Niki Ellis Director of Education, Kentucky Beef Council The Kentucky Young Beef Leaders Program held its inaugural trip to Mississippi in June. To be considered for the trip participants had to submit a letter of interest for attending the trip, current transcript and resume. This program is designed to build young professional skills, network, build a support system within the beef industry and learn about resources that are being developed to further the beef industry. Participants included Kalli Flanders, Addie White, Kailey Thompson, Mackenzie Walters, Lainey Noles, Chevy Vaske,
58 • Cow Country • August
Madison Goecke, Kylie Trail and J.W. Cox. We are hoping this program will continue to strengthen our age of cattlemen as they transition from students to industry leaders. Along the way the group was able to visit Maples Angus and Town Creek Farm. Each operation offering a different view and goal within the beef industry. While at the Mississippi State University campus the group visited with all departments within the college of agriculture. Visiting the new agriculture campus was eye opening seeing new technologies
both for on the hoof and on the rail. Graduate student research teams allowed our group to gain hands on experience with their trials. The group concluded their time on campus exploring the College of Veterinary Medicine and learning about careers with that specialty outside of traditional practice. The highlight of the trip was the time we were able to spend with the Mississippi Junior Cattlemen's Association leadership camp and develop new friendships.
