July 2, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Chase Adams, NCBA director of communications, at 202-879-9117 or cadams@beef.org
PHOTOS: Available upon request via prphotos@angus.org
Angus Foundation Representative Travels to the 35th YCC
Julie Ellingson, fourth generation Angus breeder from St. Anthony, North Dakota, was one of more than 60 young cattlemen and women selected to participate in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 35th Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Ellingson was sponsored by the Angus Foundation, which is the American Angus Association®’s not-for-profit affiliate that supports Angus education, youth and research.
The YCC program is a comprehensive, nationwide tour of beef industry sectors, created to enhance leadership skills in your beef industry professionals.
“YCC is a prestigious and competitive program designed to foster the future leadership of our industry,” said Forrest Roberts, NCBA chief executive officer. “The participants selected to attend YCC were chosen because of their exceptional contributions to the beef industry and their potential to be a strong voice in our future development. I look forward to seeing Julie take an increased leadership role within NCBA and the beef industry.”
Ellingson and her husband Chad along with their children – Stetson; Jameson; Sierra; Medora; and Sheridan operate Ellingson Angus on the ranch where Julie was raised. The family hosts an annual production sale in February and takes pride in helping its customers market their feeder calves and replacement females.
Ellingson has served as the executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, an NCBA state affiliate, since 2009. Her responsibilities include work as the organization’s chief executive and financial officer, spokesperson and lobbyist. Before assuming that role, she was the NDSA’s communications director.
“YCC is an excellent opportunity to network with other young industry professionals while learning about the opportunities and challenges that beef producers across the country face daily,” said Ellingson.
Ellingson is a graduate of Bismarck State College and North Dakota State University, where she studied mass communications and general agriculture
The eight day tour began at NCBA headquarters in Denver, Colo., where participants were given an organizational overview of NCBA and the Beef Checkoff Program. While in Denver, the group also heard from representatives of Cattle Fax and the U.S. Meat Export Federation. They toured a Safeway retail store and learned about Rancher’s Reserve brand beef marketing efforts. The group spent a day in Greeley, Colo., visiting JBS Five Rivers feed yards and processing facilities.
“It is important for young producers to understand and see each sector of the beef industry – from pasture to plate,” said Ellingson. “Traveling from a cow-calf ranch to a feedlot and processing plant really drives home the point that our industry is composed of many sectors which are all committed to produce a healthy end product.”
In Chicago, the group met with the senior management of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange at the Chicago Board of Trade. They had the chance to watch the activity on the trading floor and witness futures trading firsthand. Participants also visited Otto & Sons Industries, a family owned company providing quality products and custom solutions for the food industry since 1909. This tour offered a view of how boxed beef is turned into custom order portions for both major restaurant chains and some of the nation’s top steakhouses.
The group then traveled to Washington, D.C., where participants received an issues briefing from NCBA’s government affairs staff about policy issues currently facing the cattle industry. The group then traveled to Aldie, Va., for a tour and barbeque at Whitestone Farms, one of the nation’s elite purebred Angus operations.
The next day, these young cattlemen and women were given the opportunity to visit one-on-one with members of their state’s congressional delegation, expressing their viewpoints regarding the beef industry and their cattle operations. During their congressional visits, participants focused on issues including international trade, federal lands ranching and overreaching regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. They finished the day with a reception hosted by John Deere at the company’s Washington office.
For more information on the YCC program or to nominate someone for next year’s tour, contact your state cattlemen’s association or Marvin Kokes at 303-850-3339 or mkokes@beef.org.
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The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org
— Adapted from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Press Release