Title: Young Stockmen See Agribusiness, Retail Beef Operations in Kansas City

TOPEKA, Kan., May 16 -- The Kansas Livestock Association issued the following news release:

The second installment of the 2014 Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen's Academy (YSA) was held in the Kansas City area May 13-15. Members of the group spent three days learning about the agribusiness and retail beef industries.

Merck Animal Health hosted the class of 20 young producers, along with members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Leadership Academy, at its office in DeSoto. Merck is the exclusive sponsor of the KLA YSA program. Staff from Merck gave attendees an overview of the animal health industry, conducted a cutting demonstration using the loin and led a discussion on the physiological make-up of beef.

Stops were made at Kansas City Steak Company and SYSCO Food Services to provide the YSA group with a better understanding of the link between the processing plant and the consumer's plate. Both companies distribute high-end beef cuts across the U.S. For a firsthand look at the various ways beef is marketed in the meatcase, the class visited Bichelmeyer Meats and a Whole Foods Market. The Bichelmeyer family has been providing hand-cut meat to consumers for almost 70 years.

In addition, YSA members had the chance to visit with consumers about the beef they produce while distributing samples at Hen House and HyVee grocery store locations. Young producers answered questions about animal health, beef nutrition and cooking methods.

YSA members also heard from staff at Bartlett and Company about risk management in the cattle and grain industries and toured the new Johnson County Culinary Institute.

The 2014 class includes Bryan Armendariz, Chapman; Sarah Bryant, Winfield; Cody Campfield, St. John; Issac Carr, Junction City; Neil Cates, Beloit; Kyla Clawson, Satanta; Rachel Collinge, Eureka; Jaymelynn Farney, Parsons; Andrew Froetschner, Larned; Ryan Gasche, Cassoday; Robby Haynes, Abilene; Lindsey Huseman, Ellsworth; Brandy Jones, Wamego; Spencer Jones, Wamego; Ty Josefiak, Rozel; Marisa Kleysteuber, Garden City; Evan Lesser, Palco, Laura Mushrush, Strong City; Jake Pannbacker, Washington; and Chase Thompson, Scott City.

The third installment of the YSA class will be held in October. Members will tour Kansas beef and dairy operations to gain a better understanding of each industry segment.</p>

CC AutoTriage10PkS-140517-30TacordaCheng-4738703 30TacordaCheng