YPC: A Place for Young Adults
Young Producers's Council offers a way for young adults to get involved in the leadership of the beef industry.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (Jan. 29, 2010) — “For young adults in the beef industry, the Young Producers’ Council (YPC) is the right idea, at the right time, for the right reasons,” said Forrest Roberts, chief executive officer of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA), speaking to the YPC membership at the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Tradeshow in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 29.
The YPC is for young adults, ages 18-35, who desire to develop their leadership skills and become more involved in NCBA policy development. It was established during the 2008 Cattle Industry Summer Conference and now has more than 300 official members and 1,100 members on Facebook. Membership is free for paid NCBA members and offers networking opportunities and continuing education.
“For those of you looking at NBCA’s new structure and wondering where you fit in, here it is: Leadership development. NCBA is committed to supporting YPC. We want to build a machine of leaders coming up through the industry ranks,” Roberts said. “Becoming a member of YPC is the first step in leadership development. To me, it looks like a natural progression: YPC member, then YPC officer and NCBA committee member, then NCBA officer. You are the future.”
New leaders appointed
Ben Spitzer, Fairmount, Ga. was appointed chairman, and Ben Neal, Nashville, Tenn. was appointed vice chairman. Sharon Breiner, Manhattan, Kan., was appointed to secretary-treasurer. Outgoing Chairman Dustin Dean of Texas will serve as an advisor to the board.
Eight individuals were appointed to the YPC board to serve as voting representatives on eight of NCBA’s committees. They include Evan Tate, Kentucky, Ag Policy Committee; Brandon Carlson, California, Cattle Health and Well Being Committee; Sarah Baker, Idaho, Federal Lands Committee; Travis Hoffman, Colorado, Live Cattle Marketing Committee; Rae Marie Gordon, Colorado, Membership Committee; Holly Foster, California, Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee; Wyatt Prescott, Arizona, Tax and Credit Committee; and Tonya Amen, Wisconsin, Resolutions Committee.
Three new task forces were created at the meeting, and leaders were appointed: Cari Rincker, New York, YPC Public Relations Task Force; Anna Aja, Arizona, YPC Membership Task Force; and Katy Groseta, Arizona, YPC Cattle Call Blog Task Force.
For more information, become a fan of YPC on Facebook or visit www.beefusa.org/ypc.
Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of Angus Productions Inc. (API), which claims copyright to this article. It may not be published or distributed without the express permission of Angus Productions Inc. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at (816) 383-5270.