The 2023 Cattle Industry Convention took place this past week in New Orleans, Louisiana. AgNet Media’s Will Jordon was there and has this report.
Cattlemen’s College Draws Big Crowd in New Orleans
(NCBA/NEW ORLEANS/Feb. 1, 2023) — Cattle producers from across the country gathered in New Orleans for the 30th annual Cattlemen’s College, which was held prior to the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis, is one of the cattle industry’s premier educational events and features live animal handling demonstrations and sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics.
Cattlemen’s College sessions highlighted trending hot topics, the latest in grazing as well as live cattle handling demonstrations. Six educational tracks and 18 sessions provided attendees with valuable information about reproduction technology, herd health, practical nutrition management, better beef business, sustainable grazing and the latest in genetics. The event concluded with a keynote presentation from Ray Starling, executive advisor for Aimpoint Research.
Starling discussed the power of knowledge and how producers should remain informed about current issues impacting the industry. He also talked about the value of teamwork and the importance of being involved with state and national cattle organizations.
Cattlemen’s College educational sessions included perennial favorites as well as innovative trends. A brand-new topic this year was silvopasture, a grazing practice that integrates livestock, forages and trees. Dr. Rocky Lemus and George Owens shared the science behind this sustainable grazing method and real-world perspectives of managing a silvopature system.
“Cattle Behavior in the Real World” was a popular draw with Dr. Dean Fish and Dr. Lily Edwards-Callaway providing practical solutions for producers to take back to their operations to improve stockmanship and enhance animal welfare.
Another well attended breakout was “Are You Brave Enough to Attend This Session?” featuring Rural Minds founder Jeff Winton who addressed the mental health crisis in rural America and provided solutions for producers to prioritize mental health, care for themselves and check in on neighbors.
On-demand videos of Cattlemen’s College sessions will be available online for registered attendees, and for a fee for non-attendees, following the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show at https://convention.ncba.org/events-meetings/cattlemens-college.