Jacy Alsup Attends Leaders Conference In California

GRAVETTE — Nine Arkansas youth, including a Gravette junior, represented the state at the 2009 LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Angus Development) conference held recently in San Francisco, where they learned more about the beef industry, leadership and interpersonal skills..

Jacy Alsup, daughter of Danny and Debbie Alsup, joined Matthew Boecker of Bentonville, Sarah Connolly of Rogers and six other Arkansas students who were among 184 youth and advisors from 34 states at the conference.

They gained "insight into the environment and animal-welfare challenges while developing leadership and teambuilding skills." The conference was funded by the National Junior Angus Association for NJAA members.

Topics also focused on California agriculture including tours of a 3,000 head dairy, an almond manufacturing plant and the Vintage Angus Ranch embryo facility, among others. Nationally known speakers presented information on various agri-related topics.

Pictured, front row, left to right, are Amanda Holland of Imboden, Will Pohlman of Prairie Grove, Paige Tribble of Pocahontas, Audrey Taylor and Madeline Taylor, both of Lavaca, and Matthew Boecker of Bentonville, Back row, Sarah Connolly of Rogers, Christine Taylor of Lavaca and Jacy Alsup of Gravette. -Photo by American Angus Association