Alan Kelley, a cow-calf producer from St. Cloud, Fla., has been named the recipient of the Max Deets Leadership Scholarship, presented by the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF). Kelley received the award Saturday during a luncheon at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show.
Developed in honor of Max Deets, a Beloit, Kan., cattleman and 1997 president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), the scholarship promotes industry leadership and further develops young industry visionaries by awarding an all-expense-paid trip to the annual cattle industry convention and trade show, with a value up to $1,000.
The recipient of the award is the Young Cattlemen's Conference chairman. Annually, the Young Cattlemen's Conference participants select an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership during the week-long tour to serve as chairman of the conference the following year. Kelley was selected this year.
Kelley is a fifth-generation cattle producer who, after graduating from the University of Florida, joined his father in managing their 1,000 head plus cow-herd in central Florida. He has been focused on improving and expanding their cow herd, and developing additional enterprises to diversify the ranch’s income.
Kelley is actively involved in the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and has served in several leadership positions locally and at the state level. He and his wife Amanda have two sons, ages three and one.
“I'm honored to receive this scholarship. Max Deets has made some great contributions to the beef industry," Kelley said. "Being able to attend the annual convention was a great opportunity for me, and I participated in policy-setting discussions and met a number of industry leaders.”
Established through contributions from the Kansas Livestock Association and NCBA, the Max Deets Leadership Scholarship is administered by the National Cattlemen's Foundation Board of Trustees.