Abbreviated Schedule

Download a copy of the abbreviated CattleCon24 schedule below.

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Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Pre Con

11:30am
Grazing Managment Workshop New Session
OCCC South
Join this half-day grazing management workshop to engage with experts and discuss topics such as: The benefits of good pasture and grazing management. How to assess the condition of your pasture. How forages grow and how management affects forage growth and quality. Utilization of the latest technology resources. Expand your fencing strategies. The basics of rotational grazing—how to manage grazing to complement the pasture growth cycle. Irrigation, nutrient and weed management strategies. Extend, monitor and optimize your water resources. Managing your pasture through the growing season, resting, stockpiling and preparing for drought.
2pm
NCBA Executive Committee Meeting Meeting
OCCC South
Check back soon for more information about the NCBA Executive Committee meeting.
Policy Business
4:30pm
Regional Meetings Meeting
OCCC South
Join us at the NCBA Regional Meetings during CattleCon to ensure you're in the know about the latest developments in your industry!
Policy Business
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Day 1

9am
D.C. Issues Update Meeting
OCCC South
Stay informed of the latest policy developments in Washington by attending the D.C. Issues Update session at CattleCon. NCBA’s dedicated public policy team is working hard on your behalf to represent you on Capitol Hill, in the White House, and at USDA. During this session: -Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane will provide a State of the Industry update. -Expert policy speakers will share updates on tax policy, animal health, conservation, trade, supply chains, and more. -NCBA’s Political Action Committee will report on the impact of your financial contributions that are helping to elect pro-cattle industry members of Congress across the country.
Policy Business
11:30am
Cattlemen's College General Session & Lunch Cattlemen's College Meeting General Session Dr. Clay Mathis, Dept. Head of Animal Science, Texas A&M University
OCCC South
We’ve all been facing challenges. Our industry is always facing challenges and the last few years have been especially difficult. However, challenges create opportunities. Dr. Mathis will challenge our thinking to help us find leverage to cease opportunities and add resiliency to your ranching system.
1pm
Wednesday Policy Committee Meetings Meeting
OCCC South
Make your voice heard and actively participate in the decision-making process that shapes the issues impacting your operations at the NCBA Policy Committee Meetings during CattleCon. These meetings provide a crucial platform for committee members to vote on important matters. Join us and contribute to shaping the future of the cattle and beef industry. Please note that voting in the NCBA Policy Committee Meetings is exclusive to committee members.
1:30pm
BQA Producer Forum Meeting
Make time to attend the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Producer Forum to learn how the BQA program continues to evolve. The recently released National Beef Quality Audit revealed a number of opportunities for adding value to market cows and bulls. Hear more from an industry leading line-up on the “why” and “how” of marketing cows and bulls the right way and at the right time. A brief BQA program update along with Q & A with presenters will ensure you get your questions answered.
Beef Quality Assurance
3pm
Opening General Session General Session Jon Dorenbos, Magician and Former American Football Player
SA1
Get ready to add some magic to your CattleCon journey as the Opening General Session welcomes Jon Dorenbos to the stage! Jon is no stranger to captivating audiences with his remarkable journey, from the NFL to the world of magic and inspiration. Jon Dorenbos, former NFL player and acclaimed magician, brings a unique blend of talent and tenacity to the stage. He'll share his incredible life story, from overcoming adversity to his time on America’s Got Talent, all while performing his magical tricks. Join us for a session that combines Jon's unique blend of magic and motivation, promising an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance.
4:30pm
First Timer Meat-Up Event
SA2-SB
As a CattleCon First Timer, we are so glad you are Onward to Orlando with us January 31 – February 2. CattleCon is all about the business, fellowship, food, and fun, which is why we want to make sure you are best prepared for Orlando.
Special Event
Flamingo Fiesta Welcome Reception in the Trade Show Event
SA2-SB
Join us for the hottest event in town, the Flamingo Fiesta Welcome Reception!
Special Event
7pm
NCBA PAC Reception & Live Auction Event
SA2-SB
Mark your calendar for the NCBA PAC Reception & Live Auction at CattleCon! Show your support for the NCBA Political Action Committee by attending this exciting event. Get ready to participate in a lively auction featuring a wide array of unique and limited gifts, prints, hunts, and trips! Every dollar raised during the auction directly contributes to NCBA's active involvement in the political campaign process. Join us for a memorable evening of bidding and making a difference.
Policy Special Event
Thursday, February 1, 2024

