TOPEKA, Kan. – Policy focused on milk marketing, Kansas State University dairy facilities, deer permits, federal immigration regulation and other key issues was approved by members of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) during the group’s annual business meeting November 22 in Manhattan.
Under current Kansas law, producers have little protection when a dairy processor default occurs. Therefore, KLA members passed a new resolution supporting the creation of a milk marketing trust statute that would give unpaid cash sellers priority in the proceeds a dairy processor receives from the sale of milk or dairy products derived from the seller.
Members approved a new resolution that supports finding a successful strategy to renovate the K-State dairy facilities. The present condition of the dairy hinders the ability to perform research that would benefit the state’s growing dairy industry.
A new resolution also was passed that supports commissioners being elected, instead of appointed, to the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). Currently, three commissioners are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The resolution further states that electing commissioners would more closely reflect the values of Kansas citizens.
Members voted to amend KLA’s existing policy pertaining to deer permits. The amended policy supports the repeal of a statute that allows non-Kansas residents the ability to obtain low-cost, nonresident landowner or tenant deer tags. Such a repeal would require nonresident landowners to enter the annual nonresident drawing to obtain a deer tag and pay full price for it. This policy change is a result of an increasing number of nonresidents purchasing agricultural land in Kansas to become eligible for nonresident landowner and tenant deer tags. These purchases create an artificial incentive to buy land in competition with farmers and ranchers, and can lead to land being removed from production and degradation of native grasslands.
An amendment to policy on immigration also was approved by KLA members. The amended resolution supports federal immigration policy that allows for an efficient and adequate guest worker program and provides opportunities for foreign agricultural workers to gain year-round work authorization.
In all, KLA members approved 75 resolutions for 2025. Other issues addressed in KLA policy range from taxes to water to noxious weed control.
KLA is a 5,700-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.
— Kansas Livestock Association
