50 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2024 The Young Cattlemen’s Connections class of 2024 visits the state capitol building on Jan. 18 to hear from state Sens. Teresa Ibach and Tom Brandt about the latest happenings in ag policy. Front row, left to right, are Talia Goes, Krista Carter, Caitlin Coulson and Stephanie Nelson. Back row, left to right, are Dan Malousek, Kolin Scheele, David McDonald, Jason Star, Eric Woita and Collin Thompson. The Young Cattlemen’s Connections Class of 2023 meet in Lincoln on Jan. 23 to tour the Rural Radio Network studio on the UNL Innovation Campus, speak with legislators at the capitol and listen in on NC Board meetings. The future of the cattle industry is in good hands. Pictured, left to right, are Christina Lammers, Natalie Jones, Morgan Rhea, Connor Biehler, Austin Aksamit and Devin Jakub. PEOPLE YCC MEMBERS MEET IN LINCOLN JESSIE TOPP BECKER | MANAGING EDITOR The Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Young Cattlemen’s Connections (YCC) program is a longstanding tradition that aims to keep the future of the beef industry innovative and knowledgeable. This two-year program helps emerging leaders understand the industry structure, issues management, product research and marketing, and teaches participants how to become effective communicators. Throughout the two-year program, YCC members are provided with communication training, given the opportunity to tour multiple Nebraska-based agriculture production facilities and trained on how to navigate state agencies and legislative processes. YCC is made possible with support from sponsors Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, Farm Credit Services of America and Neogen. In January, both the 2023 and 2024 YCC classes met in Lincoln to kick off the new year. Below, YCC class members share about their experiences and the importance of the YCC program. YCC Class of 2023 The YCC class of 2023 kicked off the second year of their program at the end of January in Lincoln. The goal of year two is to learn more about Nebraska Cattlemen and the various parts of the organization. During their week in Lincoln, class members spent time with the NC Board of Directors at the Legislative Meeting and NC Board Meeting. The class also spent the afternoon at the capitol and toured the Rural Radio Network studio on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Innovation Campus. Natalie Jones, Stapleton My experience with the YCC has been profoundly enriching and valuable; it has offered me an exceptional platform to deepen my understanding of the sector and enhance my leadership skills. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience has been the focus on leadership development. The workshops and networking opportunities with industry experts and fellow young ranchers from across the state expanded my professional network but also provided me with a support system of peers who share similar challenges and aspirations. Being a part of the YCC has been a transformative experience. It has equipped me with a deeper industry insight, enhanced leadership skills and created a network of peers, all CONTINUED ON PAGE 52
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