Tina Loeffler Tina Loeffler of Lampasas, president of the Texas CattleWomen Association, was one of nearly 50 young cattle producers selected to participate in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 31st Annual Young Cattlemen’s Conference.

The YCC program is a comprehensive, nationwide tour of beef industry sectors, created to enhance leadership skills in young beef industry professionals.

“YCC is a prestigious and competitive program designed to foster the future leadership of our industry,” said Forrest Roberts, CEO of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “The participants selected to attend YCC were chosen because of their exceptional contributions to the beef industry and their potential to be a strong voice in our future development. I look forward to seeing Tina take an increased leadership role within NCBA and the beef industry.”

Mrs. Loeffler received a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University, where she was an active member of Block and Bridle. She grew up showing beef cattle through her involvement in 4-H.

To continue advocating her passion for the U.S. beef industry, Mrs. Loeffler became a member of Texas CattleWomen in 1999. She also is a member of the Texas Beef Running team where she speaks about the importance of beef in a healthy diet.

In addition, Mrs. Loeffler is a member of the American National CattleWomen, where she serves as membership chairman.

She said YCC was an opportunity to learn more about the issues facing the beef industry in order to be a better advocate back home.

“This was a tremendous opportunity to learn every aspect of the beef production chain,” Mrs. Loeffler said. “I feel more prepared to address the challenges facing our industry after having gone through this program.”

The eight-day tour began at NCBA headquarters in Denver, where participants were given an overview of NCBA and the Beef Checkoff Program. The group also heard from representatives of Cattle Fax and the U.S. Meat Export Federation. They toured a new grocery store and learned about Rancher’s Reserve brand beef marketing efforts.

The group also spent a day in Greeley, Colo., visiting feed yards and processing facilities.

“It is really important for the participants to see the range of beef production -- from a cow/calf ranch to a feedlot and a processing plant,” Mrs. Loeffler said. “It drives home the point that our industry, though composed of many sectors, is ultimately interconnected in our efforts to produce wholesome and nutritious beef.”

In Chicago, the group met with senior management of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange at the Chicago Board of Trade. They had the chance to watch the activity on the floor and witness futures trading firsthand. Participants also visited the OSI Group, a familyowned company that provides products to the food industry. The tour offered a view of how boxed beef is turned into custom-order portions for both major restaurant chains and top steakhouses.

The group then traveled to Washington, D.C., where participants were greeted at reception hosted by John Deere. NCBA’s government relations staff also briefed the group on policy issues facing the cattle industry.

The cattle leaders also were given the opportunity to visit with their state’s congressional delegation, where participants focused on issues like animal welfare, safe use of antibiotics, climate change and food safety legislation.

The group then traveled to Aldie, Va., for a tour and barbecue at Whitestone Farms, an elite purebred Angus operation.