It's hard to imagine 70 years of service to any organization, but that's just what Dolores Giles of Spearville was recognized for at the Nov. 30 convention of the Kansas Livestock Association in Wichita.

Four more members were honored for attaining 60 years of membership this year. They are Victor Hoffman, Hoisington; Albert Mann, Rye, Colo.; Paul Seeley Jr., Eureka; and C.H. White & Sons, Council Grove.

Eight KLA members reached the milestone of 50 years of membership, representing the diversity and commitment of the organization's membership.

Those who joined KLA in 1966 were Brookover Feed Yard LLC, Garden City; Kirby Clawson, Plains; Floyd Crockett, Lewis; First National Bank of Hutchinson; Larry Hixson, WaKeeney; Donald Hunt, Arkansas City; Phillip Light, Turpin, Okla.; and Norman Triemer, Council Grove. 

“KLA effectively works to protect the business interests of Kansas ranchers and farmers every day,” said KLA President David Clawson, a rancher and farmer from Englewood. “This continued success would not be possible without the solid support of its members.”

These honorees bring to 101 the total number of KLA members who have belonged to the organization for 50 years or more. The longest continuously held KLA membership belongs to Jansonius Farms of Prairie View, which joined the association in 1918.

KLA is a trade organization protecting the business interests of independent ranchers, feeders and dairy farmers. Members of the association are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, including cow-calf production, backgrounding, cattle feeding, swine, dairy and sheep. The association’s work is funded by voluntary dues dollars paid by its 5,400 members.

Source: Kansas Livestock Association