The Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) is getting a refreshed format in 2026, offering the same high-impact experience in a more streamlined schedule. This leadership development program is for young adults involved in Ohio’s beef industry either as a producer or in a related agri-business career. It is designed to help these individuals develop leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and provide networking opportunities to enhance the profitability and success of their own farms and careers.
YCC will be held Aug. 13-14 in Columbus, Ohio and is open to any OCA member (memberships are $100 for a family and provide a full 12 months of service) over the age of 20 who possesses leadership potential and is active within their community.
The YCC experience will include industry leading speakers, an in-depth look at OCA programs and information on beef checkoff investments through the Ohio Beef Council. It also includes spokesperson training and an advocacy focus with an in-depth session on how to effectively lobby, along with a visit to the Ohio Statehouse where participants can discuss current issues with elected officials. In addition, YCC includes a hands-on introduction to meat science, including carcass evaluation.
A little fun is built into the conference as well, with a behind-the-scenes tour of Ohio State’s football practice facility, as well as a visit to the new, state-of-the-art Multispecies Animal Learning Complex located at the CFAES Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on The Ohio State University campus. If you would like to get more involved with OCA, attending YCC is an important first step!
Nominations, by county cattlemen’s associations or self-nomination, are due July 1. Cost to attend is $200 per person, which covers all meals, and a one or two-night hotel stay. Couples are also encouraged to attend for $350.
The full YCC schedule can be found on our website and social media pages. Any additional information and to nominate visit www.ohiocattle.org or contact the OCA Office at (614) 873-6736 or [email protected].