Day 2

6:30am
BEEFit 5K Event
OCCC South
Get a jump start on your morning with the BEEFit 5K sponsored by Huvepharma. Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in our 5K where you can run, walk, or mosey along.
Nutrition Special Event
8am
General Session II General Session Jim Carroll, Futurist, Author, Innovation Expert
SA1
Join us for a forward-thinking session with Jim Carroll, a renowned Futurist, Author, and Innovation Expert. This session promises to empower you with 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. Jim's thought-provoking insights and engaging storytelling will inspire you to think differently and reimagine the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you are a rancher, a technology enthusiast, or anyone passionate about the future of agriculture, this session is your gateway to knowledge, innovation, and success. Plan to attend this motivating session with the BQA Celebration of Excellence. The BQA Awards recognize the best of the beef industry with the winners will leaving you inspired, motivated and proud to be a part of our great industry.
Beef Quality Assurance
9am
NCBA Trade Show
SA2-SB
Experience the ultimate cattle business showcase at the 2024 NCBA Trade Show in Orlando, FL. Explore over 8 acres of the latest advancements, from equipment and technology to pharmaceuticals and feed supplements, all conveniently located under one roof. Beyond being a Trade Show, it's an immersive event featuring live cattle handling demonstrations, the thrilling Chutes and Scales Showdown, educational sessions, and daily entertainment.
9:30am
Cattlemen's College Better Cow Health for Better Calves Cattlemen's College
SA2-SB
This session will take place in the NCBA Trade Show and feature Kimberly Vonnahme, DVM, Zoetis. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Health & Management
10am
Checkoff Highlight Session Meeting
OCCC South
Attend this session to hear an update about research, education and promotional programs funded by the Beef Checkoff. The highlight session will provide attendees a valuable look into the work being done to address consumer beef demand drivers and how these efforts support the Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP). The LRP was adopted in 2020 with a defined mission to “Ensure the long-term prosperity of the U.S. beef industry by sustainably producing the most trusted, highest quality and consistently satisfying protein for consumers around the world.” The LRP serves as a guide post for the beef checkoff, individual farmers and ranchers, industry organizations and affiliated businesses. Beef Checkoff committee members will be seated with their committee. Guests are encouraged to attend and learn more about these valuable programs.
Thursday Policy Committee Meetings Meeting
OCCC South
Make your voice heard and actively participate in the decision-making process that shapes the issues impacting your operations at the NCBA Policy Committee Meetings during CattleCon. These meetings provide a crucial platform for committee members to vote on important matters. Join us and contribute to shaping the future of the cattle and beef industry. Please note that voting in the NCBA Policy Committee Meetings is exclusive to committee members.
Cattlemen's College A Systems Approach to Cull Cow Management Cattlemen's College Lily Edwards-Callaway, Assistant Professor of Livestock Behavior and Welfare, Colorado State University
OCCC South
This session will feature Lily Edwards-Callaway, PhD, Colorado State University. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Beef Quality Assurance
Cattlemen's College Evaluating the Evolving Carcass Cattlemen's College New Session
OCCC South
This session will feature Blake Foraker, PhD, Washington State University, Clint Walenciak, Certified Angus Beef, and Nick Hardcastle, PhD, Cargill. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Cattlemen's College Systematically Selecting the Right Cattle for You Cattlemen's College Dr. Bob Weaber, Professor / Extension Specialist, Kansas State University
OCCC South
This session will feature Bob Weaber, PhD, Kansas State University. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Breeding & Genetics Reproduction
