Beef industry gears up for CattleCon24

CattleCon, the cattle industry’s largest event of the year, will bring producers and their families to Orlando, Florida, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2024, for education, networking, and business, along with family fun.

Arrive early for an engaging half-day Grazing Management Workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 30, where experts will discuss benefits of pasture and grazing management, assessing pasture condition, forage growth and quality, latest technology resources, fencing strategies and water resource management. Attendees will also leave with a completed grazing management plan for their operation.

CattleCon24 officially kicks off on Wednesday, Jan. 31, with Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, returning as emcee. The opening general session will feature former professional football player and sleight-of-hand magician, Jon Dorenbos, sharing his humbling story. Dorenbos played professional football for 14 years before a life-threatening heart condition ended his athletic career. Adversity didn’t keep Dorenbos down, whose passion for magic made him a top contender on America’s Got Talent.

Thursday morning begins with the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program’s Celebration of Excellence, honoring BQA award winners and featuring keynote speaker Jim Carroll. Carroll, a renowned futurist, author, and innovation expert, will share the knowledge and foresight needed to embrace the ever-changing agricultural landscape, shedding light on the trends and technologies that are shaping the future of the cattle industry.

The final day begins with CattleFax conducting their U.S. & Global Protein and Grain Outlook Session. Randy Blach, the team at CattleFax and meteorologist Matt Makens will discuss what 2024 and beyond might look like for the cattle industry.

Throughout CattleCon, the 31st annual Cattlemen’s College will include educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics. Other highlights include a D.C. Issues update, Sustainability Forum and Beef Industry Forum. The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet and Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception will recognize leaders for their achievements, and there will be more than eight acres of trade show displays and exhibitors to explore.

While the general sessions are packed with engaging speakers and information every producer can use, entertainment will also be around every corner. Anna Sponheim, winner of the 11th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, will perform at the Opening General Session, Paul Bogart will bring his down-to-earth charm and country music to Thursday night’s Palm Tree Pachanga, and The Bellamy Brothers will headline the Cowboys & Coasters event on Friday night.

In addition, producers will be hard at work guiding both NCBA policy and Beef Checkoff programs. Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.

For those coming early or staying a little longer, there are plenty of opportunities to create family memories with discounted tickets to area theme parks and pre- and post-convention cruise options. Invest in the future and create memorable moments by registering today. A variety of registration and housing options are available at convention.ncba.org .

Cattle producers attending Cattlemen’s College are eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant. The first 75 grant applicants will receive reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant .