Young Cattlemen’s Conference
Young Stockgrowers Apply Today for this Amazing Opportunity!
Trip Dates: May 29 – June 6, 2025
Applications are closed for 2025. Please check back in for 2026 information.
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.
Past Attendees
Leoma Donsbach, Roy
Garrett Harshbarger, Whitehall
Chance Wilson, Scobey
Colton Coffee, Miles City
Rocky Forseth, Fairfield
Dave Hanson, Willow Creek,
Chaley Harney, Shepherd
Chisholm Christenson, Hinsdale
Jake Feddes, Belgrade
Katelyn Dynneson-Larson, Sidney
Austin “Bo” Bevis, Round Up
Justin Iverson, Patomac
Dusty Hahn, Townsend
Lacey Sutherlin, Stevensville
Ryan Hughes, Dillon
2025 Attendees
Leoma Donsbach is the owner of Data Genie, LLC, which provides data management and genomic resources to seedstock and commercial cow/calf operations. Through her company, Donsbach works with clients in 26 states and manages data for over 18,000 calving age females. Donsbach is a graduate of MSGA’s M Bar Leadership Academy and serves as chair of MSGA’s Seedstock Committee. She also serves as treasurer/secretary for the Montana Simmental Association.
Garrett Harshbarger owns and operates a cow/calf operation in southwest Montana where he markets steers to feeders and heifers as replacement females. Harshbarger serves as a director for the Southwest Montana Stockmen Association and is a participant of the current MSGA M Bar Leadership Academy cohort.
Together with his wife and family, Chance Wilson, owns a commercial Angus cow/calf operation in Scobey, Mont. Wilson is currently serving on the MSGA board of directors representing the northeastern district and is a graduate of MSGA’s M Bar Leadership Academy.
Young Cattlemen’s Conference Information
The Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), scheduled for May 29 through June 6, 2025, 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.
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.
This year’s class will begin in Denver, Colorado on May 29, 2025, and conclude on June 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with a reception and PAC auction at the NCBA office. Participants will be free to return home on June 6, 2025, and are encouraged to participate in the full duration of the trip.
Tentative Itinerary
May 29 – Arrive Denver, Colorado
May 30 – Denver NCBA Office
May 31 – Denver NCBA Office and Local Tour
June 1 – Denver NCBA Office and travel Denver to Sioux City, IA
June 2 – Visit Tyson beef plant and travel to Ohio
June 3 – Tour retail facility and visit Certified Angus Beef, travel to Washington, DC
June 4 – Washington D.C., prep day
June 5 – Congressional visits and closing reception with PAC event
June 6 – Participants travel home individually
Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2025
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.
Apply Today!
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