LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Iowa Cattlemen's Leadership Program (ICLP) is brought to you by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and Iowa Beef Industry and supported by the Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation. This program consists of a series of educational sessions designed to develop leadership qualities in young cattle farmers. There will be an action-packed agenda for each session that touches on key beef cattle industry topics as well as leadership skills.
The goal of the Iowa Cattlemen's Leadership Program (ICLP) is to train future leaders of Iowa's cattle industry. The program is an initial opportunity to be more active in the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and perhaps fulfilling a future leadership role in ICA or the cattle industry. ICLP participants are educated on the structure and function of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, and the Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation. Participants undergo training and educational seminars to enhance their communication skills, strengthen their awareness of the legislative process, and diversify their knowledge of the Iowa and U.S. beef cattle industries.
ICLP participants will be expected to lead recruitment efforts for Iowa's premier fed beef competition, the ICA Carcass Challenge. This unique networking opportunity provides support for educational and leadership activities for Iowa cattlemen across the state.
ICA's ICLP graduates consistently take on new leadership roles within the industry, improve their own operations as a result of ICLP, and truly serve as ambassadors for the next generation of cattle producers.
Click here for 2025 ICLP Program Flyer.
Upcoming events
The ICLP group will meet multiple times throughout the year, each showing you an important sector of the beef cattle industry.
Sessions will be focused on the following topics:
*Session Dates & Topics will be shared upon selection
- January | Commodity organization introductions, media training, and advocacy development. *Led by ICA/IBIC/ICF
- February | Day 1: Veterinary Diagnostic Lab tour followed by group dinner. Day 2: Introduction to government and policy for Iowa's beef cattle industry at the State Capitol. *Led by ICA
- March | Deep dive into Beef Checkoff programming in Denver. *Led by IBIC
- May | Beginning farmer opportunities webinar with the USDA, Iowa Finance Authority, and Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. *Led by ICA
- June | Day 1: ICA Carcass Challenge Banquet. Day 2: On-farm tour and NRCS discussion. *Led by ICA
- July | Tour of a packing plant with an additional farm tour. *Led by ICA
- October | Meet your NCBA representatives and legislators in Washington, D.C. *Led by ICA
- November | Beef carcass breakdown, consumer experience immersion, Beef Checkoff research update, and more. *Led by IBIC
- December | Attend the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit and ICLP graduation. *Led by ICA
Participants may miss up to two sessions; after two missed sessions, the participant will be dismissed from the program.
How to apply
The ICLP is a year-long program open to young cattlemen and women. Applicants should have completed their education and be working in cattle production or related industry. Participants may or may not be actively engaged in a beef operation, but should have a vested interest in the beef industry. Preference is given to applicants who are current members of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.
ICA will cover the expenses of meals and hotel accommodations once the participants arrive to the session location thanks to program sponsors; however, the participants will need to cover their travel costs, with the exception of the two sessions with flights.
Applications are due November 15.
Please call 515-296-2266 with any questions you may have regarding the application or program.