6th Annual Cattleman's Workshop
Opportunities in a Changing Beef Industry

Another all-star list of beef industry speakers from throughout the U.S. will be featured at the 6th annual Cattlemen’s Workshop. 

The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 23, at 9:00 a.m. at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in LaGrande, Ore. 

The central theme of the free workshop – “Opportunities in a Changing Beef Industry” -- represents an outstanding opportunity for Pacific Northwest cattlemen to keep abreast of the challenges and opportunities facing the cattle industry.

The Workshop has grown in stature the last several years and has become one of the premier cattle producer educational opportunities of the year in the region. With nationally renowned speakers presenting, the attendance has grown dramatically with more than 350 people attending last year. The conference is fully sponsored by industry affiliated companies and has built a reputation as a national template for cattle producers to hear from experts they would normally see at a national convention.

This year’s list of well known speakers includes:

·        Kevin Smith, Assistant Director Export Services, US Meat Export Federation -- the top trade representative for the US beef industry who travels extensively throughout the world promoting beef and dealing with international trade issues. 

·        Forrest Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association -- Roberts became the leader of the largest cattlemen’s organization on January 20, 2009.  The search for NCBA’s top executive last year was very competitive and Mr. Roberts was selected because of his ag background, business experience and his passion for the livestock industry.  He is a dynamic leader leading NCBA into the future so that it can better serve the cattlemen in this country.

·        Collin Woodall, Executive Director of Legislative Affairs, NCBA Washington DC – Woodall is advancing the message of U.S. cattlemen on many key issues facing Congress including food safety, climate change, property rights, Cap and Trade and a myriad of other items. He is on the “front line” for all cattlemen in this challenging political environment.

·        Dr. Bernie Rollin, Distinguished Professor, University of Bioethics, Colorado State University -- Rollin is one of the world’s leading scholars on animal rights and animal welfare issues. He has lectured more than 1,000 times all over the world and has become an advocate for ranchers across the industry.

·        Dr. Dave Daley, Associate Dean, College of Ag at California State University, Chico – Daley is an expert in cow/calf production and efficiencies.  He is a frequent speaker at many national conferences and is recognized as a leader in animal agriculture.

·        Dr. Tom Field, Executive Director of Producer Education NCBA, is returning to the Workshop as discussion leader.  His experience with producers and education has led him to this top position at NCBA.