1pm
Sustainability Forum Meeting
OCCC South
Join us at the Substantiality Forum during CattleCon, where sustainability takes center stage. As a top priority for NCBA and the entire beef industry, sustainability is a critical issue that we are dedicated to addressing. At the forum, you will have the opportunity to hear about some of the recent research and technological advances in beef sustainability. We will also discuss how you, as a producer, can get involved while also adding value to your operations. Don't miss this important discussion on shaping a more sustainable future for the beef industry.
Sustainability
1:30pm
Cattlemen's College A Continued Concern, Bovine Congestive Heart Failure Cattlemen's College Kelli Retallick, Director of Genetic Services, Angus Genetics, INC.
SA2-SB
Check back soon for more information about the session.
Breeding & Genetics Health & Management
2:30pm
Checkoff Committee Meetings Meeting
OCCC South
Join us for the Checkoff Committee Meetings at CattleCon! These meetings are open to everyone, providing a valuable opportunity for engagement.
3pm
Cattlemen's College Factors Affecting Reproductive Efficiency Cattlemen's College Dr. Angela Gonella, Assistant Professor, University of Florida
OCCC South
This session will give clear data and practical examples to show why it is essential to evaluate reproductive efficiency in the herd featuring Angela Gonella, PhD, University of Florida.
Reproduction Beef Quality Assurance
Cattlemen's College Trade in the Era of Deglobalization Cattlemen's College Don Close, Terrain
OCCC South
Agricultural trade has changed over the last decade, from who are the major import and export players to the share of production moving to foreign customers. Given global geopolitics and a trend toward deglobalization, where do the risks lie for U.S. beef?
4pm
Hoppy Hour Trade Show Reception Event
SA2-SB
Raise your glasses for a hoppy good time at the Hoppy Hour Reception in the NCBA Trade Show. This reception offers CattleCon attendees a chance to relax, mingle, and sample a wide array of beers.
Special Event
5pm
Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Reception & Dinner Event
OCCC South
The 15th annual Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet will be held in conjunction with CattleCon in Orlando. The event will feature the announcement of the newest inductees of the Hall of Fame.
Special Event
6pm
Environmental Stewardship Award Reception Event
OCCC South
Join us at the Environmental Stewardship Award Reception during CattleCon to celebrate this esteemed award program.
Sustainability Special Event
7pm
Palm Tree Pachanga Event Paul Bogart, Music Artist
Mango's Tropical Cafe
Experience the Palm Tree Pachanga, sponsored by Central Life Sciences, at Mango's Tropical Cafe, where unforgettable Latin-inspired performances will transport you to a world of fiery rhythms. Embrace the evening flare by dressing in your best tropical attire. Our fan-favorite headliner, Paul Bogart, is back to take the stage and ensure a night of country music and dancing you won't want to miss.
Special Event
11:15am
Cattlemen's College Current Trends and Tax Updates for Your Financial Planning Cattlemen's College Kent Bacus, Senior Director, International Trade and Market Access, National Cattlemen's Beef Association Jason Thomas, Partner, CPA, JD, Frost, PLLC
OCCC South
This session will feature Kent Bacus, NCBA and Jason Thomas, CPA, Frost PLLC. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Policy Finance
Cattlemen's College Using Genomics to Unravel the Secrets of Heterosis Cattlemen's College Dr. Raluca Mateescu, Professor of Quantitative Genetics & Geonomics, Dept. of Animal Sciences, University of Florida
OCCC South
Using high-density SNP genotypes, a breed of origin can be assigned to small chromosomal segments in a crossbred animal, and heterozygosity can be calculated on breed of origin haplotypes. The ability to estimate heterosis for individual animals would enable breeders to make informed selection and mating decisions and drive progress in beef cattle breeding programs.
Breeding & Genetics
Friday, February 2, 2024

