For beef industry stakeholders, CattleCon is one of the most anticipated annual events, bringing together thousands of producers, feedlot managers, suppliers, researchers and industry professionals.
As the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Convention & Trade Show, CattleCon combines business, education, innovation, entertainment and networking opportunities.
Of course, one of my favorite sessions each year is the CattleFax Outlook session, which will be Thursday morning. The CattleFax team will also provide a glimpse into what 2026 and beyond have in store for the industry.
I also look forward to the NCBA Trade Show, where the latest in equipment, technology, pharmaceuticals and feed supplements can be found under one roof.
There are some new events planned for this year as well:
- The new marquee stage on the trade show floor will host several dynamic education sessions and industry conversations spotlighting innovation, leadership and community.
- The Prime Cut Awards event on Tuesday evening will feature the presentation of the National Environmental Stewardship Award and Beef Quality Assurance Awards.
- There will be a sustainability forum on Thursday, which focuses on legacy in action. Serving on the panel will be producers and experts who have navigated — and are navigating — the challenges of succession planning and generational transfer, a big topic for many in the beef industry today.
- Also on Thursday will be the NCBA town hall, an open state of the industry forum where producers and NCBA leaders tackle the issues shaping the beef business.
Throughout CattleCon, keynote general session speakers, including Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jon Acuff and Jimmy Yeary, are sure to inspire and spark innovation. I think there will be a lot of exciting discussion in the sessions and on the trade show floor.
Overall, I believe there are five key reasons to attend CattleCon:
- Education and Innovation: Access the latest in cattle care, handling and industry trends through Cattlemen’s College, Learning Lounges and Cattle Chats. Some topics covered include reproductive success, herd health and risk management.
- Networking: Connect with producers, industry leaders and suppliers from across the country to form new business relationships and share best practices. At the core of CattleCon is the unparalleled networking opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned rancher or new to the field, the convention connects you with industry leaders, innovative peers and potential partners. It’s a melting pot of expertise, experiences and passion for cattle.
- Trade Show: Explore the massive trade show floor to see cutting-edge technology, equipment and services designed to improve operational productivity and profitability.
- Advocacy and Policy: Participate in shaping the future of the cattle industry by influencing Checkoff and policy priorities.
- Career Development: For students and new producers, the event offers specialized opportunities to connect with industry leaders and explore job opportunities.
It will be an eventful week. I’m looking forward to our Farm Journal team being in Nashville to bring our readers, listeners and viewers highlights of the meetings, educational sessions and more. You won’t want to miss Chip Flory live for “AgriTalk” broadcasts on Wednesday and Thursday from our Drovers booth No. 310. Tyne Morgan will tape a live U.S. Farm Report at noon on Wednesday from the marquee stage, and Michelle Rook will be doing reports for AgDay and her “Market News Now” podcasts from Nashville on Tuesday and Wednesday. Andrea Bedford, our Bovine Veterinarian editor, and myself will be producing a special CattleCon enewsletter that will be distributed to Drovers Daily subscribers on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
There’s no doubt I’m excited about the opportunity to learn and network with beef producers from across the country. I can’t wait to share with you, our Drovers readers, what I discover. I’ll be looking for strategies to share that will help make you more profitable.
