December 7, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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NCBA’s Cattlemen’s College Set to Kick-off 23rd Year in San Diego

san diego cicDENVER – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattlemen’s College series will kick-off its 23rd year Jan. 26-27, 2016 in San Diego, Calif. Widely hailed as the premier educational event in the cattle industry, this series, sponsored by Zoetis, will feature speakers and live animal demonstrations that give cattlemen and women the tools to connect, learn and innovate.

“Cattlemen’s College is a great opportunity for producers from all parts of the country, all ages, and all operations to learn from leading industry experts and their fellow cattlemen and women,” said NCBA President Philip Ellis. “Never has producer education been more important in our industry, and if applied, the principals discussed in this program will add value to your operation.”

Cattlemen’s College will start off on Jan. 26, with an opportunity to listen to and question five of the most influential and dynamic experts in the beef industry through the session “Whole Herd Makeover: Cowboy Style.” Industry experts will include Dr. Dave Daley, Don Schiefelbein, Patsy Houghton and Tom Brink, with Dr. Tom Field moderating. Topics will range from expanding your cowherd with a vision, to genetics and animal health. This session will also feature live cattle demonstrations as these topics are explored in-depth. The day will conclude with a California Fresh Reception, showing off the bounty of California’s agricultural products and produce, sponsored by Zoetis.

Jan. 27 will start with a general session hosted by Dr. Robert Fraley, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Monsanto, who believes the challenge to feed a growing world population will take collaboration and a greater focus on maximizing the use of resources. Dr. Fraley will share his outlook and thoughts on how agriculture will meet those goals. Following the general session and throughout the morning, attendees will have a choice of five key topic areas for hour-long breakout sessions. These breakouts will focus on cattle health, nutrition, hot industry topics, business development, production and how to seize future opportunities.

During lunch, attendees will have another chance to follow up with the day’s speakers and ask questions.

Early registration for Cattlemen’s College ends Jan. 4, 2016. Registration includes all Cattlemen’s College sessions and the reception. A complete schedule and registration information are available online at www.beefusa.org.

October 8, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Registration Open for 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show

san diego cicDENVER – Registration and housing for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show is now open. The 118th Annual Convention will be held in San Diego, Calif., Jan. 27-29, 2016. Advanced registration is open until Jan. 4, 2016. Convention participants will hear from industry leaders, gather insight on industry trends, enjoy an evening of stars and stripes on the USS Midway and this year’s Cowboy Concert Series will feature Martina McBride. NCBA President Philip Ellis said this convention is a must for everyone involved in the cattle industry.

“The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest, national convention in the cattle business,” Ellis said. “We look forward to another great meeting in an outstanding location. Once again, NCBA will have one of the largest trade shows in agriculture, with 350 companies exhibiting on nearly 6 acres of show floor. Between the USO show on the USS Midway and Martina McBride, our entertainment will be outstanding.”

In addition to access to all of the 2016 convention events, registrants for the full convention will receive a 50 percent off coupon for Roper and Stetson apparel and footwear at the NCBA Trade Show. To register and secure housing for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit www.beefusa.org or e-mail [email protected].

Follow us on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter at #beefmeet

September 4, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Internship Opportunities Available for the Cattle Industry Convention

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoDENVER – Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show internships. If you are a college junior or above and are interested in being a part of the cattle industry’s largest event you are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, a passion for the cattle and agricultural industry and the ability to travel to San Diego Jan. 25-30. NCBA President, Philip Ellis, said this internship is a great opportunity for college students to gain first-hand experience and network with leaders from every segment of the cattle and beef industry.

“Convention interns will benefit from a behind the scenes look at the cattle industry’s most prestigious event,” said Ellis. “The skills they are able to take from their experience and the contacts they make during this internship will last a lifetime.”

Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show interns are vital to the success of the event and a valued member of the team. Student interns will help many different NCBA staff members with a variety of meetings and events. Students should be prepared for a wide range of responsibilities from overseeing committee sign-in to working closely with the NCBA Political Action Committee and Cattlemen to Cattlemen television program.

“In addition to working with leaders in the cattle industry, the convention internship gives student the opportunity to meet and work with other young people from across the country,” said Ellis. “I would strongly recommend anyone who is interested to apply for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.”

Applications for the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show internship are due by Oct. 1. For more information and to apply click here or go to www.BeefUSA.org and click on careers. Apply today and get ready to Set Sail for San Diego.

July 24, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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New Beef Industry Long Range Plan Establishes Roadmap for 2016-2020

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoDENVER – During the 2015 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver last week, 16 beef industry leaders representing every link in the beef value chain presented a plan for meeting aggressive goals to strengthen the beef industry from 2016-2020. The Beef Industry Long Range Plan Task Force has been meeting since December, 2014.

