Young Producers Assembly Sees Growing Momentum in Wyoming Cattle Industry
June 12, 2026
Interest in the Wyoming Stock Growers Association’s Young Producers Assembly continues to grow as more young ranchers and agricultural leaders look for opportunities to become involved in the state's livestock industry.
Speaking at the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Cody, Young Producers Assembly President Nate Kane of Sheridan said participation in the organization has increased significantly over the past year.
“There really has been a lot of interest,” Kane said. “Going back to our December convention in Casper, we had almost 40 young people at our meeting. We actually had to bring in more chairs, and there were people lining the walls. That's a wonderful problem to have.”
Kane said one of his primary goals as president has been to help young producers better understand the role the Wyoming Stock Growers Association plays in advocating for the state's livestock industry.
“My goal was just to try to get more young people to come and see the importance of what the Stock Growers do,” Kane said. “I need them to be here, go to the committee meetings, and see firsthand why the Wyoming Stock Growers is such a good voice for Wyoming and for the state.”
To encourage participation, the Young Producers Assembly has organized several activities designed to engage the next generation of ranchers.
One of those efforts was the group's second annual "Cowboys to the Capital" trip, which sent young producers to Washington, D.C., to learn more about the policy-making process and agricultural advocacy.
“Last fall we did our second annual Cowboys to the Capital trip,” Kane explained. “We sent three of our YPA members to D.C. for four or five days and gave them the opportunity to experience what happens there and how those folks work on behalf of agriculture.”
The organization has also partnered with the Wyoming Collegiate Cattlemen's Association to help connect college students with opportunities in the livestock industry and encourage future leadership involvement.
Looking ahead, Kane said the group plans to continue finding creative ways to attract younger members, including hosting an NFR watch party during the Wyoming Stock Growers Association's annual convention later this year.
“We're going to try to do an NFR watch party at the convention,” Kane said. “That way there’s not just one TV at the bar that a hundred people are trying to gather around.”
Kane believes getting young people engaged now is critical to the future of Wyoming agriculture.
“We are kind of the future of this ag industry,” he said. “You’ve just got to get here. If you see what we’re doing, you'll want to get more involved.”
He also credited the Wyoming Stock Growers Association for giving young producers a meaningful voice within the organization. More than a decade ago, the association granted the Young Producers Assembly president a seat on the executive board, ensuring younger members have a direct role in leadership discussions.
“It was incredibly gracious of the Wyoming Stock Growers,” Kane said. “They gave the president a seat on the executive board, so I get to attend meetings with the leadership team and be part of those conversations.”
As Wyoming's cattle industry continues to navigate challenges ranging from policy issues to succession planning, Kane said developing future leaders remains essential.
For young producers interested in becoming involved with the Young Producers Assembly or the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, more information is available through the association's website.
Source: Western Ag Network
