The first of four gatherings for the participants of ICA’s 2008-09 Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) will convene in Ames, December 3-4. Participants will spend some quality time at ICA Headquarters getting acquainted and learning of ICA issues and priorities, as well as being addressed by personnel from the ISU Animal Science Department and the ISU Beef Center. To follow, will be a trip to Pioneer in Johnston, where participants will receive a tour, as well as hear motivational speakers, attend a dinner and spend the night in the Des Moines area near Pioneer, which will allow the group to get better acquainted.

In January, the group will convene for a two day session in conjunction with the ICA Annual Convention, where they are encouraged to participate in policy committee meetings, etc. In February, the group will convene for a one day session at the Capitol in Des Moines, to visit one-on-one with their Senator and Representative and in March, the group will meet for their final session.

The goal of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program is to train future leaders of the cattle industry in Iowa who may wish to get more active in ICA leadership. The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program will focus on the cattle and beef industries, as well as to help educate and train young cattlemen on the development and application of leadership skills.