NJAA Board of Directors attend YBIC

The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) Board of Directors attended the 2014 Youth Beef Industry Congress (YBIC), March 27-29 in St. Louis, Mo. The biennial event gathered more than 125 junior members of national beef breed associations and state cattlemen’s organizations. The 2014 YBIC was offered thanks to the following sponsors: Purina, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Allflex, GeneSeek and Ranch House Designs.

“The YBIC conference is a great opportunity for the NJAA Board of Directors to create relationships with fellow beef leaders and industry professionals who will help inspire them to build a better future,” says Jaclyn Upperman, American Angus Association director of junior activities. “Today’s juniors are the beef industry leaders of tomorrow, and we need to prepare them with the knowledge and experience they need to be successful.”

While attending YBIC, NJAA Directors met with GeneSeek representative Gary Felger, toured the Monsanto world headquarters, and visited Purina’s Longview Animal Nutrition Center. They also learned about the importance of beef feed efficiency from Jared Decker, University of Missouri, and Megan Von Emon, Iowa State University. Motivational speaker, Eddie Slowikowski, taught attendees the importance of living each day to its fullest and becoming a confident leader.

In addition, participants were given time to share ideas about how to improve their respective groups, and better serve their memberships throughout the country through creative activities and events, fundraising initiatives and more. They also discussed current issues facing agriculture and how to be a positive leader in all aspects of their lives.

Angus junior members participating in the event were: Jacy Alsup, Gravette, Ark.; Daniel McFarland, Keithville, La.; Paige Wallace, Stotts City, Mo.; Jena Lee Wagner, Billings, Mont.; Maggie Jasper, Versailles, Ky.; Lucas Nord, Wolverton, Minn.; Will Fiske, Shenandoah Valley, Va.; Jessica Radcliffe, Weston, Wis.; Lindsay Upperman, Chambersburg, Pa.; Shane Kerner, Wiser, Idaho; Tylee Williams, Rio Vista, Texas; and Maci Lienemann, Princeton, Neb., the 2013-2014 Angus Ambassador.