The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), inviting emerging leaders across the state to take the next step in their involvement with the cattle industry. We caught up with Michael Smith of the ACA to learn more about the upcoming Class 13 program.
Smith shared his enthusiasm, noting his personal connection to YCLP. “We’re super excited here. That is a program definitely near and dear to my heart as a graduate of that program. Now here working at ACA and we are in the kind of tail end now of class 12. So they will graduate at our convention in March of 26 down in Mobile. But after that, we’ll be getting ready to get started with class 13.”
With Class 12 preparing to wrap up, ACA is encouraging cattle producers to apply early. Smith explained, “So we are excited about going ahead and opening up registration for class 13 now for YCLP and that’s Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program. And we’re just wanting to get the word out that we’re looking for cattlemen’s members to apply that are wanting to kind of take their leadership to the next level.”
While the program is primarily designed for producers between the ages of 22 and 40, the ACA encourages anyone interested to apply. As Smith notes, “And I will say if you’re out there listening, don’t let that scare you. If you’re a little bit over 40, definitely apply because there’s a place for you at the table. But that age 22 to 40 is kind of the guidelines we’re looking for.”
The application deadline is March 22, 2026, and the process is accessible online. Smith added, “Their application is online. If you go to bamabeef.org and click under the Beef Checkoff tab, you’ll see a YCLP tab and all the information is there. There’s a link to apply. I was able to do the application years ago online. It ain’t real hard.”
Participants accepted into Class 13 will take part in six sessions held between May 2026 and February 2027, giving them exposure to Alabama’s cattle industry throughout the year. According to Smith, “That allows us to see the cattle industry in Alabama kind of in all seasons… to let you see kind of a year’s worth of the cattle industry in Alabama.”
YCLP continues to serve as a cornerstone leadership development program, building the next generation of Alabama cattle industry leaders.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.