The Georgia Beef Board is proud to support the future of the beef industry by sponsoring the inaugural National Youth Cattleworking Contest, set to take place in Athens, Georgia, from September 16–17. This national event is designed to highlight the talents and skills of young cattle producers from across the country.
We caught up with Wyatt Doolittle of the Georgia Beef Board, who shared how this exciting event came together and what it means for the next generation of beef industry professionals.
“It’s a collaborative effort among the University of Georgia, Kentucky Cattlemen’s, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, and the University of Arkansas. So this is going to be a brand new opportunity.”
The National Youth Cattleworking Contest will serve as the championship for youth who have competed at the state level, bringing together the best of the best for a unique and educational experience.
“They’re creating the National Youth Cattleworking Contest, and it’ll actually be held right here in Athens, Georgia from September 16th through the 17th. This is a really cool event that brings together top youth competitors from the state level cattle working contest to compete for a national title.”
Programs in each participating state prepare youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the beef industry.
“Each state has its own program focused on preparing youth with the skills and knowledge and confidence to become those future advocates and professionals in the beef industry.”
Doolittle emphasized the importance of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) skills in the competition and why supporting youth matters more than ever.
“And the Georgia Beef Board is really excited to be a part of this and to have the opportunity to sponsor it, considering that all of these competitors will be utilizing those beef quality assurance skills that they have learned.”
“As we know, the median age of the American farmer continues to rise, and that’s where it becomes very important for organizations like the Georgia Beef Board to invest in that next generation so that they can seamlessly take things over, all while not reducing the quality and the safety of the product that hits the consumer’s plate.”
“I am excited to announce that I will be the state co-coordinator for the state of Georgia for all BQA trainings, and we’ve got some really exciting things in the works.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet. Georgia Beef Board Supporting National Youth Cattle Working Contest
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