FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association

Chancey Hanson

405-743-7844 or [email protected]

Twenty Outstanding Oklahoma Ranchers Selected to Participate in OCA's Cattlemen's Leadership Academy, Class 23

 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, June 22, 2015 - The Cattlemen's Leadership Academy (CLA) is a program of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA), launched more than 2 decades ago to develop young members through industry exposure, education and association communication.  Over the course of one year, 20 young beef producers participate in four educational sessions. 

 

"Participants in the CLA program are selected through an application process," explained Charlie Swanson, OCA President Elect. "The 20 that are selected are truly individuals that are passionate about the beef industry and have a hunger to get involved and take a lead."

 

The class members of the 23rd CLA class are:  Bill and Kyndra Haney, Calvin.; Dana and Russell Zook, Kingfisher; Shawn Arthur, Claremore; Kade Howard, Ringling; Jeramy Burch, Davis; Sam Halverson, Pauls Valley; Casey Kelso, Konowa; Sara Brannon, Marietta; Jean Lam, Pauls Valley; Sherry and Johnny Walton, Ada; Brett Bowden, Mulhall; Dana Church, Sentinel; Odie Heck, Tupelo; Rebecca Hull, Poteau; Benji White, Putnam; Kyle Robinson, Sparks; and Blake Shropshire, Indianola.

 

According to Swanson, there are four sessions to the program and each one has a different focus: production and animal handling; agricultural law and legislative issues; beef fabrication and retail cuts; and the consumer.

 

"While production practices and exposure to different segments of the beef industry is important, a leadership element is also incorporated into each session," said Swanson.  "It is only fitting as we use this program to cultivate the next generation of leadership for our organization and our industry."

 

A sincere thank you goes to all the hosts and presenters for the spring CLA session.  The CLA program would not be possible without several generous and loyal sponsors including:  Merck Animal Health, Farm Credit of East Central Oklahoma, Hitch Enterprises, Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, A T & T, The Oklahoma Beef Council, Farm Data Services, Pickens Auctions, Reproduction Enterprises, Inc., Langston's Western Wear, BancCentral National Association and McKay Ford.

 

The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association exists to support and defend the state and nation's beef cattle industry. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership or activities visit www.okcattlemen.org

 

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