The ICLP group met with Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg this February. Photo courtesy of Julie Evans.

A burgeoning Washington-area beef producer is taking part in this year’s Iowa Cattlemen’s Leadership Program hosted by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

Julie Evans is among about 25 farmers from across the state participating in a series of educational sessions that touch on key beef cattle industry topics and develop leadership qualities. Evans grew up on a hog and row crop farm, and it wasn’t until her daughter expressed an interest in showing bucket bottle calves in 4-H that she became involved in cattle production. About a decade later her family has a 90-head herd and are active with the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association where Evans is currently treasurer. She tells KCII that it’s been great to meet with other industry leaders through the state program, “Not only that but getting out of my comfort zone because I’m usually just, I stay in the county and so it’s getting to know people and seeing how they do their cattle production and what I can take away from them to bring back to ours and maybe implement in ours.”

The ICLP group has met twice so far this year including a trip to the state capitol to meet with legislators. Following the calving season they will hold meetings in June, August, November, and December to cover topics including risk management and finance, cattle nutrition and feeding, and beef consumer trends. You can hear more from Evans during Thursday’s edition of the KCII Special Edition Agriculture Magazine at 1 and 6 p.m. on air and by visiting the On Demand page under Listen Live.