The Trail of Success: A Look at the Kansas Livestock Association

The Trail of Success: A Look at the Kansas Livestock Association

The Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) has a long and rich history of advocating for the state's cattle industry. Established in 1894, the organization began as a small group of Flint Hills ranchers who united to tackle issues such as cattle theft and unreasonable railroad freight rates. Over the years, KLA has evolved into a prominent trade association representing 5,600 members on legislative and regulatory issues.

Throughout its history, KLA has fought and won numerous battles on behalf of its members. From securing a state indemnity for ranchers who lost animals due to hoof-and-mouth disease in 1915, to obtaining an exemption for farm labor from the military draft in 1917, to fighting for prompt payment on fed cattle by packers in 1975, KLA has consistently worked to create a better business atmosphere for ranchers and feeders.

In 1986, KLA achieved one of its biggest tax victories when Kansas voters approved a constitutional amendment crafted by the organization and other farm groups. The amendment called for use-value appraisal on agricultural land and exempted farm machinery and livestock from the property tax rolls, helping to level the playing field with other states.

KLA celebrated its centennial in 1994, and in the years that followed, the organization continued to be a driving force for the state's multi-billion dollar cattle industry. KLA members are involved in all segments of the livestock industry, and the organization represents their interests at both the state and federal levels.

At its core, KLA values honesty, responsiveness, dependability, professionalism, and principled behavior. The organization's mission is to advance its members' common business interests and enhance their ability to meet consumer demand. KLA operates under the belief that the livestock industry is best served by the process of free enterprise and free trade, and the organization is opposed to attempts to narrow business options or limit the individual freedom of livestock producers to innovate in the management and marketing of their production.

In 1995, KLA played an instrumental role in the creation of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association through the merger of the National Cattlemen's Association and National Livestock and Meat Board. This move helped to streamline operations at the national level and created a unified organizational structure that has served KLA well for more than 100 years.

In conclusion, the Kansas Livestock Association has a long and impressive trail of success, from its early years fighting cattle theft and railroad freight rates to its more recent advocacy for a better business climate for ranchers and feeders. KLA's commitment to honesty, responsiveness, dependability, professionalism, and principled behavior has earned the organization the respect and admiration of its members and industry partners alike. As KLA looks to the future, it will undoubtedly continue to be a vital force in advancing the interests of the state's thriving cattle industry.

6031 SW 37th Street
Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 273-5115
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