(WICHITA) – The Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) honored 25 members at the 2023 KLA Convention for decades of loyalty to the association. Thirteen individuals and 12 businesses joined the association in 1973 and marked a half-century of continuous membership in 2023. This brings the total number of members who have been loyal to KLA for 50 years or longer to 162.
Those honored were A & D Lindquist Ag Inc., Waterville; Boles Ranch LLC, Liberal; Cornwell Farms, Saint John; Bob Davies, Jr., Liberal; Mike Demmer Trust, Kingman; Ron Estes, Atchison; Farmers & Drovers Bank, Council Grove; Farmers State Bank, Fairview; Frontier Farm Credit, Manhattan; Jarold Hayden, Concordia; Hillcrest Farms, Havana; Don Hineman, Dighton; Alan James, Dighton; Marian Kleweno, Bazine; Knight Feedlot, Lyons, an ILS yard; Pat Koons, Burdick; Lewis, Hooper & Dick LLC, Garden City; Jack D. Lindamood, Virgil; National Beef Packing Co., LP, Kansas City, Liberal and Dodge City; Larry Olsen, Maple City; David D. Parker, Manhattan; Wayne Ruud, Concordia; Lyle Shattuck, Prescott; Arden Vernon, Turon; and Vogel Cattle Company, Ness City.
Max Oltjen of Hiawatha was recognized for 55 years of membership. He joined KLA in 1968.
Elizabeth Oswald of Hutchinson and Ronald Schultz from Haviland both became KLA members in 1963. They were honored for 60 years of membership. Three members were recognized for attaining 70 years of membership, including Harvey Raaf, Gridley; Joan Smith, Sharon Springs; and 3 Bar Ranch Inc., Coldwater.
The faithful support and sharing in the association’s mission from these individuals and businesses through the decades represent the key to the success of KLA.
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 more than 5,700 members.
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