July 1, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
JD Rosman, communications intern, at 816-383-5104 or jdrosman.intern@angus.media; or
Chelsey Smith, assistant director of events and education, at 816-383-5100 or csmith@angus.org.
PHOTOS: Available via prphotos@angus.org or 816-383-5100.
Nebraska Represented in 2016 Beef Leaders Institute
Ryan McConnell, Dix, Neb., attended the five-day educational event.
Ryan McConnell joined an elite group of American Angus Association members by attending the ninth-annual Beef Leaders Institute (BLI) June 20-24. BLI is a complete pasture-to-plate experience for young leaders in the Angus industry that explores quality genetics, performance programs, genomic technology, herd health and much more. This year’s class consisted of 20 individuals from all areas of the country.
McConnell Angus produces and markets 250 Angus bulls each year, with more than 80% of bulls purchased by repeat buyers. McConnell understands the importance of providing high-quality customer service and wanted to learn more ways to bring quality and data back to his customers.
“I knew there was a lot of information that I need to know,” McConnell says. “The organization of the entire industry, and the passion displayed through all parts of cattle production is incredible. The opportunity to see it first-hand has opened my eyes to what lays ahead in the future.”
The five-day event, funded by the Angus Foundation, began in Saint Joseph, Mo., at the Association headquarters. Participants interacted with staff and learned how each department works to serve its more than 25,000 members.
BLI toured throughout the Midwest and ended in Wooster, Ohio, at Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) headquarters. Along the way, participants were able to visit GeneSeek Neogen Operations in Lincoln, Neb.; J’s Steakhouse in Fremont, Neb.; Weborg Feeders Co. in Pender, Neb.; Trans Ova in Sioux City, Iowa; a Tyson beef processing facility in Dakota City, Neb.; Sysco Cleveland, Ohio; and a retail tour at Buehler’s Milltown in Wooster, Ohio.
Chelsey Smith, Association assistant director of events and education, explains that BLI targets young leaders in the Angus industry, aged 25-45, and gives them opportunities to see all sectors of the industry and how Angus plays a role in each of them.
“BLI gives Angus producers an inside look at all aspects of the beef industry,” Smith says. “We connect producers with feeders, packers, processors, retailers and experts in the fields of genetics, reproduction, and industry, so they leave the program with knowledge and information to better their operation.”
A complete list of 2016 BLI participants follows. For more information on how to participate in the leadership event, visit www.angus.org. Applications for the 2017 class will be available online starting next winter.
–– Written by JD Rosman, Angus Media
ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on the power of Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.
For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org.
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Beef Leaders Institute – Class of 2016
Derik Arntzen, Hilger, Mont.
Bryce Borror, Gerber, Calif.
Susanne Bush, Gatesville, Texas
Kyle Grim, Thomasville, Pa.
Lindsey Grimes, Saint Joseph, Mo.
Jeff Herian, Alliance, Neb.
Joe Lowe II, Smiths Grove, Ky.
Ryan McConnell, Dix, Neb.
Kevin Murnin, Burlington, Colo.
Hannah Connealy-Raudsepp, Boston, Mass.
George Richburg Jr., Auburn, Ala.
Reid Roberts, Sparta, Mo.
Eric Still, Lead Hill, Ark.
Benjamin Tokach, Saint Anthony, N.D.
Nicole Tommell, Fonda, N.Y.
Justin Uhrig, Hermosa, S.D.
Brent Versemann, Perryville, Mo.
Benito Vigil, Espanola, N.M.
Tyler Walter, Hudson, Colo.
Sally Yon, Ridge Spring, S.C.
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