12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN June/July 2025 PEOPLE Building Connections YCC Class of 2024 Eric Woita, Plainview YCC was a great experience, allowing me to meet livestock producers from across the state. Many of us were facing similar issues on our operations while also trying to balance family, work and other activities. It was also interesting to hear about challenges in other parts of the livestock industry that I hadn’t really thought about before. A big part of the program involved touring different livestock-related facilities such as packing plants, genetic-testing labs, vaccine manufacturers and food-processing plants. We also talked with Nebraska state senators and staff members at the state capitol. One of the most intriguing parts of YCC was learning about the Nebraska Cattlemen organization. We spent quite a bit of time meeting NC leadership and attending meetings. I had known about NC before, but never really considered the inner workings of the organization. YCC gave me insight that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. We got to see how policies are made and what all goes into the process. Some issues that I thought were simple turned out to be more complicated, and it made me see things in a new way. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I believe it’s something that helped me grow as an individual and improve my own operation. YCC Class of 2025 Madisyn Cutler, Elsie I believe the YCC program is very valuable for young producers as it provides a platform to learn and grow within the industry. It offers opportunities for networking, skill development and exposure to different aspects of production and insight into what Nebraska Cattlemen is all about. Alongstanding Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) tradition, the Young Cattlemen’s Connections (YCC) aims to keep the future of the beef industry innovative and knowledgeable. Nebraska YCC helps emerging leaders in Nebraska understand the industry structure, issues management, product research and marketing and teaches participants how to become effective communicators. During the two-year program, YCC members – no more than 10 people per class – are provided extensive communication training, given the opportunity to tour Nebraska-based agriculture production facilities and trained on how to navigate state agencies and legislative processes. Below, YCC class members share about their experiences and the importance of the YCC program. JESSIE TOPP BECKER | NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN MANAGING EDITOR SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FFA CHAPTER FUND CLASSROOM INNOVATION, LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS, SERVICE PROJECTS, AND HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR NEBRASKA FFA MEMBERS. 2025 I Believe Ad.indd 1 5/7/25 11:20 AM
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