Murfreesboro, TN – The inaugural Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP), powered by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and the Tennessee Beef Industry Council (TBIC), officially launched on January 23-24, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This year-long program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in Tennessee’s beef cattle industry.
The first class of YCLP participants includes the following:
Vanessa Brazelton, Lincoln County
Holland Brewer, Gibson County
Alyssa Clements, Clay County
Nick Harper, Smith County
Jacob Harrison, Wilson County
William Henley, Franklin County
Steven Jones, Fentress County
Houston Neal, Wilson County
Andrew Pryor, Monroe County
Josh Shoulders, Smith County
Tara Simcox, Overton County
Garrett Tallent, Rhea County
Chevy Taylor, Weakley County
“I am honored to be chosen to participate in the 2025 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program,” said Tara Simcox, Overton County. “I am excited to be surrounded by other young cattle producers from across the state to share ideas and make connections to take back to my county organization and my farming operation.”
The YCLP is designed to provide participants (ages 25-40) with a comprehensive understanding of Tennessee’s beef cattle industry, from pasture to plate. Over the course of the year, participants will attend six sessions held across the state, where they will gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and build valuable networks with industry professionals.
“I am excited to be part of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program in Tennessee,” said Alyssa Clements, Clay County. “I am eager to learn more about the roles the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and Tennessee Beef Industry Council play in educating, advocating, and representing Tennessee cattle producers. I look forward to representing my home county and family farm as a member of the inaugural class in 2025 and hope to become more involved at the state level.”
The YCLP aims to broaden participants' understanding of cattle production, beef promotion, and industry advocacy. Additionally, it provides a platform for participants to engage with industry experts and peers, while preparing them to take on leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels.
“This program is a significant step in ensuring the future of Tennessee’s beef industry,” said Melinda Hart, TCA Director of Youth Programs and Outreach. “By empowering young leaders with the knowledge and skills they need, we’re helping to shape a strong, sustainable future for beef production in Tennessee.”
The program's goal is to ensure that the next generation of cattlemen and cattlewomen are equipped to advocate for the industry and effectively address the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers today and in the future.
Click HERE to learn more about the program.
TCA was founded in 1985 and has more than 5,100 members from across the state and the southeast. The organization works to provide the cattlemen of Tennessee with an organization through which they may function collectively to protect their interests and work toward the solution of cattle industry problems and to build the necessary goodwill that will bring both governmental esteem and recognition to the industry.
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