After spending a week at the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention, I’m pretty excited about the new focus on the youth in agriculture. 2008 NCBA President Andy Groseta was incredibly driven to invest in the cattle industry’s youth, and he accomplished those goals in three ways: NCBA’s Young Producers Council (YPC) and NCBA Youth Public Speaking Contest and the Team Marketing Contest.

The average age of an NCBA member is 60 years old, and Groseta thinks now is the time to engage in the beef industry and make an investment in the future of this industry. During the YPC meeting, Dustin Dean from Texas was named as the chairman, and Steve Yardley from Utah was elected the vice chairman. Committee chairs were elected for various positions to sit in during meetings and serve as YPC’s vote. Without a doubt, the meeting was charged with energy and passion as young people stood up to give speeches. There is a definite need for a voice in this generation, and I think NCBA nailed it right on the head with this one.

In addition, the public speaking and team marketing contests were a great way to take advantage of our generation’s competitive edge. 18 contestants, ages 9-19 were involved in the speaking portion. I listened in on the 10 and under division of the public speaking contest, and I was thoroughly impressed with the topics including: the benefits of the beef checkoff, antibiotics, downer cattle and the life of a rancher. One little boy from New Mexico got up and said, “The best part in the life of the rancher is riding in the pastures with my dad; the worst part is scooping all the crap.” Too cute for words!

My hat goes off to the NCBA leadership for investing in agriculture’s youth. Congrats to the young people for taking part in these growing organizations and contests.