The Panhandle Cattlemen’s College (PCC) is excited to announce the Chute Side Skills Track (CST) Scholarship Program, made possible through the generous support of Lee Trailer Sales. This scholarship will cover the registration fee for five Florida youth ages 15–18 for the 2025 UF/IFAS Extension Panhandle Cattlemen’s College, held October 27–29, 2025, at the North Florida Research and Education Center, in Greenwood, Florida.
The Chute Side Skills Track is a three-day hands-on program designed to immerse students in essential cattle handling and production practices. Participants will gain real-world experience in areas such as animal identification, blood sampling, implanting, injections, and castration. The program culminates with a capstone project where students work together to process a group of 50 head of cattle, strengthening both technical skills and teamwork.
In addition to the hands-on training, scholarship recipients will also earn Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification, a nationally recognized standard in cattle management. This program equips youth with the confidence, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in the cattle industry while introducing them to a network of producers and professionals who can support their future endeavors.
The scholarship is made possible through the support of Will and Michelle Thompson of Lee Trailer Sales, a family-owned business serving the Panhandle region for more than 20 years. With deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to agriculture, the Thompsons wanted to create an opportunity for youth to gain access to industry training and resources through PCC.
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Scholarship Application Details
- Eligibility: Florida youth ages 15–18 (must attend with an adult)
- Application Requirements: A 500-word essay detailing current or future involvement in the cattle industry, career goals, and how participation in the Chute Side Skills Track will support those goals.
- Deadline: September 15, 2025
- Application Portal: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23q7mMzF5XhluOG
- For more information about the UF/IFAS Extension Panhandle Cattlemen’s College and the CST Scholarship Program, please contact Kalyn Waters at kalyn.waters@ufl.edu. Or Nick Simmons at n.simmons@ufl.edu
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Panhandle Cattlemen’s College (PCC)
The Panhandle Cattlemen’s College provides innovative, hands-on learning opportunities for cattle producers in the Southeast. By combining research-based education with real-world application, PCC equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and network needed to succeed in today’s evolving cattle industry.
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Sponsor Information
Founded by Will Thompson more than 20 years ago, Lee Trailer Sales has grown from three rental trailers to a full-service dealership offering trailers, tractors, mowers, and equipment repair. With over 85 years of combined staff experience, Lee Trailer Sales is dedicated to providing the tools and service customers need to get the job done.