Day 3

8am
General Session III- 2024 U.S. & Global Protein & Grain Outlook Session General Session
SA1
CattleFax will once again conduct their Outlook Session. Don’t miss out on this session and a chance to hear what 2024 and beyond might look like for the industry.
9am
NCBA Trade Show
SA2-SB
Calling all FFA members! Don't miss out on FFA Day at the NCBA Trade Show, a fantastic opportunity for you to be a part of CattleCon. Click on View Full Description for more details.
10am
Cattlemen's College Weather and Market Risks, Expecting the Unexpected Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
By offering thought-provoking insights, this discussion sheds light on how drops in precipitation translate to dollars lost and provides a framework for quantifying the effects of drought on ranchers’ bottom line. This session will feature Cadra Krueger, PhD, Alltech Inc. and Ross Bronson, Redd Summitt.
Finance Health & Management
Cattlemen's College Short-term Decisions with Long-term Consequences Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
This session will feature Dusty Abney, PhD, Cargill Nutrition. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Cattlemen's College Is Your Land Ready? Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
This session will feature Robert Wells, PhD, Integrity Beef Alliance and Jacob Gilley, American Farmland Trust. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Health & Management Grazing
11am
Beef Industry Forum New Session Meeting
OCCC South
Check back soon for more information about the Beef Industry Forum.
Emerging Leaders Luncheon Event
SA2-SB
Check back soon for more information about the Emerging Leaders Luncheon.
2pm
Blue Jacket Social Event
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Culver's Fresh Frozen Custard at the Blue Jacket Custard Social during FFA Day in the NCBA Trade Show. This delectable treat is the perfect way to recharge and mingle with fellow FFA members and alumni. Plus, thanks to Culver's generous sponsorship, the first 250 FFA members can also enjoy complimentary access to the NCBA Trade Show by using promo code FFACULVERS. Don't miss out on this sweet opportunity.
Special Event
Cattlemen's College Raising the Bar with the Complete Breeding Soundness Evaluation to Increase Profitability Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
Bull fertility is a key component to success and profitability of both seedstock and commercial operations. Fertility is five times more valuable than production traits such as beef merit or average daily gain in a beef cow-calf herd. The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Services July 2021 report indicates that there are an estimated 2.1 million beef bulls in the United States and that 90.7% of commercial beef cows are naturally serviced by bulls. The breeding soundness exam has evolved much since the mid-1950s. The advancement of technology and discovery through evidenced based medicine has allowed this exam to progress. Investing in routine breeding soundness examinations is the best way to assess breeding potential in bulls and improve chances for breeding success, with a potential benefit-to-cost ratio of approximately $7 return for every $1 spent on the breeding soundness exam.
Breeding & Genetics Finance
Cattlemen's College Ranch Diagnostic Tools: Where do I Even Start? Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
In this session Dr. Jeff Heldt, Selko and Jacob Gilley, American Farmland Trust will show you what tools are available for assessing feed and animal trace minerals. We’ll share the basics of reading reports while highlighting some basic do’s and don’ts for complete maximization.
Nutrition Tools & Technology
Cattlemen's College Is Your Operation Ready? Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
This session will feature Makenzie Billings, CME and Dave Weaber, Terrain. Check back soon for more information about the session.
3pm
Pups & Popsicles Trade Show Reception Event
SA2-SB
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Pups & Popsicles Reception in the NCBA Trade Show. This delightful reception brings together the love for furry friends and refreshing treats, featuring adorable, adoptable dogs alongside a variety of boozy and non-alcoholic popsicles.
Special Event
Board of Directors Meeting
OCCC South
Be part of the action at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Board of Directors Meeting during CattleCon! Led by NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, this meeting will serve as a platform for conducting important association business.
5pm
Friday Night Pre-Party Event
OCCC South
Kick off Cowboys & Coasters with a bang at the Friday Night Pre-Party!
Special Event
8pm
Cowboys & Coasters Event The Bellamy Brothers, Music Artists
Universal Studios
Join us for the ultimate closing celebration of CattleCon24 - Cowboys & Coasters at Universal Studios Florida sponsored by Caterpillar!
Special Event
12:45pm
Cattlemen's College Recognizing and Managing Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
Biosecurity recommends testing the cow, but negative cows can still give birth to positive calves. Recognizing the signs early can have a big impact on getting out of a bad situation. What options are out there to recognize the problem and diagnosis it. How do we make management decisions to minimize risk, and what impact will they have on the future of the herd. This session will feature George Perry, PhD, Texas A&M University.
Health & Management
Cattlemen's College Connecting the Dots with Nutrition and Developing Females Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
This session will feature Justin Rhinehart, PhD, University of Tennessee and Matt Crouse, U.S. MARC, USDA. Check back soon for more information about the session.
Nutrition Reproduction
Cattlemen's College Are Your People Ready? Cattlemen's College
OCCC South
The demographics of ranching is changing at an alarming rate. Industry leadership MUST identify and support those individuals in the next generation who will assume leadership and provide the future management required for America's ranches. Young producers attending this session will learn what it takes to become a professional ranch manager and what to expect when they do. Current leadership will learn just how critical this issue is for the industry and will be given the knowledge and tools to chart the way forward.
Saturday, February 3, 2024

Day 4