Building Partnerships: WSGA, WCCA & the WY Ag Industry
Hello again, Shelby Sinclair here, today I am shifting gears to a new topic. My experience with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association has provided valuable insight into how effectively this organization fosters connections within its community and statewide. Today, I’d like to discuss how they develop partnerships and advocate for the beef industry through various programs they either run or are associated with.
To begin, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association has forged a valuable partnership with the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association (WCCA), a registered student organization (RSO) at the University of Wyoming. Through this collaboration, WSGA extends complimentary memberships to every student involved in the club. When students pay their WCCA club dues, they are automatically enrolled in WSGA’s membership, with a portion of these dues going towards covering their WSGA membership costs.
This alliance not only opens up opportunities for students in the agricultural community but also provides them with dual educational and informational benefits. By joining forces with the University of Wyoming, WSGA ensures that young minds receive insights and resources from all their programs and connections. This effectively enriches college students’ learning experience and helps foster a deeper understanding of the beef industry’s dynamics and challenges.
During the 2023-2024 school year, the Wyoming Colligate Cattle Association had 80 members in their club! 65 of those members were represented when they took their annual club photo!
In today’s world, it’s crucial for students to have access to diverse programs and information to effectively advocate for the industry. In addition to their partnership with WSGA, WCCA offers valuable leadership opportunities to students throughout their academic journey. The club holds annual volunteering opportunities, community on campus, employment opportunities and professional building opportunities. The club’s mission is to actively promote the beef industry at all their events and engagements. Additionally, WCCA facilitates connections between students and local ranchers/producers across Wyoming and Colorado. They organize visits to local ranches and feedlots, providing members with firsthand insights into operations and fostering meaningful connections that can benefit students as they approach graduation.
Marie Lawson the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association President shares her insights to why she believes this relationship with WSGA is essential for WCCA. “It’s important that WCCA partners with WSGA because they are leaders and outstanding examples for our members, especially to those who are expanding their knowledge or wanting to become more active in the cattle industry. WSGA has been our biggest supporter over the years, recently they received our supporter of the year award at our first Gala this last spring. Students have learned about current issues through their e-bulletin and No Bull Sheet information packets that they mail monthly.”
Jack Berger, WSGA President and Ty Espy, President of the Young Producers Assembly attended the 2024 Wyoming Colligate Cattle Associations first annual gala where they received the supporter of the year award.
“Many students were unaware of organizations like WSGA who advocate for the cattle industry at a community, state and national level. Having a joint membership allows these students to stay informed and give them the incentives to join organizations like this in their home state where they can advocate for their families ranch. With WSGA at our disposal we are able to give students leadership opportunities, travel to local ranches for tours, and invite special guest speakers to come to our meetings. WSGA helps us educate our current generation and future generations about the cattle industry. ”
I collaborate closely with Marie Lawson in my role as Vice President for WCCA. Her quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of our work together. Partnering with this organization enables many of our students to stay up-to-date with current trends in the cattle industry. Additionally, our members have the opportunity to attend multiple conventions, where we’ve been able to share insights about our club’s activities and future plans. WSGA also provides students at the University of Wyoming and universities around the states with education support opportunities as well through their scholarships and internships. Many students that are involved in WCCA have been honored to receive these scholarships or internships. This allows for more education for advocates in this industry, which our industry is in dire need of.
To conclude, the strategic partnership between the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing agricultural education and advocacy. Through shared memberships, educational opportunities, and community engagements, this alliance empowers students to deepen their understanding of the beef industry while fostering meaningful connections with industry professionals. By nurturing leadership skills and promoting industry awareness, WSGA and WCCA together play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders who will shape the future of Wyoming’s cattle industry. Their joint efforts not only strengthen educational pathways but also ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for ranchers, producers, and advocates alike.
