The Annual Convention of the Cattle Industry is less than six weeks away, and my anticipation is building for what is annually one of my favorite events in agriculture.  Featuring the annual meetings of the major stakeholder organizations in the cattle and beef business, NCBA, the Cattlemen's Beef Board, the American National Cattlewomen, and CattleFax, this gathering of farmers and ranchers is THE event of the year in our business.  This year's gathering is especially exciting for me, as my first Cattle Industry Convention was in San Antonio, Texas over a decade ago.  As a young member of the National Beef Ambassador team, I took part in a number of sessions and activities on behalf of ANCW.  It was a truly memorable experience, and set in my heart a love for the city, and for the event.

I started covering the Convention several years ago as a farm broadcast journalist, and have attended industry gatherings in places like Phoenix, Nashville, and Reno.  Each Convention, and each host city, has a little different flavor, a distinct theme that sets one apart from the next.  As with all gatherings in the farm and ranch family, the best part of the meetings is seeing old friends and forging new relationships.  Traveling alongside cattlemen from my own state allows us to bring home shared memories and stories of our experiences, and enjoying the fellowship and insight of colleagues from other parts of the world gives me additional food for thought on how to improve my own cattle business.

Another part of the distinct "flavor" of each Convention is the context of the times.  This year, certainly, we'll hear a great deal from keynote speakers, NCBA staff and officers, and fellow producers about issues ranging from climate change regulation and cap & trade legislation, to the demand outlook for beef abroad and the impact of the economy on domestic beef consumption.  These are critical issues of our time today, and the industry will address them from as many perspectives as members attend.

While we consider the topics of the day, we'll also look ahead to the future.  One of the key pieces of NCBA business I'm most looking forward to learning about and discussing is the report of the NCBA Governance Task Force.  Chaired by Past NCBA Presidents Jan Lyons of Kansas and John Queen of North Carolina, this Task Force has spent nearly two years examining and analyzing the structure, functions, and operations of our organization, and has prepared recommendations on how we might best govern ourselves in the future.  This is no small task, and the report will bring significant opportunities for NCBA to consider.  For me, this will be one key highlight of this year's Convention.

Certainly there are no shortage of fun things to do in San Antonio.  From the gorgeous sights and mouthwatering tastes of the legendary Riverwalk to the NCBA Invitational PBR Event and concert, you won't be bored Deep in the Heart of Texas.  Just blocks from the Alamo, the Convention takes part in one of the most hospitable cities in the world.  I know you'll love San Antonio as a favorite destination.

Along with Convention fun, you'll improve your knowledge and network at Cattlemen's College.  Sponsored in part by Pfizer Animal Health, this educational seminar has been educating cattlemen on how to protect and improve profitability for 17 years. This year's curriculum is designed to offer cutting edge concepts and solutions in 15 educational sessions and more opportunities for discussion and networking.  You'll gain direct access to the leading authorities on pressing industry issues, as well as stimulating discussion with other producers facing similar challenges.

Learn more about the Convention, and register online at BeefUSA.org.  Look for me, and several other YPC bloggers, in San Antonio in just a few weeks. Saddle Up for the Industry, Saddle Up for San Antonio!