Bridging Generations: Connecting Future Leaders with Industry Leaders

By Lindsey Sawin

For many years, TCFA has focused on developing the next generation of feedyard employees, cattle feeders and industry leaders through educational programs for students ranging from third to twelfth grade. Yet there was a missing piece, something to keep youngprofessionals connected to  the fed cattle industry and to TCFA throughout their collegiate careers. Launched in January 2025, the TCFA Collegiate B.I.N. Program now fills that gap.

“We began to notice a disconnect between students who engaged in youth programs and then went to college and began their careers,” said Ginna McCarty, TCFA Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. “We would lose them while they were in college, and then several years later, they would be nominated to serve on a TCFA committee. The B.I.N. Program aims to close that gap and provide students with a behind-the-scenes look at the industry before they begin their careers.”

B.I.N. stands for Build, Integrate and Network–Build future industry leaders, Integrate them into the industry, and provide Networking opportunities with seasoned professionals.

These three pillars emerged from conversations with college students and industry professionals. Students expressed a desire to network, serve on committees and be integrated into the industry before graduating.

“The most appealing piece of the B.I.N Program is the opportunity to network among the current industry leaders to create connections and gain as much knowledge as possible,” said Weston Peters, current B.I.N. participant. “Along with this, I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of a committee and be able to experience what the members do to improve and grow cattle feeding.”

Industry professionals, meanwhile, wanted a program that could help build future feedyard managers and leaders for TCFA.

With these priorities in mind, TCFA staff developed an exclusive two-year program for highly qualified college students interested in building careers in the cattle feeding industry. Applicants must submit a completed application, two letters of recommendation, one from a cattle industry professional, and a resume.

A selection committee made up of members of the Industry Relations Committee reviews and scores applications and identifies top candidates for virtual interviews.

“Our discussions with the college student working group showed us the importance of developing a competitive and prestigious program that provides hands-on opportunities with TCFA members and staff,” McCarty noted.

Students in the B.I.N. Program come from unique backgrounds and have varying levels of knowledge about the fed cattle industry. However, each is passionate about carrying on the tradition of cattle feeding and eager to learn from and network with industry experts.

“The students’ desire to make meaningful industry connections and take advantage of networking opportunities is inspiring. With the first cohort set to begin roles in the cattle feeding industry in the next couple of years, the future of the industry is bright,” McCarty said.

Throughout the two-year program, students are fully immersed in the industry through a weeklong onboarding experience, service on a TCFA committee, mentorship from an industry leader, industry tours, feedyard visits with TCFA staff and the opportunity to participate in TCFA events.

But what makes the B.I.N. Program truly unique is that students are encouraged to shape their experience based on their career interests or by exploring new areas of the industry.

“While the students are given a list of required activities, they also have the opportunity to make the program their own,” McCarty said. “The first three students have each shaped the program
to fit their interests. Some have spent the day with their mentor learning about their role at the
feedyard; others have helped with TCFA youth programs. Wherever their passion lies, we want them to dive in and learn as much as they can.”

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The program also exposes students to career paths and opportunities they may not have previously considered. During their onboarding experience last May, students participated in several industry tours ranging from a feedyard to an ethanol plant. 

“My favorite part of the TCFA B.I.N. program so far has been the opportunity to get an inside look at all of the different career opportunities there are in the cattle feeding industry,” said Shayla Mader, current B.I.N. participant. “Furthermore, being able to meet people from all parts of the cattle industry that are incredibly passionate about their career and truly love their life has inspired me that I can also pursue a life I love in the cattle feeding industry.”

In addition to field experience, students take a deep dive into TCFA programs, services and policy priorities and have direct access to TCFA staff.

“The TCFA B.I.N. program has given me an insight into how TCFA advocates for the cattle feeding
industry and for their members through policy,” Mader said. “Before the TCFA B.I.N. program, I had
never really considered working with policy, but now I hope to incorporate advocacy and policy into my career.”

Through the program, students gain meaningful connections that help them understand not only
feedyard operations but also the people who make up the industry.

“Everyone knows everyone, and every person and role plays an important part in making it all function,” said Ty Kraft, current B.I.N. participant.

“I’ve seen just how much the industry relies on trust and strong relationships, and how those connections are what truly keep everything moving forward.”

The cattle feeding industry has welcomed these students with open arms, eager to help them find their places. TCFA members and staff have opened their doors, offering insights and career guidance.

“My biggest takeaway from the program is the endless opportunities for a future in the cattle feeding industry,” Peters said. “The many aspects that go into the industry to make it thrive and grow require many different fields of work. Each and every person I have been able to connect with through the program has been more than willing to help in any way to involve us and help us find our place in the industry.”

Students have taken full advantage of the opportunity to engage with professionals, asking questions and seeking knowledge from committee peers, feedyard managers and TCFA staff.

“My favorite part of the program so far has been getting to see how different operations approach the same challenges in unique ways as well as being able to ask questions directly to managers and industry professionals and hear why they make the decisions they do,” Kraft said. “The networking aspect has also been a highlight. Meeting people who are passionate about the future of the feeding industry and who are willing to invest in the next generation is something I really appreciate.”

After just one year, students are already experiencing the long-term benefits the B.I.N. Program will bring to their careers.

“The experience we are gaining from all these great operations is giving us the tools to make informed, confident decisions when we are in industry leadership roles,” Kraft said. “It’s not just about seeing how things are done today but understanding why they are done that way and how those choices impact the entire operation. At the same time, this program is helping us build a strong network of people we can rely on as mentors, peers and industry professionals who have our backs and who we can learn from as we grow. That combination of real-world experience and trusted relationships is essential to becoming an effective industry leader.”

The B.I.N. Program not only bridges the gap between high school and a career in the industry but also helps TCFA fulfill strategic initiatives that ensure long-term vitality of the cattle feeding industry in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

“With the average age of agricultural producers being 58 and the next generation eager to learn and engage in the future of the cattle feeding industry, the opportunity to begin building future industry leaders is now,” McCarty said. “The Collegiate B.I.N. Program has opened the door for us to educate and integrate students into the association and the industry before they complete their college studies.”