KCA Hosts Final 2021 Regional Membership Meeting on Dec. 7 in White City

Kansas Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) hosted a regional cattlemen’s meeting in White City, Kansas on the evening of December 7th to discuss industry topics. Dr. Justin Smith discussed the Division of Animal Health at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Jim Pinegar discussed cattle theft, and KCA Executive Director, Tyler Dupy, provided a presentation on issues facing the cattle industry. A free USA-Beef supper was also served.

Jim Pinegar, Kansas Brands Investigator, began the presentations with a discussion on protecting yourself from cattle theft. He recommended evaluating infrastructure on the ranch and securing the ranch in a way that discourages cattle theft. Brands are critical to deterring cattle thieves. Leaving catch pens setup and accessible to livestock makes your cattle prime targets. Check cattle often, add surveillance, and communicate regularly with neighboring ranchers, to work together to prevent cattle theft. Finally, if you are a victim of cattle theft, call the sheriff immediately to report the theft. Do not disturb the scene of the theft. Be sure the investigating officer takes photographs and documents as thoroughly as possible what is seen. Something as simple as a cigarette butt on the ground can make the difference between recovery or complete loss.

Dr. Justin Smith provided a brief background on the Kansas Division of Animal Health as well as a synopsis of U.S. animal health state officials. He touched on topics like, Animal Disease Traceability, positivity rates in Kansas for Trichomoniasis, upcoming legislative and regulatory changes, and the Asian Longhorned Tick and the disease that it spreads.

The meeting included an overview of KCA, and some background of the association. KCA policy was discussed by KCA CEO and Executive Director, Tyler Dupy. He discussed cattle market reform topics regarding minimum negotiated trade, Beef Checkoff reforms, KCA’s state legislative agenda, and alternative proteins.

Attendees were served a USA-Beef supper courtesy of the sponsors of the meeting: Herington Livestock Commission, Copeland Insurance, KanEquip, Hallgren Real Estate & Auctions, LLC., Merck Animal Health, Bank of the Flint Hills, Vermette Wood Preservers, Peterson Lumber & Hardware, Tracy Jones Realty, The First National Bank of Hope, Wildcat Feeds, The Tire Shop, Agri Trails Coop, United Country Crossroads Auction & Realty, and Britt Farms.