, agribusiness, and the animal health sector.

In September, the group completed its third session by touring beef and dairy operations across eastern and central Kansas. These visits allowed participants to observe different production systems and better understand how various segments of the livestock industry operate. Each session was designed to strengthen leadership abilities, industry awareness, and communication skills.

The Kansas Livestock Association represents more than 5,500 members and works on legislative, regulatory, and industry issues affecting the state’s livestock sector. The association continues to support training opportunities like the Young Stockmen’s Academy to help prepare future leaders and promote a strong and informed livestock community.

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