It’s a little hard to explain this experience called YCC. After 10 days of spending literally every waking moment with the folks in that picture, you would think that I would be ready to say, “Sayonara,, baby.” Instead, my heart is heavy as I head home.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be ecstatic to see my family when I walk in the door. But those folks? They are the cream of the crop. They are intelligent and sincere. They are passionate about what they do. They strive to better the beef industry each and every day. The drive they possess rubs off on you and I’m better today because I know them.

Regardless of what segment of the beef industry we come from, we’ve spent the week learning from each other. We shared our perspectives. We didn’t always agree and that was good. We listened to each other and had honest discussions.

The experiences we’ve had are second to none. Marin Kokes and the crew at National Cattlemen’s Beef Association put on a top-notch program. Whether it was touring the JBS Greely plant, seeing the opening bell at CBOT or converging on the Hill in Washington, D.C., learning through experience can not be duplicated. Many members of this trip had never had those opportunities before, and might not have the chance again. It’s safe to say this is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

And there’s the cowboys. There’s nothing like being a lady when there is a cowboy around. He opens doors for you. He says, “Yes, ma’am.” He carries your bags. He treats you to cab rides and drinks. Multiply that times 43 and that’s what it has been like for the 16 women on this trip. There’s a reason that we watched women swoon as our cowboy friends walked past them on the city street.

Friends who are former YCCers told me that the experience was like none other. And they were right. It’s the people, the learning opportunities, the industry relationships – all crammed into 10 days.

So while I’m in full-on exhaustion mode, I still wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything.

Happy trails, YCC ’12. Until we meet again.

Yesterday was a full day of boots on the Hill. Young Caattlemen’s Conference class members tested their skills by making congressional visits with their Representatives and Senators.

The group told their story to the folks in Washington that are representing them. And, they made sure those Congressmen knew the most important issues to the beef industry – including the Death Tax, Farm bill issues and regulations.

For me, the highlight of the day was being able to watch Senator Stabenow and Senator Roberts introduce the Farm Bill to the Senate floor. I’d like to say we had it all set up, but by chance, we were in Senator Roberts office just minutes before he was scheduled to be on the floor introducing the bill. His and Senator Moran’s staff quickly changed their plans to allow us to observe from the gallery.

What resonated with me is that these “boots on the hill” really do make a difference. Contents of the Senate’s proposed Farm Bill are there because farmers and ranchers took the time to visit the Hill. Sure, there will be lots of debate between now and the final version, but making our voices heard makes a difference. Afterall, these Senators and Representatives work for us. Listening to what we have to say is their job.

We’ve made it to Washington, D.C.

Members of the Young Cattlemen’s Conference all know the important issues to them back home on their ranches. They have real stories and part of the goal of the stop in Washington D.C. is for them to share their stories with members of Congress.

Kristina Butts briefs the YCC class.

This morning, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association staff members briefed the group on the status of key legislation relating to the the issues that will affect the beef industry. The top priority is the Farm Bill and specifically the Livestock Title. The Farm Bill included the Livestock Title for the first time in 2008.

YCC class members also recently completed their training for Master’s of Beef Advocacy. The program was started in 2009 and now has 3,500 graduates who are beef producers trained to be advocates for the industry. Daren Williams helped class members form their message and be prepared to make consumer contacts.

Daren Williams tells producers to tell their story.

Yesterday the Young Cattlemen’s Conference class flew into Chicago for a quick couple of stops.

We ate a famous Chicago Dog and Italian beef sandwiches at Portillos.

And then stopped at the top of the John Hancock Building on the 96th floor in the Signature Room for photo opps and a drink.

Bright and early this morning we headed out for the Chicago Board of Trade.

We watched the opening bell. No photos were allowed, or I would show you the pits crowded with traders in bright colored jackets. Do you remember the Eddie Murphy movie, “Trading Places?” It’s like that. Only today, with the advent of online trading, some of the pits were not nearly as full as they used to be. Founded in 1848, the CBOT is the world’s oldest futures and options exchange.

Most of us think a traffic jam is when a couple of neighbors stop on the road and talk through pickup windows. But today, city traffic held up the bus. While we waited, we saw some interesting city sites.

I didn’t get a picture of the guy protesting capitalism across the street from CBOT. If he was trying create a spectacle, he was sadly disappointed. He was outshadowed by the 58 cowboys and girls on a city street. If I’ve learned one thing so far this week, this group attacts a lot of attention.