Learn more about opportunities for student internships and cattle marketing program updates.
MSGA Opens Internship Applications for 2025 Annual Convention
Student Internship applications for the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) Annual Convention and Trade Show are open. Applications are due Sept. 15 and the internship will take place Dec. 8-13, 2025, in Billings, Mont.
The MSGA Annual Convention Internship program allows students to gain practical experience in association event planning, policy development, and social media production. Multiple internship roles are available, offering exposure to each of these key areas.
The Annual Convention and Trade Show is one of two annual gatherings, bringing together members to shape organizational policy and educational programs. Highlights include an industry trade show, policy meetings, keynote speakers and networking opportunities.
Visit the MSGA website to learn more about eligibility and to apply or contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420.
Applications Open for 2026 CattleCon Contests, Internships and Scholarships
Students can get involved in CattleCon 2026, which is headed to Nashville Feb. 3-5.
The 13th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook, is accepting entries through Oct. 15. The winner will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the event’s Opening General Session and will receive round trip airfare to Nashville, a hotel room for three nights, complimentary convention registration, plus a pair of boots, jeans and a shirt from Roper or Stetson.
Any member or family member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American National CattleWomen or Cattlemen’s Beef Board is eligible to participate in the contest. Previous NCBA National Anthem Contest winners are not eligible. The top four finalists will be chosen by Oct. 21, and videos will be posted to the CattleCon website. Voting will be open to the public Nov. 1-15 (one vote per person per day), and the winner will be announced Nov. 18.
College students selected as interns will be responsible for setting up the indoor arena, assisting at committee meetings and Cattlemen’s College, posting on social media and contributing in the NCBA booth. This opportunity offers college students the ability to network with industry stakeholders throughout the beef industry and gain valuable experience. Students also receive a one-year NCBA student membership.
Student interns must be able to work Feb. 1-6, 2026, provide their own transportation to Nashville, and be at least a junior-level college student at an accredited university at the time of the event. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, should be well-versed in all areas of social media, and preferably have a background in, or working knowledge of, the cattle and/or beef industry.
Interested students must complete an online Student Internship Application by Oct. 15 and submit college transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume.
Young beef producers, students, farmers and ranchers interested in attending CattleCon 2026 can apply for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients receive a complimentary Education Package registration and discounted housing accommodation for three nights. This is a great way for youth, first-timers and others to expand their network at the largest event in the beef cattle business. The application deadline is Oct. 15.
Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2026 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.
CattleCon 2026 registration and housing open on Aug. 20. For more information, visit convention.ncba.org.
RAAA Rebrands FCCP as Angus Access to Increase Market Competitiveness
The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) has officially rebranded its Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP) as Angus Access. The original FCCP program was the first genetic, age and source verification program in the beef built to USDA-approved standards. FCCP was launched in 1995 to provide Red Angus sired calves great access to market premiums through a low-cost, data-driven verification model.
The new Angus Access name supports broader industry efforts to secure recognition of Red Angus cattle within Angus-branded beef programs, according to the RAAA.
“This program has always been about creating opportunity for commercial cattlemen. Angus Access builds on that legacy, giving Red Angus producers a clear path to premium markets and rewarding those who invest in quality and accountability,” said Kyley DeVoe, RAAA president.
More than 3.5 million calves have been enrolled through FCCP and its counterpart, Allied Access, launched in 2011 to extend source and age verification to crossbred calves.
To learn more about sourcing and identification requirements visit the RAAA website.
To enroll in RAAA’s value-added programs, email tags@redangus.org or call 940-477-4593.
