Shorthorn Junior Board at YBIC

by Faye Smith, AJSA Public Relations

The American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) Board of Directors traveled to College Station, Texas on April 28-30 to join other junior breed association leaders at the bi-annual Youth Beef Industry Congress (YBIC). This year, over 130 juniors gathered again after a year delay of the conference due to the pandemic.

The conference was hosted by the American Brahman Breeders Association and Beefmaster Breeders United. The first day was spent touring STgenetics, where the board learned about the breeding practices, and genetic improvements that STgenetics has made. From there, members were able to hear from Dr. Chris Skaggs, Associate Dean for Student Development for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Tori Lienemann PhD., and an agricultural advocacy panel.

Friday was spent by touring Collier Farms, a Beefmaster producer, as well as 44 Farms, a large-scale Angus operation that focuses on beef sales direct to the consumer. After the tour, the juniors were able to hear from several speakers including Kodye Neel, and an agricultural marketing panel. For AJSA President, Korbin Collins, the experience with 44 Farms was her favorite from the trip.

“44 Farms was incredible to tour and see their facilities. It was amazing to hear how they got started, how they work with their customers to achieve their goals, and more,” Collins said. “Definitely an experience of a lifetime.”

To conclude the trip, members were able to travel to the Texas A&M University Department of Animal Sciences. Juniors were able to learn more about the department, and various other small-group sessions that focused on the importance of networking.

“Something I took away from this conference was that we are the next generation of great minds in the cattle industry, and it’s our job to further promote our industry,” said Xavier Ferris, AJSA Director.

YBIC is a conferenced aimed at educating and providing additional leadership opportunities for the nations various junior breed leadership. According to Collins, this conference was something she looked forward to as a junior board member.

“I first heard about this when I was younger and thought it was a pretty great idea since it gave junior board members a chance to interact with each other,” Collins said. “It also gave us the opportunity to tour top facilities in the country to hear from the agriculture and beef industry’s top leaders.”

The AJSA board members enjoyed their experience and will be awaiting the arrival of three new board members this coming June. =