Farm Director KC Sheperd is talking with the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation, Mariah Reimer, about upcoming events for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and Foundation.
Reimer first talked about the Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy, as the online application process has opened up.
“It is just a terrific opportunity for like-minded individuals in agriculture, which an emphasis on cattle, of course, but it really gives you a big picture of our industry as a whole,” Reimer said. “You get four sessions, which are two days each session. You go across the state, you meet with businesses, you meet with leaders in our industry, and you just get to network.”
The OCA Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy (CLA) is targeted at beef producers ages 25 – 40. The program is designed to develop young members through industry exposure, education, and communication.
“You get to make those connections and see where you can make a difference in our state as a whole, and especially with agriculture and the cattle industry,” Reimer said.
Each year 20 OCA member/beef producers are selected through an online application process to participate. There is a minimal cost to participate; meals and lodging are covered by CLA Sponsors.
The 71st OCA Annual Trade Show and Convention is also coming up on July 21-22 in Norman, Oklahoma. Registration is open now and will close on July 16th.
Our staff has been working extremely hard and diligently to put that together for our members and for those in our state,” Reimer said. “It not only is an opportunity for everyone to join together, but there are workshops, educational seminars, and of course, our trade show vendors which are great supporters of our industry and our association and foundation.”
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation will also be hosting the second annual Oklahoma’s Best Beef Competition on October 21 at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. Exhibitors must apply to compete for the title of Oklahoma’s Best Beef by August 1st.
“The neat twist on this event is not only do you have the people’s choice award where consumers can come directly to you, and they learn about your beef and learn about your ranch and they learn about why you do what you do, but you also are judged by sanctioned judges and they award first, second and third,” Reimer said.
Reimer said the event is a great way to showcase what ranchers do each day in a unique manner.
“We take as many applications,” Reimer said. “They do close August 1st. We don’t have a minimum. Last year, we did take ten finalists, and this year we are wanting to take more.”
All Ranches are open to apply, but the top teams voted on by committee will be selected to compete and be paired with Oklahoma ‘Celebs!’ Possible ‘Celebs’ include the Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of Agriculture, or Oklahoma Legislatures.
All Proceeds from the event will go to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy.
