High School Students Learn To Lead the Animal Science Industry

Students from across the country participated in an immersive livestock and leadership learning experience at Kansas State University.

High school students gathered on the Kansas State University campus last week to gain livestock industry knowledge and develop leadership skills. These participants comprised a cohort of the annual K-State Animal Sciences Leadership Academy (KASLA) June 11-14 in Manhattan, Kansas.

Hosted by the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) 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: Lexi Averhoff, Garden City; Izabelle Bacon, Pittsburg; Cruz Donley, Kanopolis; Owen Donley, Kanopolis; Karlie Jo Gibb, Strong City; Layton Homm, Wiley, CO; Anthony Korte, Leon; Erica Lieb, Courtland; Kayson McAfee, Quinlan, TX; Grace Mitchell, Emmet, NE; Elsie Rickstrew, Wamego; Ethan Smith, Olathe; Addison Townsend-Steffen, Larned; and Jordan Tucker, Buffalo, MO.

During their time at the KASLA, students participated in interactive leadership development and educational lab sessions led by faculty members from across the K-State campus. The KASLA included a day of livestock industry tours with stops including Cross Country Genetics, Tiffany Cattle Company, Kansas Livestock Association, Bichelmeyer Meats, and the American Royal. Students also toured university farms and K-State facilities as well. Participants completed the college experience by staying on campus in Marlatt Hall.

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 ASI assisted each group. Using information they learned throughout the academy, the groups were asked to present their subject as part of the closing reception on the final day. On Saturday 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 and future programs by visiting Youth Livestock Program. For questions, contact academy director Sharon Breiner at sbreiner@ksu.edu or 785-532-6533.