The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and Tennessee Beef Industry Council (TBIC) recognize the need to cultivate the future leaders of the beef cattle industry. The Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program (YCLP), powered by the TCA and TBIC, aims to do just that by identifying the state's top young cattlemen and cattlewomen and developing them into leaders of the future.

 

THE THREE PRIMARY GOALS OF YCLP ARE:

1. Provide participants with a “pasture to plate” experience of Tennessee’s beef cattle industry

2. Equip participants with the tools necessary to become an effective leader and share their beef stories with their peers.

3. Create a network of young cattlemen who TCA and TBIC can depend on to help with beef promotion and issues management as well as become industry leaders in the future

 

The YCLP class will consist of approximately 15 participants between the ages of 25 and 40. The class will be selected by a committee based on applications submitted. The YCLP consists of six meetings dispersed across Tennessee over the course of one year. Participants must commit to attending all six meetings. 

 

If you are interested in applying to the program, please thoroughly review the program requirements below and complete the application by October 31, 2024.

 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES:

• Applicant must be between 25 and 40 years old.

• Applicant should be actively involved in the cattle industry whether through actively farming, work, or other related leadership or business endeavors.

• Applicant should possess the desire to expand their cattle industry knowledge and leadership skills and have the ultimate desire to advance their involvement in the beef cattle industry.

• Applicant must commit to be away from their work, family, farm, and other activities to attend six meetings over the course of one year.

• Applicant must be a current member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, or become a member by the specified date. 

• Applicant must be Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified in Tennessee by the specified date.

• Applicant must complete the Masters of Beef Advocacy training by the specified date. 

• Applicants must pay the program tuition ($200) upon acceptance to the program. 

  • County cattlemen’s associations and other industry partners are encouraged to “buy-in” to their young leaders by sponsoring their program tuition.

 

​APPLICATION TIMELINE:

October 1: Application Available

October 31: Application Due

December 1: Participants notified of their acceptance

December 15: Non-refundable program tuition ($200) 

​

PROPOSED YCLP MEETING SCHEDULE:

January 23-24, 2025

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Tentative Meeting Overview: TCA & TBIC Overview; Leadership Development; Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association 40th Anniversary Convention & Trade Show; Kick-Off Social

 

Early March (2 days - Dates TBD)

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Tentative Meeting Overview: Grassroots Advocacy and Telling Your Story; Agriculture Issues Briefing; State Capitol and Legislative Visits

 

Early June (2 days – Dates TBD)

Location: TBD

Tentative Meeting Overview: “Pasture to Plate” Experience including seedstock operation, meat processor, and livestock auction barn tours.

 

August 22, 2025

Location: Lebanon, Tennessee

Tentative Meeting Overview: “Advocacy in Action” at the Tennessee State Fair BEEF DAY

 

Fall (2 days – Dates TBD)

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Tentative Meeting Overview: Cattle Industry and Production Speakers; BEEF Day with the UT Vols.

 

January 2026

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Tentative Meeting Overview: Graduation; YCLP Social; Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association Convention & Trade Show​