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Alumni

From the President, Matt McLelland '12

Tulips at the ranch management statue

I’m writing this letter with temps reaching 100 degrees nearly every day for a month, but good rain chances on the way.  It’s not too late, and it could definitely be worse!  With fall works, football season, and relief of this summer’s heat coming soon, I want to encourage everyone to hang in there!  One of the things that has stuck with me from going through the program was to see the value in everything.  This drought and extremely hot summer can sure get a guy down and threaten a cowman’s business and livelihood for sure, but it can also force him to take a hard look at how he operates.  That might mean having to cull deeper than normal - which down the road may improve your herd genetics, productivity, and overall cattle’s efficiency.  You may have to refigure stocking rates - which may give that country time to heal and reintroduce those ice cream grasses that haven’t been around in a while.

The current class is up and running with Corral Plans submitted Sept 15.  I am excited about this group of men and women that the instructors worked diligently recruiting, vetting, and putting together for the Class of ’25.  The first week-long field trip is coming up and I know the hosts and   students are anxious to start that vital part of the program.  There will be several opportunities throughout the year for alumni to meet up with and  provide a meal, etc. for this class as they take their 5 week-long trips.

With that, I want to challenge you all with a few tasks:

  1. If the class is taking a trip close to you, we’d love to help get you connected with them somehow, whether that’s by helping provide a meal for them or stopping by to introduce yourselves and say hello.
  2. Please make plans to attend the annual winter Roundup! Whether it’s to help vote on any changes being presented or just to catch up with old classmates and friends, we would love to see you there.
  3. It is never too early to beat the bushes to find good candidates for next year’s class. I firmly believe it is our job to recruit the next generation of leaders in our industry, businesses, and way of life!

Thank you all and hope to see you soon.

Go Frogs!

Matt McLelland '12 (806)778-8679 mjmclelland1@gmail.com

(reprinted from Cattle Call Summer/Fall 2024)