Young Cattlemen’s Conference

Young Stockgrowers Apply Today for this Amazing Opportunity!

Trip Dates: May 30 - June 6, 2024

Applications Due: Closed for 2024

Since 1980, the Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) tour has been a proven success in identifying and developing potential leaders for the beef industry. With more than 1,000 beef producers having graduated from the YCC program, many alumni continue to participate in industry committees, councils, and serve on boards, even going on to become national officers.

YCC provides young leaders with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the industry, from cattle and beef production to the consumer, including exposure to the national grassroots process. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the offices of Montana’s congressional delegation to discuss issues of critical importance to America’s cattle and beef producers and advocate for their industry during a day spent on Capitol Hill.

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PAST ATTENDEES

2024
Colton Coffee, Miles City
Rocky Forseth, Fairfield

2023
Dave Hanson, Willow Creek,
Chaley Harney, Shepherd

2019
Chisholm Christenson, Hinsdale
Jake Feddes, Belgrade

2018
Katelyn Dynneson-Larson, Sidney

2017
Austin “Bo” Bevis, Round Up
Justin Iverson, Patomac

2016
Dusty Hahn, Townsend
Lacey Sutherlin, Stevensville

2015
Ryan Hughes, Dillon

2024 Attendees

Rocky Forseth, Fairfield

Together with his wife and two children, Rocky Forseth owns and operates Forseth Livestock LLC, a growing seedstock operation in Fairfield, Mont. The Forseth’s sell registered SimAngus seedstock to their commercial customers in North Central Montana. Rocky says he is building his registered cowherd, through embryo transfer, AI, and the most aggressive genomic technology he can get his hands on.

Rocky currently sits on the MSGA board of directors as the Montana Young Stockgrowers Vice Chair and serves as president of the Montana Simmental Association. A part of the first cohort, Rocky graduated from MSGA’s M Bar Leadership Academy in December of 2023 and is now a part of NCBA’s Trailblazer program.

Colton Coffee, Miles City

Colton Coffee, of Miles City, works as an attorney and manages his family’s cow-calf and yearling ranch programs, water rights, legal issues, and transactions.

Colton has been active with MSGA and currently serves as chairman of MSGA’s Landowner,Recreation and Wildlife policy committee. He is also a graduate of MSGA’s M Bar Leadership Academy. In the last year, Colton has been named to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Trailblazer program.

Young Cattlemen’s Conference Information

The Young Cattlemen’s Conference  (YCC), scheduled for May 30 through June 6, 2024, is an opportunity for cattlemen and cattlewomen between the ages of 25 and 50 to visit segments of the beef industry across the nation with young cattlemen from other states. Facilitated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), participants will travel with national attendees to Denver and Washington D.C.

The primary objective is to develop leadership qualities in young cattlemen and expose them to all aspects of the beef industry. The tour helps these young leaders understand all areas of our industry ranging from industry structure to issues management, from production research to marketing. We would also request the participant commit to staying the entire trip.

Funding and Scholarships

MSGA will select up to three participants to represent MSGA on this year’s YCC trip. Selected participants will receive support to cover the cost of the program registration along with $500 for travel expenses. Program support is made possible by MSGA’s Young Stockgrowers and the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF). 

Airfare to Denver at the start of the trip and return airfare from Washington, D.C., are not included in the cost of the trip and are to be covered by the individual. There are also a handful of meals that are not included in the trip. Personal expenses for “after hours” activities are also not included in the cost of the trip.

Attendees of the Young Cattlemen’s Conference must be members of Montana Stockgrowers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Conference Program

Participants will arrive in Denver on Thursday, May 30th 2024 for the opening reception, taking place from 4:30-6:00PM. The tour will end in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, June, with the PAC reception and auction on Thursday, June 6th on the NCBA office rooftop deck from 5:00-10:00PM. Participants should be prepared to be available and engaged for the entire length of the program. Participants are free to depart from Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 7th.

Tentative Itinerary

May 30 – Arrive Denver, Colorado
May 31 – Denver NCBA Office
June 1 – Denver NCBA Office and Local Tour
June 2 – Denver NCBA Office and travel Denver to Sioux City, IA
June 3 – Visit Tyson beef plant and travel to Ohio
June 4 – Tour retail facility and visit Certified Angus Beef, travel to Washington, DC
June 5 – Washington D.C., prep day
June 6 – Congressional visits and closing reception with PAC event
June 7 – Participants travel home individually

Application Process

Applications will be accepted February 15 – March 15, 2024

The application may be filled out online. In addition to the application form questions, two letters of reference are required to complete the application process. All applications must be complete by March 15 of each year.

If you have any questions about the application process or YCC trip, please call the MSGA Office at (406) 442-3420.