Contact:           Joe Schuele                 303-850-3360              jschuele@beef.org

Editor’s Note:   black and white ad slicks in four sizes are available at:

 http://www.beefusa.org/convfactsheets.aspx

Registration Opens Soon for 2006 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show

DENVER (September 28, 2005) – For cattlemen from every segment of the beef industry, the 2006 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show is a must-attend event. The meeting will be held February 1-4 at the newly expanded Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. There is no better opportunity to get up to date on issues affecting your cattle operation, as well as enjoy the sights and activities of the Mile High City.   

“The theme for this year’s convention is ’Cowboy Up!’,” says National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Texas rancher Jim McAdams. “Whether it’s cattle production, promoting beef demand, enhancing international trade, or any issue impacting this industry, cattlemen want less talk and more action. That’s what this event is all about.”

More than 5,000 cattle industry participants are expected at the convention and trade show, which will be hosted by five organizations: the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, American National CattleWomen, Inc., National Cattlemen’s Foundation and Cattle-Fax.

“Some like to talk negatively about this industry,” says McAdams. “But come to Denver in February, and you’ll see a cattle industry that is very much on the move and headed for a very bright future.”

The week’s activities open Monday, Jan. 30, and Tuesday, Jan. 31, with a pre-convention dinner and agricultural tour hosted by the Colorado Beef Council, Colorado Livestock Association and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. Enjoy a steak dinner Monday evening, followed by an all-day tour of Colorado’s agriculture industry beginning early Tuesday morning. (Pre-registration is required.)

NCBA’s popular Cattlemen’s College® kicks off the convention on Wednesday, Feb. 1, with a series of educational sessions sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health. Topics covered will include cattle handling, animal ID and other topics to help cattlemen operate more efficiently.

Wednesday afternoon will feature the Cattle-Fax Outlook Seminar, which will look at trends, strategies and management opportunities for 2006 and beyond. The Outlook Seminar is free with paid registration to Cattlemen’s College®.

The NCBA Trade Show will feature products and services that cattlemen will not want to miss. More than 250 companies and organizations will be showcasing their goods and services at  the industry’s largest trade show, which is free with registration. The trade show opens Wednesday evening with a Welcome Reception, and runs through Friday.  

Thursday’s Opening General Session, sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health, will feature keynote speaker Barry Asmus.  Dr. Asmus speaks, testifies, writes and consults on political and business issues facing America. He is a senior economist for the National Center for Policy Analysis and was recently named by USA Today as one of the five most requested speakers in the United States.

Meetings on Thursday and Friday will cover all aspects of the cattle industry, with particular focus on the business and consumer climate faced by the beef industry. NCBA meetings will be used to develop policy that protects the interests of all cattle producers, while separate joint industry advisory committees will review checkoff-funded programs designed to help improve beef demand.

“A trip to the convention and trade show is simply one of the best investments a cattleman can make in his or her future,” said McAdams. “There is no greater collection of cattle industry knowledge and talent, and no better opportunity to let your voice be heard on industry policy.”

Registration will be managed through NCBA. Brochures will be included in the October edition of Beef Business Bulletin. More information about the 2006 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show can also be obtained by contacting the Convention Department at 303-694-0305.

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry. Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

The Cattlemen's Beef Board consists of 108 members, including domestic beef, dairy and veal producers, as well as importers of beef and beef products. Each of the Beef Board members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture from nominations submitted by certified nominating organizations. The Beef Board oversees collection of $1-per-head on all cattle sold in the U.S. and $1-per-head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation serves the beef cattle industry as a philanthropic institution with a mission to promote the future of the industry through research and education. Activities include providing grants for scientific research, scholarships and educational opportunities for young people interested in beef industry careers, and educational programs for cattlemen to enhance opportunities for viability and profitability.

The American National CattleWomen, Inc. is a trade association of America's affiliated CattleWomen, with the primary focus of promotion and consumer education regarding beef as a safe and nutritious food, and the production of beef cattle as an industry. 

Cattle-Fax provides cattle and beef industry statistics and market and economic analysis. Cattle-Fax services include cattle market prices, forecasts and analysis, futures market quotes (live cattle futures and basis, feeder cattle futures and basis), and beef and meat prices and analysis. Visit www.cattle-fax.com for further information.