KEARNEY – For the second year in a row, the Nebraska Beef Council hosted the Beef Leadership Experience in and around Kearney. Five college students, including Mattison Beattie of Sumner who is currently studying animal science at UNL, had the opportunity to attend the weeklong experience
The other four participants included Ainsley Fischer of Franktown, Colorado; Jaylea Pope of Ravenna; Noah Summers of Gibbon; and Emelia Rourke of Waverly. All attendees are currently college students studying animal science at the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
Beattie reflected on how the experience impacted her.
“This was one of my favorite industry experiences,” said Beattie. “We gained a load of useful knowledge and were able to build strong relationships with fellow students, industry leaders, and the Beef Council staff.”
Since much of the work within the industry is done behind the scenes, this opportunity allowed the students to experience first-hand how a feedlot operates, the process at a packing plant, the beef product distribution logistics, and how consumers purchase beef at a grocery store. Having a broader understanding of the entire beef supply chain will hopefully help the students be better prepared for their future careers.
The Beef Leadership Experience is also a way that the industry is preparing for the future. The need for volunteers to fill leadership roles continues to increase as many beef producers are approaching retirement. Whether the students want to go back to the ranch, work within the supply chain, or become advocates and communication specialists, they must be involved in the organizations that protect and pave the future for the industry.
For more information and to learn more about the Nebraska Beef Council, visit www.nebeef.org.
