"Beef Leadership Academy has given me the opportunity to network with the next generation of cattlemen and women, both professionally and socially. Knowing that we are all going to face the same challenges that 21st-century beef production has to offer, it is a good feeling to be able to expand my network within the Illinois cattle industry. "

-Trevor Maiers, Inaugural Beef Leadership Academy Class

A Year in Review (2022-2023)

Take a look at what the inaugural Beef Leadership Academy class completed in their year-long program!

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Participants dove into personal motivators, communication styles, and much more in their first immersive experience. Members also got to tour J. Willrett Farms, one of the state's premier cattle-feeding operations.

RELEVANT MESSAGING AND ADVOCACY

If you don't tell your story, someone else will is a popular phrase amongst agriculturalists. In their second immersive experience, participants learned the power of telling their story, how to effectively communicate their story, and then put their practice to work!

THE BUSINESS OF BEEF

Members dove into the buisiness side of the Illinois cattle industry in session three. Hearing from a Farm Credit Illinois representative, and the owner/operator of Raber Packing Co., Peoria, IL, participants dove into the ins and outs of good business, and how to apply that to their operation.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Participants concluded their year-long program in the Capitol. Two days were spent in Springfield, where members met with their Representatives and Senators. Participants also learned about the work that the IBA does within the policy realm on behalf of cattlemen and women.

A Year in Progress (2023-2024)

Keep up with the second cohort of the Beef Leadership Academy as they embark on their year-long program!

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Participants completed the "Taking Flight" personality assessment, which shed light on their strengths, communication styles, and motivations. Members also got to tour Clear Creek Farms 2, Inc., one of the state's premier recipient cow operations, and experience Lorenzen Farms fall production sale.