Exchange Program Offers Perspective

NCBA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are launching a new exchange program between cattle ranchers and agency employees. The initiative, called “Walk a Mile in My Boots,” will provide an opportunity for cattlemen and FWS employees to learn about each other’s lifestyles.

Any cattle producer or FWS employee can apply for the program.  The average length of the exchange could run from two-10 days. Program coordinators will pair cattlemen in an exchange that is local and relevant to personal interests.

During the exchange, cattle ranchers can visit a FWS office, refuge, regional office or even travel to the FWS headquarters in Washington, D.C.  They can shadow biologists, managers, educators, conduct outdoor field activities, attend government meetings and work with other officials. Outdoor activities could include water control monitoring, sampling fish or assisting with a telemetry study of an endangered species.

FWS employees can visit a cattle operation and shadow producers in their daily activities, which could be anything from moving cattle to mending fences.

To sign up for the exchange program or for  information, contact Stephanie Tinsley at

202-347-0228 or e-mail walkamile@beef.org.