Holly Hall, Courtney Heritage and Maggie Justice, all of Alabama Extension at Auburn University, were selected for the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program Class XIII. Throughout 2026, the group of 24 young people will hone leadership skills and participate in networking opportunities during six sessions held at locations across the state.
Hall is the Bibb County 4-H agent and a resident of Shelby County. She serves as treasurer and scholarship chairwoman of the Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association.
“I have a passion for agriculture and all that it provides for my community,” Hall said. “I am also passionate about teaching agriculture to young people through my career with Alabama 4-H. During my journey through the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program, I really hope to expand my knowledge and contact base with beef producers and industry leaders.”
Heritage is the Elmore County 4-H agent. Currently a member of the Elmore County Cattlemen’s Association, she grew up attending events with the Autauga County Cattlemen’s Association. She still helps her father, Kyle Dobbs, and uncle, Fred Dobbs, on the family cow-calf operation, Triple D Farms, in Autauga County.
“Being selected for this program is truly an honor,” Heritage said. “I am grateful to represent both my family’s small cow-calf operation as well as Elmore County. I hope to learn as much as I can throughout the year so I can bring that knowledge back to our farm while becoming a stronger leader and advocate for the cattle industry. I look forward to becoming more involved and serving wherever I am needed within the Elmore County Cattlemen’s Association.”
Justice is a specialist for Beef Cattle Systems. She was raised on her family’s cow-calf operation in South Carolina and has earned degrees in animal science from Clemson University and Auburn University. In her career, Justice develops educational programs, conducts applied research and helps beef producers adopt practical, science-based management strategies.
“Growing up in the cattle industry and now serving Alabama producers through Alabama Extension, I see this as an opportunity to continue learning from the people who make our industry successful every day,” Justice said. “I hope to build lasting relationships with producers and industry leaders across the state, strengthen my leadership skills and become an even better advocate for Alabama’s beef industry.”
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association administers the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program. Class XIII will graduate during the association’s 84th annual convention and trade show in Montgomery in February 2027.
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