MANHATTAN – Twenty-nine members of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) were honored during the group’s convention on Nov. 19 for their longtime commitment to the association. The total number of members who have remained loyal to KLA for five decades or more now stands at 197.

Those who joined KLA in 1975 and reached the half-century mark this year were Lee Borck, Great Bend; E.C. Brookover Jr., Garden City; Robert Cross, Lewis; Michael Dikeman, Manhattan; the late Richard Gfeller, Junction City; Virginia Gfeller, Junction City; Wayne Gfeller, Junction City; Dana Hauck, Manhattan; Leon Holthaus, Seneca; Lee Isaac, Hesston; KanEquip Inc., Wamego; Lynn Kirkham, Sharon Springs; Lee Mackey, Alva, OK; Chris Meyer, Sylvan Grove; Nunemaker-Ross Inc., Lawrence; Bill Pannbacker, Washington; Tom Peine, Greeley; Jim Phillips, Valley Falls; Roy Soukup, Ellsworth; Richard Theurer, Wellington; Tri Stone Farms Inc., Garden City; Thomas Weinhold, Wilson; Winter Livestock Inc., Dodge City; and Woods Cattle Company, Girard. 

Joining KLA in 1965 and reaching the 60-year membership mark were Maurice Erickson, Eureka; Jack Frick, Topeka; Paula Radcliff, Dexter; and Clinton Stalker Jr., Satanta. 

Celebrating 70 years of membership was Barbara Netherland of Ottawa.

KLA is a 5,500-member trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its members.