Kansas State University offers livestock, leadership skills
Students gathered on the Kansas State University campus recently to gain livestock industry knowledge and develop leadership skills. These participants comprised the tenth class of the annual K-State Animal Sciences Leadership Academy.
Hosted by the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and sponsored by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council, the academy’s goal is to develop young leaders within the livestock industry and prepare them for a successful future in this field.
This year’s class included: Rachelle Anderson, Jamestown; Lindsey Ascher, Milford; Tessa Beeman, Hamilton; Clay Brillhart, Fort Scott; Walker Clawson, Mead; Wesley Denton, Blue Rapids; Danika Gordon, Whitewood, South Dakota; Norman Highfill, Atchison; Ben Jensen, Courtland; Kenzie McAtee, LaCygne; Kami McComb, Pratt; Anaya McCune, Benton; Becca Paine, Hutchinson; Abbie Schwab, Goddard; Sarah Sergeant, Lebo; Wyatt Slade, Haviland; Lauren Terry, Nortonville; Shelby Varner, Towanda; and Tray Zabokrtsky, Morrowville.
During their time at the KASLA, students participated in interactive leadership development and educational sessions led by faculty members from across the K-State campus. Participants completed the college experience by dining at the K-State Student Union, completing the K-State Challenge Course and staying in Ford Hall.
The KASLA also included a half day of livestock industry tours throughout northeast Kansas, with stops including: Hildebrand Farms Dairy, Junction City; Seaboard Foods, Shawnee; Bichelmeyer Meats, Kansas City; and The American Royal, Kansas City. They also enjoyed tours of university farms and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
For their final project, the students were divided into groups during the week to focus on current issues affecting the livestock industry. Faculty mentors from the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry assisted each group. Using the information they learned throughout the academy, the groups were asked to present their subject as part of the closing reception on the final day. About 75 family, friends and members of the K-State community gathered for the closing reception to honor the graduates and hear their thoughts on these important livestock issues.
You can find out more information about the academy by visiting www.youthlivestock.ksu.edu. For questions, contact Academy Director Sharon Breiner at [email protected] or 785-532-6533.
