Future Angus Stockmen, offered through the American Angus Association, strives to equip the beef industry’s future generations with the tools and knowledge they need to be successful. This year, the program partnered with Select Sires to sponsor one Future Angus Stockmen participant to attend artificial insemination (AI) school.

“At Select Sires, we look forward to supporting a Future Angus Stockmen participant in attending an AI school of their choice, and contributing to their future goals and quality of their cow herd,” says Brian House, vice president, beef program and product manager for Select Sires.

Benjamin Hicks, Carrollton, Ga., was selected as the recipient, and says they currently use AI in their operation and it is important for him to better understand the technology.

“AI is crucial to our operation,” says Hicks, who serves as herdsman at MM Cattle Co. “In my own herd, AI will allow me to selectively breed my cattle, so I can produce better quality calves to market to consumers. Through breeding selection, I will be able to not only enhance my own personal herd, but also the entire herd I care for at MM Cattle Co.”

Future Angus Stockmen is aimed toward college-age or recent graduates who want to raise high quality Angus-based commercial cattle. The program offers educational opportunities that teach participants how to thrive in the cattle industry, social networking to connect them with fellow producers, and leadership development to instill an entrepreneurial spirit and drive to improve their businesses.

Association Director of Commercial Programs Ginette Gottswiller says programs such as Future Angus Stockmen allow young producers the opportunity to find out how certain tools can help their operation.

“We want our young producers to be successful,” Gottswiller says. “In today’s high input world with volatile markets it is very important for beginning ranchers to understand data can help improve a thin margin. We hope Future Angus Stockmen participants realize the value Angus genetics and the Association’s comprehensive database provides to the industry.”