National Cattlemen July 2026 | Page 8

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hosted by Greeley Hat Works, and provided participants an opportunity to continue building relationships in a unique setting.

From Colorado, the class traveled to Sioux City, Iowa, where they explored another critical segment of the beef supply chain. Participants toured Tyson Foods’ Dakota Dunes processing facility, witnessing the complexity and efficiency required to safely process beef products for consumers. The group also visited empirical Foods, gaining insight into innovative technologies and processes that maximize value throughout the production system.

“ It’ s critical we understand the entire beef value chain in order to better understand the challenges facing our industry, both as producers and as leaders,” Brackett said.“ As a group composed mainly of cow-calf producers and feedlot operators, the time spent at Tyson and empirical showed the group the inner workings of a sector many of us aren’ t exposed to regularly. It allowed us to see, firsthand, some of the challenges facing other segments of the industry and gave all of us a better understanding of just how complex the industry really is.”

On June 2, the class traveled to Wooster, Ohio, to spend the day at Certified Angus Beef’ s headquarters. There, participants gained a deeper appreciation for the retail and foodservice sectors that connect beef producers directly with consumers. Through presentations and discussions with

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The final leg of the trip brought participants to Washington, D. C., where they experienced firsthand the policy and advocacy work that is central to NCBA’ s mission. Participants learned about NCBA’ s grassroots policy development process and received briefings on the legislative and regulatory issues currently impacting cattle producers.

Following a full day of preparation and issue briefings, participants put their training into action on Capitol Hill, meeting directly with members of Congress and congressional staff to advocate for the issues most important to cattle producers and rural communities. For many participants, these meetings served as a reminder that effective advocacy begins with informed producers who are willing to share their experiences with elected officials.

The program concluded with a reception and NCBA-PAC auction, where participants demonstrated their commitment to the future of the industry by raising more than $ 94,000 in support of NCBA-PAC’ s efforts in D. C.

Led by 2026 YCC Chair Leoma Donsbach of Montana, the Class of 2026 brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, regions and sectors of the beef industry. While the program provided invaluable educational opportunities and industry exposure, many participants agreed that the relationships formed throughout the week may prove to be the most lasting benefit.

“ Over the past eight days, our class developed a shared commitment to strengthening the cattle industry,” Donsbach said.“ As we return home, I’ m confident that all of us have a broader understanding and appreciation of this industry, a renewed appreciation for advocacy, and a depth of commitment to not only serving this industry, but our communities as a whole. We also now share a bond that will last the rest of our lives, and that’ s one of the things that is truly special about the YCC program.”

Individuals interested in participating in future Young Cattlemen’ s Conference programs are encouraged to contact their state affiliate cattlemen’ s association or breed association to learn more about nomination opportunities and the selection process.

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