Man oh man! My trip to Phoenix was simply magical!!  This was my second year to attend the American National CattleWomen (ANCW) annual meetings, but this was my first year to attend the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) annual meeting. First and foremost, wow. Just WOW!  I did not realize how big this event was or how many attended this convention. Even if it is only for one day, the trade show is worth it.  In the market for a job? The trade show is where it is at.  So many different companies were represented. From equipment companies to insurance companies to feed companies; Whatever your interest in agriculture is, there was a booth for it.

My first day I was able to attend the ANCW meetings and meet CattleWomen from all across the country.  This is probably one of the more special parts of the convention.  Seeing all the different women who are working hard in their communities spreading their story and their love for beef.  The more you are able to see these women, the more friendships are formed and relationships are built.  It truly is marvelous!

Besides meeting new people and being nominated to serve on the Board of Directors for ANCW, I had one more piece I really enjoyed.  Believe it or not, I loved being able to hear Colin Woodall speak.  He is NCBA Chief Lobbyist on Capitol Hill. He is an astounding speaker and has given me the drive to become more knowledgeable about the current legislature affecting our agricultural industry.  If ever given the chance, I highly recommend attending any meetings where he is speaking.

In addition to the ANCW meetings, I was also able to attend some of the NCBA meetings.  Some of these meetings were broken up by Regions, some were broken up by committees.  If you are ever interested in the Beef Checkoff, this is a great place to get information.  What is the Beef Checkoff you ask?  Every time cattle are sold, 1 dollar is taken for every head and sometimes 2 dollars depending on whether the state is set up that way or not.  For example, in Texas, 2 dollars are taken.  This money is used to come up with programs to promote beef, educate consumers, and do research.  There are several meetings that occur containing anything and everything that is happening with the Beef Checkoff.   If you are interested in learning more about the Beef Check off, be sure to check out this website. https://www.beefboard.org/producer/CBBFinalUnderstandingBrochure.pdf

Besides the stunning tradeshow, there are also live demonstrations that occur as well.  There are equipment demonstrations as well as live cattle handling and colt breaking, just to name a few.  These demonstrations were done by Dr. Gill and Curt and Tammy Pate.  I learn something every time I listen to them and it is always great to keep improving.

I wrapped up my convention by attending an emerging leaders luncheon.  This is an incredible opportunity for college students and the youth coming up in the industry.  We were able to sit down with some of the more knowledgeable people in the industry and learn what it takes to succeed.  There was also a notable speaker there by the name of Bruce Vincent. He is an impeccable speaker, so please make sure to check him out as well.

This was a remarkable opportunity and I urge everyone in the industry to attend this convention at least once, especially for any students or young people wanting to get in the industry.  I know I am already looking forward to New Orleans next year!

As always spread some love, we could all use a little more love!