National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association
JULY 2026 | Vol. 42, No. 9 | NCBA. org
YCC STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP AND KNOWLEDGE WHILE BUILDING LIFELONG CONNECTIONS
For more than four decades, NCBA’ s Young Cattlemen’ s Conference( YCC) has served as the premier leadership development experience for emerging leaders in the cattle industry. From May 28 through June 4, 2026, the latest class continued that tradition, gaining firsthand exposure to every segment of the beef value chain while building skills and relationships that will help shape the future of the industry.
YCC is made possible through the generous support of John Deere, Tyson Foods, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Farm Credit and Merck. Their commitment to developing future industry leaders ensures participants receive a comprehensive look at the people, businesses and organizations that drive America’ s beef industry forward.
This year’ s class included 69 participants representing state cattlemen’ s associations and breed organizations from across the country. Since the program’ s inception in 1980, YCC has graduated more than 1,000 participants through 44 classes, creating a nationwide network of informed and engaged cattle industry leaders.
“ The YCC program was originally designed to provide emerging leaders with a deeper understanding of the entire beef value chain while also helping participants better understand NCBA’ s role in the cattle and beef industry,” said NCBA President-Elect Kim Brackett, who joined the group.“ Through the trip, each of us is gaining valuable knowledge and experience that helps us be stronger advocates and more effective leaders for the industry.”
The Class of 2026 began its journey in Denver, Colorado, where participants spent three days immersed in the work of NCBA. At NCBA headquarters, the group received briefings from staff across the organization, learning about membership, communications, government affairs, producer education,
The YCC Class of 2026 completed their leadership experience in Washington, D. C.
marketing, events and the many programs that support cattle producers nationwide.
The time in Colorado also included a visit to Five Rivers Cattle Feeding’ s Kuner Feedlot, where participants gained a firsthand understanding of modern cattle feeding operations. The Colorado portion of the trip concluded with a reception
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