30 Nebraska Cattleman August 2023 Guest Editorial By Kelly Terrell, Gothenburg Sam Drinnin, Gabe Connealy, Paul Dykstra, Josh Fries and I had the privilege of representing the Nebraska beef industry at the 2023 Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), an event organized by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). The conference aimed to immerse us in a valuable learning experience, offering insights into every aspect of the beef industry. From cattle production and animal health to marketing strategies and policy advocacy, the conference focuses on equipping us with industry knowledge and practical tools to enhance our businesses and operations. Our journey began in Denver at the NCBA office where we had the opportunity to hear from NCBA leadership, including current NCBA President Todd Wilkinson. Over the next few days, we were fortunate to learn from industry experts from the Beef Checkoff, CattleFax and Cargill, among others. Our time in Denver also included leadership training and the development of our unique “beef story.” The workshops fostered active participation leading to engaging discussions and the generation of ideas. One of the conference highlights was the industry tours, which provided us with exclusive access to various segments of the beef industry and businesses that support it. Our first tour took us to Five Rivers Cattle Feeding in Kersey, Colo., where we gained firsthand insight into feedlot operations and the processes involved in preparing cattle for market. Following the tour, we were hosted by Greeley Hat Works, where we witnessed the craftsmanship that goes into their hats. Next, we traveled to Nebraska where we visited the Nebraska Cattlemen office in Lincoln. We were warmly welcomed by Executive Vice President Laura Field, NC staff and board members who graciously answered our questions and provided us with a fantastic meal. It was a valuable experience to witness the dedication of state affiliates, understand how they work to serve their members and learn how they support NCBA. Our next stop took us to the Tyson plant in Dakota City, where we explored the processing plant and gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the supply chain. In Ohio, we visited the Certified Angus Beef and Wendy’s headquarters. Certified Angus Beef offered us an indepth understanding of their marketing strategies and their brand-development process. Wendy’s provided us with insights into consumer preferences and their requirements for beef producers to maintain their “fresh never frozen” retail model. We concluded the trip in Washington, D.C. We had the opportunity to meet with Ethan Lane, NCBA vice president of government affairs, in their D.C. office to discuss current topics. They work diligently to stay on top of issues that have an impact on our industry. The following day, we spent valuable time meeting with our respective state representatives, and we were fortunate to have meetings with all the Nebraska representatives. Overall, the NCBA YCC experience deepened our understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, broadened our perspectives and inspired us through the passion and expertise of industry leaders. However, it was the connections we formed throughout the conference that truly made this experience invaluable. NC 2023 NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference 2023 YCC attendees at Certified Angus Beef (CAB) in Ohio. During the tour, attendees gained an in-depth understanding of CAB's marketing strategies and brand-development process. Josh Fries, Sam Drinnin, Gabe Connealy, Kelly Terrell and Paul Dykstra represent the Nebraska beef industry at the 2023 Young Cattlemen's Conference.
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