Justin Uhrig, Hermosa, S.D., and Ben Tokach, St. Anthony, N.D., attended the ninth-annual Beef Leaders Institute, a pasture-to-plate experience for young leaders in the Angus industry.

Uhrig says he went to BLI looking to gain a better understanding of the packing aspect of the beef industry, as well as to learn what the American Angus Association has to offer its members.

“You should never be done learning,” Uhrig says. “It is a challenge, and especially in our industry, I think you need to stay educated on the future line of the beef operation to ensure your family’s legacy continues for another generation or advances even further.”

Angus producers from more than 15 states attended the 2016 Beef Leaders Institute June 20-24 in St. Joseph, Mo. Pictured (front row, from left) are Chris Jeffcoat, regional manager; Susanne Bush, Gatesville, Texas; Nicole Tommell, Fonda, N.Y.; Derik Arntzen, Higler, Mont.; Tyler Walter, Hudson, Colo.; Reid Roberts, Sparta, Mo.; Hannah Connealy-Raudsepp, Boston; Lindsey Grimes, Saint Joseph, Mo.; and Dalon Stevens, Atchison, Kan. Second row includes Brenda Weigart, Savannah, Mo.; Kyle Grim, Thomasville, Pa.; Eric Still, Lead Hill, Ark.; Justin Uhrig, Hermosa, S.D.; George Richburg Jr., Auburn, Ala.; Sally Yon, Ridge Spring, S.C.; and Ryan McConnell, Dix, Neb. The third row has Adam Conover, regional manager; Benito Vigil, Espanola, N.M.; Jeff Herian, Alliance, Neb.; Brent Versemann, Perryville, Mo.; Joe Lowe II, Smiths Grove, Ky.; Bryce Borror, Gerber, Calif.; Kevin Murnin, Burlington, Colo.; and Benjamin Tokach, Mandan, N.D. (Photo: JD Rosman, Angus Media)

Tokach has been active in the National Junior Angus Association

“I came to BLI to learn more about the in-depth processes that go into the association, Angus Genetics Inc. and its partners that help move the industry and the breed forward. Seeing how all those things tie together really encourages me to continue to go forth and further develop my operation.”

The five-day event, funded by the Angus Foundation, began in Saint Joseph, Mo., at the Angus Association headquarters. Participants interacted with staff and learned how each department works to serve its more than 25,000 members. The participants traveled across the Midwest and ended in Wooster, Ohio, at Certified Angus Beef headquarters. Along the way, they visited GeneSeek Neogen Operations in Lincoln, Neb.; J’s Steakhouse in Fremont, Neb.; Weborg Feeders Co. in Pender, Neb.; Trans Ova in Sioux City, Iowa; a Tyson beef processing facility in Dakota City, Neb.; Sysco, Cleveland, Ohio; and Buehler’s Milltown, Wooster, Ohio.

BLI targets 25- to 45-year-old leaders in the Angus industry “We connect them with feeders, packers, processors, retailers and experts in the fields of genetics, reproduction and industry, so they leave the program with knowledge and information to better their operation,” says Chelsey Smith, assistant director of events and education.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit angus.org.

Rosma is an intern with Angus Media.