PROGRESSIVE PRODUCER

INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH CBCIA SPONSORS YOUNG PRODUCER AWARD

by Tracy Schohr, University of California Cooperative Extension

The California Beef Cattle Improvement Association (CBCIA) is an affiliate of CCA that fosters beef cattle improvement and economic production. The producer driven organization supports beef producer education and research focused on genetics, breeding and herd management, nutrition and ethical and humane practices. Since 1972, the organization has recognized outstanding seedstock and commercial cattle producers who are progressive in implementing breeding and management practices in their operation. CBCIA has also recognized youth through carcass of merit and carcass of merit gold awards across the state, offered collegiate scholarships and held a contest to recognize progressive young cattle producers.

The CBCIA Young Cattle Producer Award is a relatively new addition to the organization. This contest is designed to showcase what California young cattle producers are doing at home, and their future goals in the beef industry.

“In 2015, the CBCIA board was exploring options to engage youth who were showing and raising cattle more with the industry,” recalls CBCIA President Ryan Nelson, Five Star Land and Livestock, Wilton. “When we created this contest, we focused on cattle industry elements and professional development skills. We have cattle producers and industry affiliates serve as judges and do not include showring placements in competition scoring.”

The contest has most recently been held in conjunction with the Cal Poly’s Western Bonanza Junior Livestock Show each February. However, this year CBCIA is holding the contest virtually with a few different elements in light of the cancellation of Western Bonanza.

“It was a difficult decision for Cal Poly to cancel the 2021 Western Bonanza Jr. Livestock Show due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This will be a missed opportunity for our students, community, and livestock youth,” said Zach McFarlane, Ph.D. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. “However, this presents an opportunity to redesign the CBCIA contest and allow all eligible youth to participate, not just those who would have exhibited at Western Bonanza.”

The CBCIA Young Producer 2021 Contest will award $1,750 in cash prizes and includes three elements for the competition: 1. Beef Industry and Care Educational Video (15-55 seconds) 2. Herd Book, including a 1-page cattle advertisement 3. Online interview (for those selected)

The application is due Feb. 12, 2021. For the complete contest instructions and rules please visit https:// calcattlemen.org/portfolio-items/cbcia/.

“I admire CBCIA for being creative in developing this young producer award that is based on multiple facets of the industry,” states 2020 contest judge, Cara Crye, CEO of Farm Supply located on the Central Coast. “As a judge I was inspired by the youth who went above and beyond last year to create a professional book to market their beef program, create an industry educational display and practice their interview skills. The contest provides many opportunities to enhance practical life skills that will help each contestant to be successful in their future careers.”

The 2020 CBCIA Young Cattle Producer Award Winners were 1st Place $1,000: Ashley Porter, Livermore; 2nd Place $500: Kayla Hurl, Shandon; and 3rd Place $250: Rose McPhee, Lodi.

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2021 CBCIA Young Producer of the Year, Ashley Porter, was born into the cattle industry and recalls her first time entering the show ring at the ripe age of five years old with one of her cousin’s steers for pee wee showmanship.

“For as long as I can remember I have been at livestock shows and in the barn with my dad. My parents have provided me the opportunity to grow and thrive in an industry that I fell in love with at a very young age, and I am extremely grateful for that,” states Porter. “It is because of the fact that I have been brought up in this industry that I have been given such great connections and have been instilled with a strong work ethic and desire to succeed.”

Porter is currently a student at Purdue University majoring in agricultural economics with a concentration in quantitative analysis and minor in political science. She had immersed herself in college activities, attending the Agriculture Future of America Conference, participating in Ag Week Task Force at Purdue and is a member of the College of Agriculture Council. After she completes her degree at Purdue, she plans on pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture economics. She hopes to pursue a career where she can combine her passion for the agriculture industry with a knack for numbers and interest in agricultural policy.

During the 2020 CBCIA Young Producer contest, Porter shared with judges about genetic selection with a focus on continually improving her breeding program and about the unique privilege of being able to show her own cattle every year.

“It is a very special feeling to walk out of the ring, success or not, knowing that you and your family put in the time and thought to raise one and it is especially special when there is success. The “bred and owned” divisions are an opportunity for families and exhibitors who go the extra mile to showcase their livestock and I think that is pretty great,” said Porter.

Porter, along with other past recipients are shining examples of the future of the beef industry. CBCIA is proud to recognize the dedication of youth to produce cattle, educate the public on the beef industry,and foster professional development skills. CBCIA looks forward to sharing with CCA members the videos provided by 2021 contests and recognizing outstanding youth and their breeding programs this spring.

2020 Contest Judges (L to R): Anthony Stornetta from San Luis

Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association, Cara Crye, Morro Bay, Calif. Farm Supply; contest chair Dr. McFarlane, Cal Poly

San Luis Obispo; and Megan Silcott, Cal Poly Agricultural Education and Communication Department. 52 California Cattleman February 2021

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