Category: Continuing Education

NATDA, NCM Partner to Expand Dealer Training & Benefits

Posted on by A.Miller-Cattle-Admin

NATDA and NCM Associates Partner to Expand Training, Peer Learning, and Offer Exclusive Member Advantages

Arlington, VA — The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) announced a new strategic partnership with NCM Associates, naming NCM Associates as an education partner and the exclusive Service Management Training Provider.

Focused on the realities of trailer dealership operations, the partnership delivers access to trailer-only 20 Groups, service and leadership workshops, industry insights, and member-only scholarships and training savings.

Structured 20 Groups Expand in Trailer Segment with NEW 20 Group Options

As part of the partnership, NATDA members can participate in NCM Associate’s 20 Groups tailored specifically to the light and medium-duty trailer industry. 20 Groups bring together noncompeting businesses to help improve dealer profitability and operational performance through confidential financial benchmarking, best practice sharing, accountability, and expert facilitation.

A new Express 20-Group option, for even the smaller dealerships, delivers the same core benefits in a flexible, hybrid format, offering consistent insights and engagement while reducing travel costs —an efficient solution for NATDA members seeking a dealer 20 Group experience.

To learn more about the NCM Trailer 20 Groups, visit the website or contact Mark Spader, 20 Group Moderator at NCM Associates, by phone at 605-759-2513 or email at

mspader@ncmassociates.com

NATDA Trailer Show – A Peak at What’s to Come

As part of the partnership, NCM Associates will deliver three dedicated sessions during the NATDA Trailer Show, held September 1-3 in Nashville, giving dealers direct access to practical education and a firsthand look at NCM’s peer learning model.

Planned sessions include:

Parts Management: Proven Practices to Drive Profitability

  • Maximizing Profitability in Your Service Department
  • Mock 20 Group Session, offering attendees an inside look at what a 20 Group is.

“NCM Associates is proud to partner with NATDA to bring support and resources to its members and the Trailer Industry.” Said Mark Spader. “Together, we’re providing trailer dealers with

access to proven insights, benchmarking, and peer collaboration designed to help them make smarter decisions and drive sustainable growth.”

Scholarships, Trends Insights, Training Discounts, Future NATDA Programs & More…

To further support dealer development, this partnership also includes:

  • Two yearly Scholarships available to NATDA members for NCM Training (valued up to $3395)
  • Trend insights and benchmarking summaries will be shared through NATDA channels
  • Member only discounts for NCM training workshops
  • Expanded educational initiatives between NATDA & NCM beginning in 2027

“This partnership offers valuable and cost-effective resources that improves performance and grows stronger businesses.” Said Corey Langley, Director of Exhibits & Partnerships at NATDA.

More details to follow in the coming months.

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ABOUT NATDA

The North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) serves the light and medium-duty trailer industry by connecting dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers through a variety of educational and promotional platforms. From printed publications like its bi-monthly magazine to the annual NATDA Trailer Show, NATDA provides abundant networking opportunities with high-quality, industry-

specific contacts. At NATDA, your success is our mission™. Learn more at natda.org.

ABOUT NCM Associates

NCM Associates provides performance improvement solutions for dealer organizations through benchmarking, training, peer collaboration, and leadership development. NCM’s 20 Groups and training programs help dealers make informed decisions, improve operational results, and build stronger teams. Learn more at NCM’s trailer program.

Purina Announces $30,000 in 2026 Animal Agriculture Scholarships

Posted on by A.Miller-Cattle-Admin

Purina Animal Nutrition Is Offering $30,000 Across 10 Scholarships; Open to Students With Experience in Animal Agriculture

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. (March 17, 2026) – Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land O’Lakes Foundation, has opened its scholarship program designed to assist students with experience in agriculture and livestock production in pursuing their passions and furthering their education.

Undergraduate students and current high school seniors in the U.S. who have experience raising and caring for small or large livestock, equine, and/or poultry are eligible to apply for one of 10 $3,000 scholarships. Students will be awarded based on applications that illustrate the impact animal agriculture has had on their lives along with detailing academic achievements, leadership skills, community involvement and a clear vision for their future.

Scholarship applications will be accepted from March 18 through 3 p.m. CST April 16, and awardees will be notified in June. Funds will be distributed for the Fall 2026 semester directly to their current or anticipated educational institution. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic semester/term and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the U.S.

To learn more about and apply to the Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship, visit https://www.purinamills.com/scholarship.

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC (www.purinamills.com) is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other retailers throughout the U.S. Every Purina feed and nutritional product is made with a purpose: to support the performance, productivity and well-being of every animal. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn., and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Sandhills Task Force Accepting 2026 Applicants

Posted on by A.Miller-Cattle-Admin

PRESS RELEASE

Nov 1st, 2025

Now accepting applications!

2026 Sandhills Ranch Internship Program & the NEW Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship

The Sandhills Task Force is now accepting applications for the 2026 season of Sandhills Ranch Internships. This paid, three-month summer-long internship includes room and partial board as well as additional paid educational opportunities. Explore a career in agriculture through hands-on experiences in ranching, livestock production, and rangeland management. This is an excellent opportunity to gain skills and knowledge that can open doors to future careers in agriculture while building meaningful relationships.

The Sandhills Task Force is proud to partner with several skilled ranchers in the Nebraska Sandhills to offer this excellent internship opportunity. We seek candidates who are passionate about agriculture, have a strong interest in ranching and range management, and are eager to learn. Eligible applicants must be at least 19 years old at the start of the internship. The internship will provide hands-on experience in daily ranch operations, direct mentorship from experienced ranchers, and practical training in cattle care, stewardship, and ranch management, as offered by the host ranch. We welcome applications from all individuals, students, non-students, and veterans.

To learn more and to apply, visit www.sandhillstaskforce.org/ranch-internship.

Deadline to apply for 2026 Sandhills Ranch Internships is January 5, 2026.

For questions, please contact KyLee at 308-340-2781 or kylee@sandhillstaskforce.org.

Introducing the brand-new Sandhills Ranch Apprenticeship

A nine-month paid opportunity launching this year. From March through November, Connealy Angus will welcome an apprentice ready to gain hands-on ranching experience. This is to strengthen skills, deepen knowledge of livestock production, and grow in confidence throughout the seasons.

Ideal candidates are dependable, self-motivated individuals who have a genuine interest in livestock production and are prepared for the rewarding challenges of a full-time ranching lifestyle. This apprenticeship position includes housing, partial board, and additional paid-for educational opportunities.

To learn more and to apply, visit https://www.sandhillstaskforce.org/apprenticeship.

The deadline to apply for the 2026 Apprenticeship is December 15th, 2025. 

For questions, please contact KyLee at 308-340-2781 or kylee@sandhillstaskforce.org.

The Sandhills Task Force will serve as a facilitator to help match interns and apprentices with ranchers. The Sandhills Task Force will support the relationship in several ways, but ultimately, the relationship is between the intern/apprentice and the host ranch. Partial funding is provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Spread the word to family, friends, and anyone who may be interested in these exciting opportunities with the Sandhills Ranch Internship and Apprenticeship Programs!

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