The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is encouraging young cattle producers across the state to apply for its Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), a leadership development initiative designed to prepare the next generation of industry leaders. Applications are now open for Class 13 of the program, which will begin this spring.
Michael Smith with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association says the application window is currently open and time is limited. “So we’ve got applications open for class 13, lucky number 13. It’ll be starting in May and so applications are open through March 22nd of this year.” ACA leaders are working to spread the word and encourage qualified applicants to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program offers participants hands-on exposure to the cattle industry at both the state and national levels. “So we’re just trying to get the word out that we are looking for applicants for this next class to come and join your peers and travel around the state and learn the industry of really not just the Alabama, but the national connection as well.”
Smith says the application process is straightforward and focused on learning more about each applicant’s background and goals. “It’s super simple. Pretty much we just want to learn about you. We want to learn your involvement in the cattle industry. We want to learn what your goals are. What are your plans 10, 15, 30 years down the road as far as being in this industry.”
That information helps guide the selection process. “So the application just tells us, who’s wanting to be involved and that allows our YCLP council that actually picks the class, pick the ones they think are the best of the best and to be a part of the program.”
The overall mission of YCLP is to build leadership capacity within the association. “And our purpose really is to grow the future leaders of the association. So we want to find folks that are already bought in at the county level and really ready to maybe take their leadership to the next level.”
Smith notes that the program is funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff, making participation accessible to producers. “So they can go to bamabeef.org and go to the checkoff tab because this is graciously funded by the state checkoff and they’ll see YCLP. You click on that tab and it will give you some information and overview of the program and there will be a link there where they can apply.”
Young cattle producers interested in leadership, networking, and industry engagement are encouraged to apply before the March 22 deadline.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.