Parsons, Kansas —
A lot changes in a century—100 years ago Tin Lizzies puttered down Main Street, the tragedy of the Titanic sent the world reeling and Americans were welcoming New Mexico and Arizona to the nation.
Although there have been a lot of changes in the past 100 years, there are some facets of life which have undergone little to no change. Life in rural America is still very much alive; producers still work from dawn till dusk and engage in the same practices that have time again proven to be cost effective and beneficial to their operations.
The Kansas Livestock Association Convention, which in late November celebrated its 100th anniversary in Wichita, is another tradition that hasn’t altered much in its mission or core values over a century either.
More than 600 livestock owners and feeders gathered at the Hyatt Convention Center to discuss policy measures, drought and animal health issues and more importantly, to devise plans and procedures to push forward in the coming year.
During a question and answer panel comprised of KLA’s veritable “old-timers”, KLA members had the opportunity to hear what the organization and convention were like in the old days. Attendees were regaled with stories of conventions of yesteryear when the event was a week-long affair and featured a square dance and a lively after party.
Attendees to the early conventions met with bankers and commissioners during the day and discussed taxes, freight rates, transportation and feeding contracts with fellow members. Self-proclaimed old timer Pat Sauble, who attended his first convention in 1937, recalls producers discussing herd health threats such as Anthrax, brucellosis and hoof and mouth. Sauble added that grass prices were a big concern at that time also, proving that forage acquisition and prices are trends that seem to stand the test of time.
The 100th convention for one of the oldest livestock organizations in the nation warrants first class entertainment and the KLA leadership team pulled out all the stops when they hosted political consultant Karl Rove as a keynote speaker. Although Rove was disappointed with the outcome of the presidential election, he didn’t fail to provide the audience members with surprising comedic relief as he recalled the political actions of the past several months.
He also shared his predictions of the outcomes of the upcoming lame duck session and spoke at great lengths about the recession and the unemployment rate.
Baxter Black, cowboy comedian, veterinarian and poet, was on hand the following night to entertain a packed house with his wit and humor about his adventures as a cattle rancher and veterinarian. From poems about uterine prolapse to pre-modernized potties, there was hardly a dull moment.
While other conventions sometimes focus on negative agendas, the 100th KLA Convention provided an upbeat and exciting program that left producers feeling confident about the future of the livestock industry.
Ken Stielow, another participant during the “old-timer” panel, said it best when he stated that at KLA Conventions many years ago “you were rubbing shoulders with good people; the kind of good people and leaders that KLA still attracts today” and that “young people need to get involved with the industry.”
Stielow also affirmed that “forty years ago, peer to peer relationships and networking were one of the most valuable assets of convention”—Something that still rings true today. £
Livestock
A century of excellence—KLA celebrates 100 conventions
- Livestock
-
-
Producers should be aware of cattle heat stress
Old Man Winter held on longer than usual this year, but now summertime temperatures are taking hold, providing ample reason for cattle producers to guard against heat stress in their herds.
-
Early summer deworming of nursing calves
Five deworming trials were conducted at the Eastern Research Station located near Haskell, Okla., during the 1990’s. Crossbred cows and their Charolais sired calves were sorted by sex of calf, calf age and cow age, then randomly allotted to one of four treatments.
-
Raising backyard chickens requires basic knowledge
Interest in keeping chickens in the backyard as a source of eggs and meat is on the rise among both urban and suburban dwellers according to Jess Lyons, a small flock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
-
Cow slaughter continues above last year
Total beef production for the year to date is down 1.3 percent and total slaughter is down 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year. Both beef production and slaughter have been larger in recent weeks and the year to date total is down less than expected. A significant part of larger than expected total slaughter is the result of increased cow slaughter.
-
Short-term calf removal
Short-term calf removal is the term that describes the temporary physical separation of the calf from its mother. This removes the nursing stimulus from the cow for about two days.
-
Kan. beef cattle numbers lowest since 1999
The number of beef cattle on Kansas feedlots is at its lowest point in 14 years, thanks to an ongoing drought, and industry officials said some producers could find themselves out of business if this year continues the dry pattern.
-
First green grass doesn’t meet cattle’s nutrient needs
Turning cow herds out to graze pastures at the first sign of green grass harms forage growth later in the season. But there’s another big reason to wait, says a University of Missouri beef nutritionist.
Cows don’t benefit from early grazing as much as most herd owners believe. -
Breeding soundness of bulls should involve Trich test
One of the most important factors in determining the profitability of a beef herd is the number of calves weaned per cow exposed.
-
K-State livestock program equips youth with swine ownership skills
Agriculture needs young people — they are the future of food production and their creativity and enthusiasm for agriculture will set the stage for addressing the trials of this century.
-
Temperament plays key role in cattle health
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and university scientists have found that cattle temperament influences how animals should be handled, how they perform and how they respond to disease.
- More Livestock Headlines
-
Producers should be aware of cattle heat stress
