KLA: Young Producers Tour Kansas Beef Industry
07/09/2010 09:32AM
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The 2010 KLA Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) gathered for its second educational tour of the year this week. Eighteen KLA members from across the state spent three days touring beef operations to gain a better understanding of the various industry segments. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is partnering with KLA to host the YSA class for a series of seminars throughout the year.
Stops were made at Harms Plainview Ranch near Lincolnville and Doyle Creek Ranch at Florence. YSA members got a glimpse into these two progressive cow-calf operations, both of which use superior genetics and good management practices to produce high-quality beef for consumers.
Feedyard Manager Lonnie Busch hosted the group at Cargill Cattle Feeders, LLC, near Leoti. Participants received a firsthand look at how ultrasound is used to sort the calves into marketing groups. In addition, feedyard staff discussed how the yard is maintained and the milling process, including how the various rations used in the feeding program are developed.
YSA members also toured Royal Farms Dairy in Garden City. Dairy manager and partner Kyle Averhoff explained the milk production process and the cattle management practices used at the facility. Royal Farms Dairy produces 1.5 million gallons of milk per month.
In addition, stops were made at Kansas Ethanol near Sterling and the Tyson beef processing plant at Garden City. Participants also visited the new KLA West office in Scott City where they learned more about KLA Environmental Services and how it assists livestock producers with issues such as feedyard expansions, waste management and nutrient management planning.
YSA members will take part in a third session during October to learn more about the agribusiness and beef retail industries.
For more information visit www.kla.org.