Blake Hamer

Blake Hamner, Samantha, is one of 24 young adults from across the state who has been selected as a member of the Young Cattlement’s Leadership Program (YCLP) Class IV.

This year-long program, hosted by the Alabama Cattlement’s Association (ACA) and the Alabama State Beef Checkoff Program, is an opportunity for cattlemen ages 20-40 to receive training from leadership professor ACA Regional Vice President Dr. Don Mulvaney of Auburn University’s Department of Animal Sciences.  Students will also become engaged in their county and state Cattlemen’s Association, earn industry accreditation such as Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA), execute a leadership program benefiting the beef cattle industry and network with cattlemen from across the state.

YCLP Class IV held its first meeting May 8-9 at the ACA headquarters in downtown Montgomery.  During the first day of the two-day meeting, the group tackled leadership styles, gained knowledge about the legislative process and enjoyed fellowship with classmates at a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game.  The second day hosted further leadership training and the opportunity to participate in the ACA Spring Board of Directors Meeting which culminated in a trip to the State House to learn about the ongoing legislative session.

Participants of the program commit to attending six meetings throughout the year where they will explore leadership curriculum and partake in industry tours and workshops to learn about best from “pasture to plate.”  If course requirements are met, students will graduate March 10, 2018 at the 60th Annual ACA Convention and Trade S ho in Huntsville, Ala.

To learn more about the YCLP, visit our website www.bamabeef.org/yclp or contact Erin Beasley at (334) 265-1867.