2023 TCA SUMMER MEETING

Amanda Radke is a fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, S.D., who has dedicated her career to serving as a voice for the nation’s beef producers. A 2009 graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural communications, education, and leadership, Radke served internships with USDA’s Ag Marketing Service in Washington, D.C., and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Denver. Her 2008 summer internship with BEEF magazine led to an ongoing blogger position for the BEEF Daily blog, where she provided timely industry news each week. She’s the 2006 National FFA Extemporaneous Speaking champion and the 2006 National Beef Ambassador. In 2012, she was recognized as a Top 10 Beef Industry Leader by the Cattle Business Weekly and was included in Media Industry News’ 2012 Top 15 People To Watch Under 30 list.

When she’s not writing or ranching, Radke is traveling the country speaking to agricultural groups about hot industry issues or reading her ranch-inspired children’s books at elementary schools. She has also started her own agriculture-themed clothing boutique.

She married her collegiate meats judging teammate, Tyler, in 2010, and together, they have three children,
Scarlett, Thorne and Croix.

Gene Copenhaver is a fifth-generation cattleman whose family dates to the 1850s in Washington County, Virginia. Copenhaver currently manages his family’s stocker operation in southwest Virginia with his son, Will. Copenhaver was an agriculture loan officer for 38 years and served his clients who were primarily cattle producers in five East Coast states. 

Prior to his current role, Copenhaver served as vice chair and chair of NCBA’s Tax & Credit Committee and most recently as vice chair and chair of NCBA’s International Trade Committee. He is a past president of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association and past chairman of the Virginia Cattle Foundation. He and his family have long been active members and supporters of NCBA, Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Smyth-Washington Cattlemen’s Association and the Virginia Cattlemen’s Foundation. 

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Copenhaver graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in animal science. He has been married to his wife, Jodi, for 33 years, and they have three grown children - Brad, Will and Jaymee - and one granddaughter.