Register now for the 2015 Young Ag Leadership Conference!

YALC Young Ag Leadership Conference MontanaRegistration is now open for the twelfth annual Young Ag Leadership Conference (YALC)! This exciting conference is set to take place October 2-4 at the Crowne Plaza in Billings, MT. YALC is a collaborative effort between nine of Montana’s agricultural organizations, offering attendees a chance to take part in various workshops, discuss current ag issues, meet with industry leaders and network with fellow young people who live Montana agriculture.

Anyone aged 18-40 and involved or interested in agriculture is encouraged to attend. The conference is put together by a committee of representatives from each of the following organizations: Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Association, Montana Agri-Business Association, Montana 4-H Foundation, Montana FFA Foundation, Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana State University College of Agriculture, and the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with our industry tours. This optional excursion includes stops at Diamond X Farms for a sugar beet harvest, ORIgen, Inc. Genetic Services and Trailhead Spirits Distillery. Later that evening, attendees will enjoy a hands-on demonstration and presentation about marketable meats for today’s consumers by culinary experts from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

During Saturday’s breakfast, Mitch Smith, Director of Quality Systems for McDonald’s Corporation, will present “Farm to McMarket,” where he will discuss product sourcing between McDonald’s, the worldwide hamburger chain, and Montana producers. Participants will then choose from an expanded slate of workshop topics including everything from Retirement Planning for Farmers and Ranchers and Running a Successful AI program to Crop Rotations and Beekeeping 101. With nine workshop titles to choose from, there is something on the agenda for everyone. Saturday’s luncheon will feature an entertaining talk by Janice Person of Monsanto titled “GMO’s: The Real Story;” the day will wrap up at Zoo Montana with a Food Truck, Brewery Bash and Dance where Sweet Briar will provide the music. The entire conference will conclude on Sunday morning with, “It’s Just You and the Media: Being Heard Above the Crowd,” a motivating talk by Daren Williams, Executive Director of Communications at NCBA.

The cost of registration is only $40 for the entire conference, with all meals provided. After the pre-registration date of September 25, fees increase to $50. To register, go to mfbf.org or download a 2015 YALC registration packet. For more information, contact Ryan Goodman at MSGA ([email protected]). You can also check out our event page on Facebook.

Register now, you don’t want to miss this!

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Montana Stockgrowers Association

The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a non-profit membership organization, has worked on behalf of Montana’s cattle ranching families since 1884. Our mission is to protect and enhance Montana ranch families’ ability to grow and deliver safe, healthy, environmentally wholesome beef to the world.

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