Education, entertainment, engagement at Cattle Industry Convention

NEW ORLEANS — The Big Easy is ready to host the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, Feb. 1-3.

New Orleans, famous for its world class cuisine, jazz music and lively nightlife, is a perfect venue to bring the cattle industry together for education, entertainment and engagement.

The annual convention will kick off on Feb. 1, with Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, returning as emcee.

The Opening General Session will include a casual conversation between “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president and Minnesota cattle producer Don Schiefelbein.

The two will discuss ranch life, today’s challenges and sharing the industry’s story in an authentic way.

Sheridan is an Academy Award-nominated writer, actor and rancher, as well as a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

CattleFax’s outlook session will highlight demand and supplies for beef, cattle and competing proteins.

Analysts will present a price and profitability outlook for 2023 and beyond for all classes of cattle and beef, explore export and import markets and provide a grain outlook.

Meteorologist Matt Makens will give a 2023 weather forecast highlighting weather pattern changes for the United States and around the world.

Plan to attend the high-profile session on Friday morning and hear from government dignitaries as they provide an update on the beef business climate in the United States and around the globe, moderated by NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane.

The Closing General Session will celebrate the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance Program and BQA award winners and will feature keynote speaker Chris Koch, who doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way.

Despite being born without arms and legs, Koch grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school and helping on his family farm.

Today, Koch is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they always wanted.

Franki Moscato, winner of the 10th annual National Anthem Contest, will perform at the Opening General Session and during the Friday night event.

The country trio Chapel Hart will combine their Mississippi roots and Louisiana spice in a special performance during Closing General Session.

The convention will wrap up Friday evening with “Party Gras” featuring the country music group Midland and special guest Neal McCoy.The 30th annual Cattlemen’s College will feature live animal handling demonstrations and 18 educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics.

The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet and Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception will recognize leaders for their achievements and there will be more than eight acres of trade show exhibits to explore.

In addition, producers will be hard at work guiding both NCBA policy and Beef Checkoff programs.

Annual meetings of the NCBA, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.

A variety of registration and housing options are available at convention.ncba.org.