“While the beef industry has faced many challenges, the future holds tremendous promise for the industry,” according to Don Schiefelbein, owner/operator of Schiefelbein Farms and task force co-chair. “The task force took a research-based approach to not only determine where the industry is and how we got here, but also at the trends and issues potentially impacting the beef community so that we can be most successful moving forward.”

The task force defined the mission of the U.S. beef industry as, “a beef community dedicated to growing beef demand by producing and marketing the safest, healthiest, most delicious beef that satisfies the desires of an increasing global population while responsibly managing our livestock and natural resources.”

In addition, the task force agreed the single most important strategic objective the industry should pursue is increasing beef demand and established a specific objective to “increase the wholesale beef demand index by 2 percent annually over the next five years,” which will require resources be committed in four core strategies:

  • Drive growth in beef exports, a strategy that focuses on gaining access to key markets and promoting the unique attributes of U.S. beef to foreign consumers.
  • Protect and enhance the business and political climate for beef, which begins with motivating stakeholders to become more engaged in policy concerns to improve the industry’s effectiveness in managing political and regulatory issues that threaten the overall business climate of beef production, including assuring beef’s inclusion in dietary recommendations, exploration of new production technologies, crisis management planning, developing the next generation of beef industry stakeholders and other initiatives.
  • Grow consumer trust in beef and beef production, including a critical focus on antibiotic stewardship, the implementation of a certification/verification program and continued investment in beef safety initiatives. The task force said the entire beef community must be engaged and collaborate with a broad group of industry partners to protect beef’s image.
  • Promote and strengthen beef’s value proposition, a strategy designed to revolutionize beef marketing and merchandising; invest in research that allows the industry to communicate beef’s nutritional benefits; capitalize on media technologies to communicate beef’s value proposition; and respond to consumer-based market signals with product improvements and increased production efficiencies.

“The overall vision of our Task Force has been straightforward,” said John Butler, CEO of Beef Marketing Group, a task force co-chair. “Recognizing the growing demand among the world’s middle class for high-quality protein, we want the U.S. beef industry to responsibly produce the most trusted and preferred protein in the world. At this pivotal point in the U.S. beef industry’s history we need to focus our energies and limited resources on those areas that can provide our industry the best results.”

Support for the long range planning process was provided through the Policy and Federation divisions of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Guided by the plan, the Beef Board and Federation adapted their joint committee structure to better focus on plan recommendations to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of beef checkoff dollars where they can and should appropriately be invested. For the complete Beef Industry Long Range Plan 2016-2020 report or the Summary, go to www.beefusa.org.

In addition to Butler and Schiefelbein, members of the Beef Industry Long Range Task Force were:

  • Jerry Bohn, General Manager, Pratt Feeders LLC;
  • Kim Brackett, Owner/Operator, Brackett Ranches;
  • Tom Brink, Owner/Operator, Top Dollar Angus, Inc.;
  • Donnell Brown, Owner/Operator, R.A. Brown Ranch;
  • Barry Carpenter, CEO, North American Meat Institute;
  • Lynn Delmore, Ph.D., Meat Safety and Quality Consultant, Adjunct Professor, Colorado State University;
  • Barbara Stevenson Jackson, Owner/Operator, Animal Health Express and Red Rock Feeding Company;
  • Molly McAdams, Ph.D., Retail and Food Industry Consultant;
  • Kevin Pond, Ph.D., Department Head, Animal Sciences, Colorado State University;
  • Bill Rishel, Owner/Operator, Rishel Angus;
  • Brad Scott, Owner/Operator, Scott Brothers Dairy;
  • Eric Smith, Owner/Operator, Xtra Ranch;
  • Tim Starks, Owner/Operator, Cherokee Auction Market;
  • Jay Theiler, Executive Director, Marketing, Agri Beef Company.
July 21, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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American Fork Ranch Wins Regional Award for Environmental Stewardship

American Fork Ranch Environmental StewardshipAmerican Fork Ranch of Two Dot, Mont., was honored with one of seven regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) awards. The honorees, announced during last week’s 2015 Cattle Industry Summer Conference, were recognized for their outstanding stewardship practices. This year’s regional winners will compete for the national award, which will be announced during the 25th anniversary celebration in January 2016.

ESAP is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, and is presented to farmers and ranchers who demonstrate a commitment to protecting the farm and ranch land in their care.

