Junior Cattlemen s Associations. Opportunities exist at the statewide level in the Alabama Junior Cattlemen s Association, as well as the various youth breed-affiliated associations. These leadership opportunities even exist at the national level, in youth breed-affiliated organizations. Communication skills are practiced in speech contests at the local club level, with winners moving on to county and statewide competitions and in some cases, even onto regional and national competition. The Beef Ambassador Program funded by the Alabama Cattlewomen s Association is an event involving communication skills development as well as learning about the beef industry.
Character building comes with being able to handle winning and losing in the heat of competition.
Accepting the bitter taste of defeat and being humble in victory are skills crucial in today s society. Being gracious in winning and accepting the obligations and responsibilities that go with winning, are part of the honors that go to the victor. The winners must remember they are thrust in the light of being a role model. The personal responsibility of keeping accurate and honest records is part of the character-building process. Being knowledgeable about agriculture and how it affects our environment is a segment of youth development that has been overlooked.