The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is working to help young producers build their futures.
“We’ve got to get new, beginning producers into this,” said ICA CEO Bryan Whaley.
Whaley tells Brownfield ICA established a “Next Gen” program in 2025.
“One of the things we wanted to do was give them opportunities to figure out if they want to take over an operation or buy into an operation, what does that take? We look at your financials, your balance sheet, and help you know about cash flow.”
He says the industry is in need of young adults.
“We’re in a time period where we’ve got an aging population in this industry. We’ve got a lot that maybe have sons, daughters, or someone in the family that wants to take over that operation. I think we’ll see that happen over five to 10 years.”
Whaley says there are currently 80 producers aged 22 and younger participating. Those under 18 must have parents’ permission to sign up.
ICA’s Next Gen membership application can be found at iacattlemen.org.
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