“The American Fork Ranch is a part of Montana history, established in 1882 and dating back to days of the Montana Territory. The Stevens family has owned the ranch since 1945 and currently has the fifth generation actively involved in ranch operations and the community,” said Jay Bodner, Montana Stockgrowers Association director of natural resources. “Under the management of Jed and Annie Evjene, the American Fork Ranch has experienced a transformation in sustainability, stewardship and conservation through a number of public and private partnerships. Through a dedication to long-term stewardship, the American Fork Ranch continuously works to improve their cattle operation to benefit their environment, wildlife, resources, community and employees.”

At American Fork Ranch, they’ve found that what’s good for cattle production is also good for the wildlife – and by improving their pastures through cross fencing and adding an extensive system of waterlines, the work has also improved habitat for the native animals.

In 2008, American Fork Ranch embarked upon an ambitious, multi-tiered program to wholly rejuvenate the ranch’s native prairies. To do this, the Evjenes worked in partnership with the NRCS and its Environmental Quality Incentives Program. This program helped them to cross-fence, develop water, complete range assessment of the ranch, collect soil samples, and develop a formal and intricate rotational grazing program. Specifically, the largest implementation was the addition of 25 miles of interior cross fencing. This divided 23 pastures that were once very large into more efficient average sizes of 350 acres, creating 49 efficient grazing pastures.

Grazing each pasture for seven days has allowed the ranch to keep forage in front of the livestock and increase weaning weights on the calves, while increasing overall herd health. Pasture start times are adjusted so that each pasture is not used at the same times each year. Resting each pasture for 45 days between rotation cycles has allowed them to clearly monitor the growing and sustained health of the range as the native plants and wildlife mature and flourish.

Some of the dominant wildlife species that share the open spaces of the ranch and its riparian corridors include antelope, whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyotes, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, eastern brook trout, along with several other wildlife species.

“Being able to walk out here or drive here and see good healthy livestock, good healthy wildlife, clear running water and lots of grass. Knowing that we as a team worked together to succeed in this is very rewarding for all of us here on the ranch,” said Jed Evjene. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Ranches receiving ESAP recognition from other regions include Valley View Farms, Harrisonburg, Va.; Bull Hammock Ranch, Fort Pierce, Fla.; Glenn and Bev Rowe, Lorimor, Iowa; 6666 Ranch, Gutherie, Texas; Maggie Creek Ranch, Elko, Nev.; and Kopriva Angus, Raymond, S.D.

Read more about the American Fork Ranch, who was recognized as the Montana ESAP recipient earlier this year by MSGA.

May 27, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Stockgrowers Announces Northwestern Energy Top Hand Partnership

Northwestern EnergyHelena, Mont. – Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is excited to announce its second year of partnership with NorthWestern Energy as an “Official Top Hand Club Sponsor.” Thanks to Northwestern Energy’s support, the top recruiting MSGA member this year will win a trip to the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention in San Diego, California.

The Top Hand Club is a part of Stockgrowers’ Affiliate Mentorship Program, a renewed effort to strengthen local affiliate groups and individual ranching members across the state. The Individual Top Hand recognition will be awarded to the Stockgrowers member that recruits the highest number of new memberships for MSGA within the current recruitment year, ending November 30.

Thanks to the partnership with NorthWestern Energy, the top prize for this year’s Individual Top Hand will be a trip to San Diego, California for the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention on January 27-30. This is a great opportunity for Montana ranchers to learn more about the cattle industry at the national level and to network with ranchers and industry members from all regions of the country.

Last year’s Individual Top Hand winner was Kyle Middlemist of Dixon, Montana. Kyle attended the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas this past February.

The Top Hand Club is the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s “member-recruit-a-member” program, which has developed to recognize those Local Affiliate groups and individual members across the state who continually give their time and effort to help increase the strength of their state organization, the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

The 2015 winner will be announced at MSGA’s Annual Convention to be held Dec. 3-5 at the MetraPark in Billings. To learn more about MSGA’s 2015 Top Hand Club and to find information on membership programs and benefits, please visit the Top Hand Club page on our website.

February 19, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Montana Producer Elected to Beef Promotion Operating Committee

Sidney-Area Rancher and Business Woman Elected to Serve on National Beef Checkoff Committee

kristin larson sidney rancherKristin Larson, a Sidney cattle producer and businesswoman who has a lifetime of experience in the cattle industry, has been elected to the national Beef Promotion Operating Committee, representing the Federation of State Beef Councils. The Beef Promotion Operating Committee was created by the Beef Promotion Research Act to help coordinate state and national beef checkoff programs. The 20-person committee includes 10 members elected from the Federation and 10 members elected from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.

