By Justin Smith
The Selma Times-Journal

A Valley Grande man will serve as one of 24 members of the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program this year.

Sean Lett, a regional extension agent for the Dallas County Extension Office, was selected for the program.

The Alabama Cattleman Association (ACA) and the Alabama State Beef Checkout Program are both hosting the YCLP this year. The program will last for the course of a year. All participants are between the ages of 20 and 40.

The cattlemen selected will receive training from leadership professor and ACA Regional Vice President Dr. Don Mulvaney of Auburn University’s Department of Animal Sciences. The participants will also have the opportunity to cooperate with their state and local cattlemen’s association.

All participants must commit to six meetings throughout the year that will consist of leadership development, industry tours and workshops to learn about the beef making process.

Each student that passes the course requirements will graduate from the program on March 10, 2018, at the 60th annual ACA Convention and Trade Show in Huntsville. The YCLP class IV already had its first meeting in May in downtown Montgomery. The meeting’s activities stretched over two days.

The first day consisted of the organization’s members getting the opportunity to learn about the legislative process, discuss leadership styles and enjoy fellowship with classmates at a Montgomery Biscuits game.

The second day had its fair share of learning activities. The group discussed future leadership training and they were also able to participate in the ACA Spring Board of Directors Meeting. The day concluded with a trip to the Statehouse to learn about the ongoing legislative session.