Red Angus Juniors ‘Loaded 4 Leadership’ training set for Denver 6-7

The National Junior Red Angus Association (JRA) is hosting the “Loaded 4 Leadership” conference Thursday, Jan. 6 and Friday, Jan. 7 at the Doubletree Hotel, Denver, CO. All JRA members are eligible to enroll and improve their leadership skills.

The conference will kick-off with motivational speaker and Red Angus seedstock supplier Lee Leachman, Leachman Cattle of Colorado, Wellington, CO.

Attendees will then train with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Darin Williams in the “Masters of Beef Advocacy” (MBA) Program. This hands-on training prepares graduates to deliver a positive agriculture message to media, classrooms and their peers.

Terry Engle of Colorado State Extension will address livestock ethics and producer responsibilities, and Blake Angell of Meyer Natural Angus (MNA) will explain MNA’s humane certification program and how it ties in with consumer acceptance of their product. Juniors will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on ethics activities.

Kim Coley of Birmingham, IA, will inspire and motivate attendees as she discusses her involvement in the Farm Bureau Ag Leaders program, lobbying efforts and the importance of being an agriculture activist.

The JRA board will work with conference attendees on public speaking, team building and other leadership skills that will tie in with their MBA training.

“We are excited to offer this caliber of leadership training to our junior members,” said Dawn Bernhard, JRA programs coordinator. “What they learn at ‘Loaded 4 Leadership’ will prepare them to be the next generation of beef producers.”

The “Loaded 4 Leadership” conference is held prior to the Red Angus events at the National Western Stock Show. In order to accommodate juniors who are showing cattle at the junior national show, the conference will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (MST) to allow them time to take care of their cattle. A noon meal and snacks will be provided each day.

Registration cost is $50 per person and the deadline is Dec. 1. A $25 late fee will apply for applications received after Dec. 1. For more information and registration forms, visit redangus.org, the “National Junior Red Angus Association” page on http://www.facebook.com, or contact Dawn Bernhard at dawn@redangus.org or 515-679-4006.