Larson currently serves on the state level as the vice president for the Montana Beef Council as well as chair of the budget committee. During her term on the council she has held other leadership positions on various standing committees and continues to encourage others to engage. Her dedication to serving on the board and representing Montana beef producers has been unwavering.

In addition to her local and state level posts representing Montana beef producers, she has also served on the national level as a Federation Director for Montana. Through the Federation, Larson is able to provide the necessary grassroots ownership of the checkoff, particularly through her service on national joint committees where she is an active participant. During her many levels of service, she is continually aware of her fiduciary responsibility and applies that respect when making decisions on behalf of Montana beef producers for the Beef Checkoff Program.

Kristin at work with the family in Sidney

Kristin at work with the family in Sidney

“The success of a strong state and national partnership comes, in part, through the foresight of choosing qualified individuals to enable the partnership to grow,” says Chaley Harney, executive director of the Montana Beef Council. “Kristin is a balanced leader who will not only bring solutions to the table, but will also encourage the team to engage and use all resources at their disposal to make informed decisions. Kristin’s background in livestock and Montana agriculture has surrounded her in a lifetime of serving the beef community, whether it be through church, civic organizations or business enterprises. Her lifelong experience and devotion to the beef community coupled with her pragmatic solutions and fiscally responsible senses make her an excellent asset to the Montana Beef Council and the Beef Promotion Operating Committee.”

Kristin grew up on the family ranch in Big Timber and obtained her degree in agriculture business and economics from Montana State University, Bozeman. Kristin and her husband, Tim, own cows and yearlings, but Kristin also works with Tim and their partners at Prewitt & Company, LLC which is involved in nearly every segment of the beef industry, as they have cow/calf pairs and yearlings, feed cattle and operate Sidney Livestock Market Center. The majority of the business is buying and selling cattle. Kristin and Tim live in Sidney, Mont., where they raise their four children.

In addition to Larson, Federation of State Beef Council members elected to the 2015 BPOC Operating Committee include: Vice Chairman Jennifer Houston, Tennessee; Austin Brown, Texas; Clay Burtrum, Oklahoma; Dawn Caldwell, Nebraska; Terri Carstensen, Iowa; Jerry Effertz, North Dakota; Steve Hanson, Nebraska; Cevin Jones, Idaho; and Scott McGregor, Iowa. CBB members elected to the committee include: Chairman Jimmy Maxey, California; Anne Anderson, Texas; Secretary/Treasurer Brett Morris, Oklahoma; Marty Andersen, Wisconsin; Jeanne Harland, Illinois; Brittany Howell, Kansas; Joe Guthrie, Virginia; Chuck Kiker, Texas; Stacy McClintock, Kansas; and Joan Ruskamp, Nebraska.

The Federation of State Beef Councils is a division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), which is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board.

February 6, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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National Effort Places Renewed Focus on Young Beef Leaders

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – A new program from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is placing renewed focus on this country’s young beef producers. The NCBA Young Beef Leader (YBL) program, which involves state affiliates from across the country, will give young people 21-35 years old opportunities for education and increased involvement in local, regional and national industry efforts.

The initiative was announced following an NCBA YBL Roundtable Feb. 5 during the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Included in the roundtable, sponsored by Caterpillar and attended by representatives from 36 state and breed affiliates, was a state sharing forum and discussion of what the new program would include and how it would be conducted. In addition, representatives from seven regions were elected to serve on a Steering Committee for the new program.

Elected chairman of the new YBL Steering Committee was Keith Nantz of Maupin, Oregon. Nantz said the program has an important function in today’s beef industry.

“We need to engage the next generation in a way that keeps them involved and gives them opportunities,” said Nantz. “This effort will open the door to our youth in the areas of production, policy and leadership.”

Elected to the Steering Committee were Chris Jeffcoat, Pennsylvania, American Angus Association (Region I); Jacob Nyhuis, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (Region II); Ben Novack, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (Region III); April Bonds, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (Region IV); Matt Hunt, Colorado Livestock Association (Region V); Amber Miller, Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (Region VI); and Jaclyn Wilson, Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association (Region VII).

The NCBA YBL program will place particular attention on creating a strong state/national partnership, with NCBA state and breed affiliates playing a key role both in guiding the new program and in developing the young leaders in the future. Funding and staff support from NCBA will make additional state initiatives possible. Ryan Goodman is participating in the program on behalf of the Montana Stockgrowers Association.

A social for those interested in supporting the program, also sponsored by Caterpillar, was held Feb. 4.

Nantz encourages other young producers to get involved in this effort. “It’s a chance to strengthen relationships and networking, enabling growth on both the personal and industry levels,” he said.

