Who is MJCA?
MJCA was organized at the 1991 Mississippi State Fair with the election of the inaugural board of directors. MJCA is sponsored by the Mississippi Cattlemen's Association, with a member of the MCA staff serving as advisor for the organization. The youth organization was developed with the future of the cattle industry in Mississippi in mind. It is vital that we, as cattle producers, realize the importance of these young people and their welfare, as they are the future leaders of our industry. Thus, leadership development is the key objective of the Mississippi Junior Cattlemen's Association. For more information about MJCA programs, contact [email protected].
MJCA Benefits
As an MJCA member, you'll have the opportunity to develop your leadership and communication skills while benefiting from many MJCA activities, including:
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Mississippi Junior Cattlemen's association is held each year during the Dixie National Livestock Show Junior Round-Up. The major item of business at this meeting is the election of new directors.
Youth Beef Industry Congress
The Youth Beef Industry Congress is a bi-annual congress that brings together more than 200 youth from across the nation to enrich their knowledge and understanding of today's beef business. The Mississippi Junior Cattlemen's Association sponsors its officers to this leadership and industry-issues training conference.
Scholarships
Through association with MJCA, students are offered several thousand dollars worth of collegiate scholarships. In 2019 alone, more than $65,000 worth of scholarships was given to Mississippi students through MJCA.
Making Tracks Leadership Camp
Now in its twenty-second year, "Making Tracks" is a joint effort between the Mississippi State University Animal and Dairy Science Department, the Mississippi Cattlemen's Foundation and the Mississippi Junior Cattlemen's Association and is sponsored by The Wax Company. The three-day event is held annually during the summer on the MSU campus and includes workshops dealing with all aspects of the cattle industry, including reproduction, parliamentary procedure and judging workshops.
Field Days
MJCA holds several field days for its members. The field days assist with grooming techniques, judging skills, showmanship, new equipment and a lot of fellowship.
Mississippi State Fair
The MJCA directors conduct a membership meeting annually at the Mississippi State Fair. This meeting enables junior members to enjoy fellowship and become better acquainted with other junior members.