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Young Stockmen’s Academy learns about marketing

The 2019 class will meet again in September to tour beef and dairy operations across Kansas.

May 29, 2019

2 Min Read
: Pictured are Clayton Jarnagin (back row, left), Protection; Evan Woodbury, Quenemo; Bryce Barnett, Muscotah; Reed Koop, Abi
CLASS OF 2019: This year’s Young Stockmen’s Academy class spent three days in Kansas City learning more about agribusiness and how beef is marketed to consumers.Kansas Livestock Association.

Beef producers from across the state participating in the 2019 Kansas Livestock Association’s Young Stockmen’s Academy gathered in the Kansas City area May 6-8. The class of 20 spent three days learning more about agribusiness and how beef is marketed to consumers.

Merck Animal Health, the exclusive sponsor of the YSA program, hosted the group at its office in DeSoto. Merck staff gave attendees an overview of the animal health industry, provided a tour of their research facilities and led a discussion on how to connect with others based on various personality types to create strong and effective relationships.

To gain a better understanding of the link between the processing plant and the consumer’s plate, the group toured Kansas City Steak Co. and SYSCO. Both companies distribute high-end beef cuts to restaurants across the U.S. Kansas City Steak Co. also has a mail-order business. The class visited Bichelmeyer Meats and Whole Foods Market to get a firsthand look at how beef is marketed in the meatcase. Made up of KLA members, the Bichelmeyer family has been providing hand-cut meat to consumers for more than 70 years.

While distributing top sirloin samples at two Hen House grocery store locations, YSA members had the chance to visit with consumers about the beef they produce. The young ranchers answered questions about proper cooking methods and how cattle are raised.

In addition, the class visited the Valley Oaks feedlot and processing facility. The cattle are housed under one roof and are kept cool with the help of unique engineering and the use of big fans. Valley Oaks also has a registered Angus cowherd and a commercial cattle operation.   

Members of the 2019 YSA class are Bryce Barnett, Muscotah, Hannah Brass, Medicine Lodge; Carl Clawson, Ulysses; Ashley Fitzsimmons, Pratt; Heather Gibson, Garden City; Grace Hammer, Sharon Springs; Jamie Holeman, Bronson; Taylor Hughes, Pratt; Clayton Jarnagin, Protection; Reed Koop, Abilene; Clinton Laflin, Russell; Socorro Martinez, Liberal; Garrett McKinney, Walton; Michaela Peterson, Dodge City; Cami Roth, Sterling; Dalton Rutledge, Plains; Jessalyn Strahm, Sabetha; Thomas Thayer, LaCygne; Patrick Turner, Ingalls; and Evan Woodbury, Quenemo. 

The class will meet again in September to tour beef and dairy operations across the state. More information about YSA can be found at kla.org

KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.

Source: Kansas Livestock Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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