For more information on the NCBA YBL program, contact Sara Arp at [email protected].

February 5, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Two Days of Producer Education Headlines Cattle Industry Convention

Terry Haughian Kinsey Montana San Antonio Cattle Industry Convention

Kinsey, Montana rancher, Terry Haughian, participates in a Cattlemen’s College Session on Water Issues of the U.S. on Wednesday, February 4

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The Cattle Industry Convention kicked off with two days of producer education on Feb. 3-4, 2015. Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis Animal Health, has become widely known as one of the most thorough, in-depth educational events offered to cattlemen and women in the country. Celebrating its 22nd year, the event saw outstanding attendance with more than 1,350 attendees.

Hands-on cattle demonstrations kicked off the event Tuesday night, highlighting how beef producers can add value to their market cows. Industry experts, including Dr. Gary Smith, Dr. Keith Belk, and Dr. Dale Woerner, explained how cattlemen can improve the quality, consistency and competitiveness of beef produced from market cows through management decisions on the farm or ranch. Later, attendees were treated to some southern hospitality at a reception sponsored by Certified Angus Beef.

Also, as part of the industry effort to increase producer education, the checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program introduced and updated Cattle Care and Handling Guidelines at the Producer’s Forum Tuesday evening. The guidelines, which are industry-wide standards for cattle care and handling, now include the 2014 BQA supplemental guidelines, advice on cold stress management, and guidelines for the judicious use of antibiotics in the cattle industry.

“Cattlemen take great pride in properly caring for their livestock and the BQA program has proven very successful in providing guidelines that producers can adapt to fit their needs,” said Josh White, director of producer education for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “This refreshed handbook provides additional information with updated graphics and a revised look.”

Cattlemen’s College started back up early Wednesday morning with a keynote address by Chef Mike Erickson, who is a champion at connecting consumers to how beef is raised. Erickson advocates for the beef industry and dedicates his time to teaching others in culinary about how beef gets from pasture to plate.

“I think it is important for people in the culinary world to understand how beef is raised and get to know the people who spend their lives producing such a fine product for us,” said Erickson. “If those of us preparing the beef are educated on how it is raised, we can help spread the positive story of beef. The cattle industry has so much good going for it and we have to get that message out to people.”

Throughout the day attendees could choose from a wide range of informative, hands-on educational workshops designed for cattle operations of every size and sector. Classes ranged from understanding the economics of rebuilding the domestic herd, land and water rights issues in the United States, to proper cattle nutrition and the future use of antibiotics in food animals. Each session delivered stimulating and thought-provoking information to help cattlemen and women generate higher returns back home on the ranch.

For more information about the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show visit www.beefusa.org and follow #CIC15 and #BeefMeet on Facebook and Twitter.

February 4, 2015 Comments are off Montana Stockgrowers Association
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Cattlemen Gather in San Antonio for the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention

National Cattlemens Beef USA logoSAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – More than 7,000 cattlemen and women from across the country are registered to attend the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show, which kicked off today at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The convention, which will run through Feb. 7, is the largest annual gathering of the beef industry.

NCBA President Bob McCan said this year’s convention in his home state of Texas is will not disappoint. “I’m happy to welcome everyone to the great state of Texas and San Antonio is a historic town full of culture and great sights. This week we will highlight some of the great successes of the past year and set the course for what lies ahead,” McCan said. “Today, Cattlemen’s College kicked off convention with over 20 different classes, kick starting a great week with many opportunities for cattlemen and women to hear directly from the experts about how to grow and improve their operations.”

This year the Trade Show will be the largest to date. On the Trade Show floor will be two education areas, including a demonstration area with live animals to provide hands-on instruction. NCBA’s Learning Lounge is back again, featuring 30-minute educational sessions to provide attendees valuable educational tips from industry experts in informal, face-to-face, technology-friendly classroom settings.

Following Cattlemen’s College, exciting keynote speeches at the general sessions, and a record-breaking Trade Show, convention goers will have the opportunity to attend committee meetings and take part in the grassroots policy development.

“It’s important now, more than ever, for producers to get involved and engaged in the public policy,” said McCan. “The strong grassroots policy process is the backbone and the strength of NCBA and this week will discuss important policy issues and lay the groundwork for the year ahead.”

With so many events taking place during the convention all attendees are encouraged to download the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention app to their smart phones to see the schedule of events, locations, maps and receive alerts before, during and after the event. Visit www.beefusa.org for more information about the convention, and follow #CIC15 and #BeefMeet on Facebook and Twitter.