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The beef industry in North Carolina plays a vital role on farms and in the lives of consumers across the globe. The North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association aims to advance sustainability and profitability of the industry through partnerships, research, advocacy and more.
In 1951, a group of cattle producers saw a need for the NC Cattlemen’s Association, or a group like it, that would help support and advocate for the industry. In the beginning, these producers met on a regular basis to hold meetings and started what is now known as the annual NC Cattle Conference. As the need began to grow, the NC Cattlemen’s Association was formally established in 1956 with the mission to advance sustainability and profitability of the cattle and beef industry in North Carolina. “Our mission at the association remains the same today and is the heart behind everything that we do,” said Milo Lewis, Executive Director of the NC Cattlemen’s Association. “From producer identified industry research, unbiased educational programming, and beef promotion efforts to supporting youth programs and legislative and regulatory advocacy, each section of our organization is anchored in the goal of further advancing the industry for years to come.” According to Milo, the NC Cattlemen’s Association is producer led and producer focused. “We rely on partnerships for a lot of things, whether that’s with cattle farmers across the state, land-grant universities, or the NCDA&CS,” she said.
The NC Cattlemen’s Association is governed by an Executive Committee made up of producers and ex-officio members representing our partners networks including the NCDA&CS and N.C. State Universities College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “When we think of representation for the beef industry in our state, it all starts at the county level,” said Milo. “Our county representatives elect regional representatives to fill out our executive committee seats. Every single person on that board works with the beef industry on a day-to-day basis, so they know the current events within the industry itself on a personal level.” The Executive Committee members offer a fully representative perspective of the industry in our state. “We could not support and represent the industry as well as we do without the work of our Executive Committee and our partners,” Milo said. “This group helps make our core decisions each year, and I am thankful to work alongside them to make our state’s cattle industry stronger.”
As a membership-based organization, the NC Cattlemen’s Association offers an easy way for producers, allied industry members, and even an interested consumer to become a member of the association. “To become a member, simply visit our website (www.nccattle.com), fill out the application online and submit your membership dues,” Milo said. “Even if you aren’t involved with the cattle industry and you just like to eat beef, you should become a member of the association. It’s not just for producers and we have many ways for the public to get involved as advocates for the industry.” From supporting producers on the farm to educating the public off the farm, the association benefits and supports our state’s beef industry in a variety of ways each year.
As detailed above, the NC Cattlemen’s Association is focused on five main areas within the beef industry, but what does that entail on a daily basis? “We rely heavily on our partnership with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the N.C. Department of Agriculture to help us achieve many of our objectives, like educational outreach and research initiatives,” Milo said. “Alongside these dedicated partners, we host events, or participate in events, throughout the year that help educate the public on the importance of our state’s cattle industry, allow them to meet their farmers, and more.” Follow all the NC Cattlemen’s Association social media pages to stay in the know on upcoming events, like Farm Animal Days, that you can get involved in! The association also supports a variety of youth programs to support students within the agriculture industry and allow them to gain further education on N.C. beef. “Whether attending a class job fair or providing scholarships, one of the best ways we can secure a future for our state’s cattle industry is by educating the next generation,” Milo said. “These students are not only our future farmers and agriculture industry workers, but they are also the ones that will be shaping policy and legislation in the years to come, which makes their understanding of the importance of N.C. Agriculture all the more vital.” In fact, the NC Cattlemen’s Association supports scholarships each year to further students’ education within the industry. “Due to the foresight and strong support of past Association leadership, our scholarship program continues to grow, which is something we are very proud of,” Milo said. “Students must have some type of experience within the cattle industry to apply, but they don’t have to be focused on an agriculture career.” Be sure to check out their website to learn more about scholarships being offered and apply for one today if you are interested!
For producers and allied industry members, the NC Cattlemen’s Association provides immense support each year through research, legislative lobbying, and industry marketing/promotion. “We partner with land-grant universities and state extension to conduct research projects that look into current issues our producers are facing,” Milo said. “These projects look for ways to make our producers more successful in their operations. Once a research project is concluded, our team works with the University to compile the information and distribute it to producers across the state for education and implementation.” In addition to building for the future, the association also helps cattle farmers through disaster assistance and response when needed. “Our association is unique in that we have representation in all 100 counties of our state,” Milo said, “which means, regardless of when or where a disaster occurs in our state, our industry will likely be impacted, and we will be there to help our producers.” Following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the NC Cattlemen’s Association not only received financial donations and support impacted producers, but they also coordinated and volunteers to help repair fences, rebuild barns and supply food/hay. “One of the best things about this industry is how we all band together to support one another when times get tough,” Milo said. “We take a lot of pride in being there for our beef farmers whenever and wherever they need us.” In addition to following their social media channels, North Carolina beef farmers should sign up to receive their monthly publication, The Carolina Cattle Connection, to stay in the know on association projects, research, events and more.
As Executive Director of the association, Milo’s job responsibilities can change from day to day, but they always aim to support and strengthen the beef cattle industry in our state. “The beef industry complements our state’s economy and the overall agriculture industry in so many ways, and our producers are some of the most unique and diverse people you will ever meet,” she said. “Beef is a lifestyle for farmers, as well as a food source for consumers, making it an important piece of the puzzle for future generations. I take pride in knowing, alongside my staff, that the work we do here at the association is not only making a difference in the here and now, but also setting us up for a strong future.” We are so proud of all that Milo and her team are doing to support, benefit and further the beef industry in our state. Be sure to follow along on their social media channels to connect with them and consider becoming a member of the association to help us further the impact of the N.C. beef industry!
