In addition to its new vice president of affiliate relations and member services, NCBA has hired two new field representatives and plans to add two more. When the membership team is complete, NCBA will have five field representatives traveling in designated regions, meeting with area cattlemen, and serving as a conduit between grassroots members and NCBA staff and officers.

"We started this a little over a year ago in the Southeast," says NCBA President John Queen, a cattleman from Waynesville, N.C. "We saw 75 percent membership growth in the Southeast alone, and a lot of that can be attributed to NCBA having a familiar face at the local and state level. Our field reps give producers a chance to be involved with NCBA in a way they didn't have before. I'm excited about what these new field reps can do, because they have extensive experience in this industry."

Dan McCarty is the new field representative in NCBA Region V, an area that includes Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. McCarty, who is based in Montana, grew up on a cattle ranch in Walden, Colo. His wife is a large animal veterinarian and recently graduated from Colorado State University.

Clay Edwards, a South Dakota native, is the NCBA field representative for Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. His family is in the livestock auction business, and Edwards also staffs NCBA's Livestock Marketing Council. He lives in Larchwood, Iowa, which is located near Sioux Falls, S.D.

Melanie Sojourner is NCBA's field representative in Region II, which includes eight southeastern states. She grew up on a century farm that includes a diversified crop and cow/calf operation near Natchez, Miss.

"I care deeply about the cattle industry. This job gives me the chance to help cattlemen realize they can have a part in shaping its future, and that NCBA is dedicated to their success," says Sojourner.

NCBA Vice president of Affiliate Relations and Member Services Polly Ruhland helps her field representatives strengthen the connection between NCBA members and their association leadership.

"NCBA leaders are cattlemen just like everyone else - they're volunteers," says Ruhland. �Our job, especially through our field reps, is to help NCBA reach out and build new and stronger relationships with members. NCBA is cattlemen talking to cattlemen, making decisions together. There is a great value in belonging to NCBA, and membership provides many opportunities. Ultimately, we're all about helping keep cattlemen profitable. That's why we exist."

To complete its member services team, NCBA is taking applications for a field representative for Region VI, which includes California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. NCBA also is seeking a field representative for Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio.