It’s hard to believe, but 2009 is quickly drawing to a close, and 2010 is just around the corner.  That means it is time to start planning for the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show.  This year, we’re headed to San Antonio, Texas for the convention, which is the most important gathering of cattle producers in the country.  So mark your calendars now for January 27^th through the 30^th and plan to travel to the city of the Alamo this winter.

I know there is never a good time to leave your operation.  There is always more work to be done and too few hands to do it.  But the annual convention is an important chance to meet with your fellow producers and get new information to help you improve the way you do business.  It’s an opportunity to meet officers and share your thoughts with us.  And it’s a forum to discuss your wants and needs from NCBA with the staff members that are working to serve you.  In short, convention helps you make the most of your membership. 

NCBA is run by cattle producers and for cattle producers, so we understand that taking time away from your operation is difficult.  That’s why we make sure that the convention is more than just a place to talk business—it’s also a fun vacation for your family. 

To those of you states north of Kansas, there is no better time to travel south than the end of January.  Living in Michigan, I’d probably attend the convention myself even if I didn’t raise cattle, just to get out of the snowdrifts that time of year. 

The city for annual convention is chosen with that idea in mind.  San Antonio has hosted a number of cattle industry conventions because it provides so many activities for you and your family.   The River Walk is a tree-lined oasis populated with shops and restaurants along the San Antonio River.  It’s a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.  The Alamo is one of many historical attractions in San Antonio, including the King William Historic District and the Old Spanish Trail of cities conquered by the Spanish.  The San Antonio Zoo houses more than 3500 animals, while the Botanical Gardens cover 33 acres.  There are so many things to see and do in San Antonio that it would be worth the trip for those attractions alone. 

Of course, NCBA and our partners in the cattle industry won’t leave you lacking for things to do either.  Meetings will cover educational topics like animal health as well as policy issues like cap and trade legislation.  We offer a pre-convention tour that is a great way of seeing the local sites and getting to know your fellow producers.  Our Political Action Committee (PAC) hosts fundraisers that have brought in big-name performers like Tracy Byrd.