It is still hard to believe our friend and fellow ag communicator is no longer with us. We wanted to share the latest information from the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association remembering Adam’s life and spirit. We send continued prayers to his family and close friends.
– Adam McClung Recognized as Transformational Leader –
Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice President Adam McClung passed away August 6, 2017, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. McClung succumbed to a brief, but severe illness. The unexpected passing sent shockwaves through the cattle industry in Arkansas and throughout the country.
McClung was known as a transformational leader, according to ACA President Jerry Christie. “Adam was one of a kind. His larger than life personality and unwavering dedication to the farm and ranch families of Arkansas was unparalleled,” said Christie. “Adam took this association to a whole new level. Under his leadership, we dramatically increased membership, effectiveness in the state legislature and created Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Class. Most importantly, Adam cared about cattle producers and made sure this association was member driven and member run. His passion was contagious.”
Adam first served ACA as director of membership before eventually becoming the executive vice president in 2009 after serving one year with the Oklahoma Beef Council as director of industry relations. His success was noticed throughout the country. McClung’s policy savvy and ability to draft innovative legislation that would truly advance the state’s cattle industry was evident by other state cattle organizations following his lead and pushing McClung’s ideas in their respective states. McClung honored tradition but pushed change when it was necessary to improve the cattle industry. His relentless efforts to bring positive change to the beef cattle industry spurred the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to recognize him in 2014 as just one of 15 “Champions of Change” leaders from across the country.
Despite his passion and success in the cattle industry, those who knew him best would say that wasn’t his top priority. Past ACA President Marcus Creasy, who was a personal friend, said McClung’s first love and a primary driver in life was family. On July 3, 2010, McClung married his best friend, Chantel Powell. The real “game changer,” according to Creasy, came on May 26, 2015, when the family expanded with the birth of daughter, Magdelana “Maggie” Blair.
“Maggie Blair was a game changer for Adam. She was his whole universe. His devotion to the cattle industry paled in comparison to his love and commitment to Chantel and that little girl,” said Creasy. “It was impossible to have a conversation with Adam and not talk about his family. You could be talking cows one second and somehow his eyes would flicker with excitement and the conversation quickly turned to family.”
In honor of Adam, the “Maggie Blair Education Fund” has been set up at People’s Bank at 20409 Arch Street, Little Rock, AR., 72206. There has also been a memorial fund established through YouCaring.com.
The Memorial Service for Adam will be this Friday, August 11th at 2 pm at Springhill Baptist Church in Greenbrier, AR.