REGION UPDATES
( TCFA ) raises money annually to include beef sticks in the Snack Pak 4 Kids program . Oklahoma Cattlemen ’ s annual Ranch Rodeo is a fundraiser for the Children ’ s Miracle Network .
Mentoring future industry employees and potential leaders of their respective organizations is understandably a high priority for each of the Region IV affiliates . TCFA ’ s high school programs include Feedyard Camp and Feedyard Technicians programs . TSCRA ’ s Leadership Development Foundation supports opportunities for both high school and college students .
Each of the affiliates also has leadership development programs targeting producer members 25 to 40 years old . These programs introduce participants to aspects of the industry as well as engaging them in activities of the organization and expanding their network connections . And these programs work ! At OCA , for example , 10 of 11 executive committee members are graduates of their leadership program . The importance of providing guidance to our young producers cannot be overstated .
REGION V
By Jim Steinbeisser
It has certainly been a while , but I remember going to my first Young Agriculture Leadership Conference . All the national issues that were discussed were incredible . I had some understanding of many of the challenges and issues our industry faces , but some were unknown to me . It was an exciting time to learn so much and to interact with others my age who were just as eager to learn . The chance to visit with our industry ’ s leaders was very inspiring and undoubtedly helped me get where I am today .
I bring this experience up to inspire any of the younger folks who happen to be reading this to seriously consider taking any leadership building program available to you . I would also encourage the leaders in our industry to evaluate the opportunities for growth and skill development you have for your young and not-so-young members . How robust are they ? What kind of mentorship opportunities do you have in place ?
The number of people in our industry continues to get smaller . The more we can involve our younger members , the more likely they are to stay engaged and the stronger we become .
REGION Vl
By J . J . Goicoechea The “ 40-Year-Old Adult .” I remember many years ago being told by a friend of mine and president of a state affiliate that we aren ’ t considered “ grown ” or an “ adult ” in this industry until we are at least 40 years old . I can tell you that I don ’ t think truer words were ever spoken that reflect why we , as an industry , struggle with bringing up young leaders within our association .
While some state affiliates have programs like California ’ s Young Cattlemen ’ s Committee , that encourage involvement and use payment of travel and registration as a tool to get young producers to participate , I strongly believe we need to take a deeper look at ways to encourage involvement . I understand it is difficult in many operations ; the older generation is involved in an association and the younger generation needs to do the work at home to keep things moving . But if we don ’ t start letting the younger generation make policy decisions , engage in the industry ,
and feel like their input is not only sought , but valuable , we will always struggle with recruitment .
Take time this year , as we engage in our annual meetings , to get that son or daughter , niece or nephew , neighbor or college student to a meeting . Let them speak and encourage them to engage . The more we tell them they are appreciated , the more likely they will stay engaged and help our industry . Take it from someone an association took a chance on before he was 40 .
REGION Vll
By Phil Perry
What an exciting time it is to be a young beef producer in our industry ! Beef demand is good , inventory is down , and a good share of the U . S . has received welcome moisture . I live in northeast Kansas , a fairly populated area . I also grew up in the ‘ 60s and ‘ 70s , and it was a tough time in rural America . Many of my classmates said after graduation they were moving on to a better life and getting out of farming . I can ’ t blame them ; they saw family land lost and listened as their folks made hard decisions late at night .
To be in this industry , you must be dedicated and have a big desire to do it . Not every person or family is cut out for this difficult lifestyle . But , if you stick with it , the cattle industry can be rewarding in many ways .
Several years ago , I got involved in the Kansas Livestock Association and the NCBA . Through these organizations , I have learned so much about the industry and all the nuances surrounding it . I have made the trip to Washington , D . C ., a number of times , and I realize the importance of NCBA ’ s presence there .
If you are a young beef producer thinking about getting involved in leadership within these organizations , you certainly have my support ! As Region VII vice president , I recently was invited to the North Dakota Stockmen ’ s Association convention . What a great time I had there , hundreds of miles from home but amongst folks just like me who raise beef . It was a great reminder that we work in a great industry , and we work amongst amazing people . Keep ranchin ’.
www . NCBA . org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 17