Angus Foundation selects 2014 YCC representative

The Angus Foundation has chosen Julie Ellingson of Saint Anthony, N.D., to represent the American Angus Association and the Angus Foundation at the 2014 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC).

The Angus Foundation will sponsor Ellingson’s registration and travel expenses. This is the 12th year the Angus Foundation has funded an Association member to attend YCC, which will take place May 29-June 5.

YCC allows young leaders the chance to see first hand and further understand all aspects of the beef industry. Attendees participate in a nationwide tour of the beef production chain from ranch to feedlot to packing plant, through marketing and regulatory affairs, and finally ending at consumer foodservice. To qualify for participation, a man or woman must be nominated by one of NCBA’s affiliate members, be between the ages of 25 and 50, and be an NCBA member.

“Sponsoring an Angus representative to YCC annually is a wise investment that benefits all of us involved in the Angus breed and beef cattle industry,” says Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. “These types of educational programs are invaluable as they enable producers to broaden their knowledge and equip them with the tools to become better leaders, communicators and advocates for the future of our industry.”

A third-generation Angus rancher, Ellingson has been involved with the breed for many years. She was an active member of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), has served on the board of directors for the North Dakota Angus Association (NDAA) and has participated in many events through the American Angus Association. Recently, Ellingson has participated on numerous NDAA planning committees helping to establish educational opportunities for Angus producers. She has also been honored with NDAA President’s Award, twice.

“It is a tremendous honor to be representing the American Angus Association at the upcoming YCC,” Ellingson says. “I look forward to learning more about all segments of the beef industry and networking with other industry leaders who are committed to its advancement.”

According to the NCBA, the tour will begin in Denver with a comprehensive overview of the industry. Participants will take an in-depth look at many of the issues affecting the beef industry and what NCBA is doing to address these issues on behalf of its members, and receive a comprehensive view of market information from Cattle-Fax. The group will then travel to JBS Five Rivers’ Kuner Feedyard one of the nation’s largest cattle feeding operations. Then tour the JBS Greeley facility, one of the nation’s largest beef packing and procession plants.

Participants will travel to the Chicago Board of Trade and OSI, Inc., one of the nation’s premiere beef patty manufacturers. From there, the next stop will be the nation’s Capitol, where participants will get a chance to met with their respective congressmen and senators and many regulatory agencies who make decisions affecting agriculture.

For more information about YCC, the Angus Foundation, or a list of previous Angus YCC representatives, visit www.angusfoundation.org.