The Tennessee Beef Industry Council and the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association recognize the need to cultivate the future leaders of the beef cattle industry. The Young Cattlemen's Leadership Program (YCLP), powered by TBIC & TCA, aims to do just that by identifying the state's top young cattlemen and cattlewomen and developing them into leaders of the future. 

The Three primary goals of the YCLP are: 

1. Provide participants with a "pasture to plate" experience of Tennessee's beef cattle industry. 
2. Equip participants with the tools necessary to become an effective leader and share their beef stories with their peers. 
3. Create a network of young cattlemen and cattlewomen who TBIC & TCA can depend on to help with beef promotion and issues management as well as become industry leaders in the future. 

The YCLP class will consist of approximately 15 participants between the ages of 25 and 40. The class will be selected by a committee based on applications submitted. The YCLP participants must commit to attending ALL six meetings. 

If you are interested in applying to the program, please thoroughly review the program requirements below and complete the application by October 31, 2026.   

Program Guidelines: 

• Applicant MUST be between 25 - 40 years old. 
• Applicant should be actively involved in the cattle industry whether through actively farming, work, or other related leadership or business endeavors. 
• Applicant should possess the desire to expand their cattle industry knowledge and leadership skills and have the ultimate desire to advance their involvement in the beef cattle industry. 
• Applicant must commit to be away from their work, family, farm, and other activities to attend six meetings over the course of one year. 
• Applicant can NOT miss more than 1 session over the course of the program.
• Applicant must be a current member of the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association or become a member by the specified date. 
• Applicant must be Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified in Tennessee. 
• Applicant must complete the Master's of Beef Advocacy training. 
• Applicants must pay the program tuition ($200) upon acceptance to the program. *We encourage county Cattlemen's Associations and other industry partners to "buy-in" to their young leaders by sponsoring their program tuition. 

Application Timeline: 

Proposed YCLP Meeting Schedule: