BILLINGS, Mont. — The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) concluded its second annual 2018 Cattle Producer’s Forum at the Big Horn Resort in Billings, Montana on Saturday. The event, co-hosted by the Intertribal Agriculture Council, Montana Cattlemen’s Association, Montana Farmers Union, Beartooth Stockgrowers and Bitterroot Stockgrowers drew cattle producers and industry representatives from across the countryside.
Participants heard from agricultural leaders on topics ranging from Trade Forecast: How will U.S. cattle producer’s fare?; The Changing Image of Beef; Alternative Proteins: What’s Next?; and the War on Weeds. The Forum kicked off with a Cattlemen’s Capital Update, provided by USCA’s Washington, D.C. representatives and concluded with legislative updates from the offices of Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte. Scott Stuart, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, along with CBB Officers, provided an update to Forum participants on the Beef Checkoff Program.
At the Noon hour, attendees broke for the “NextGen” Lunch – a networking opportunity where young producers and students paired up with industry representatives and Forum participants to discuss careers in agriculture. Each table at lunch was provided with a “Conversation Starters” packet to jumpstart the discussion. Young professionals came away from the event with a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in the industry.
Following a full day of panel discussions and workshops, participants attended the 2018 Producer’s Night Out powered by Ag Risk Advisors. Dubbed the “Buzzin’ Around Billings” tour, attendees visited the Western Ag Reporter headquarters, Public Auction Yards, and Robbie Cattle Company. The night ended with a prime rib dinner at Midland Bull Test and a live auction.
“USCA would like to thank all of the Forum Co-Hosts, sponsors, attendees and speakers – without their support, none of this would be possible,” stated USCA President Kenny Graner. “The Cattle Producer’s Forum has been designed as a venue in which cattle producers from across the country can hear from leading experts on issues that impact their operations. Most importantly, the Forum is focused on establishing a platform on which innovative discussions can take place, from all different viewpoints, generating constructive and productive conversations amongst attendees and panelists.
“All of the topics discussed today affect producers’ bottom lines. From trade to markets to diversifying your portfolio, no issue was left untouched at the Forum and attendees left the meeting having gained a broader perspective on the number of factors impacting their industry.”
–United States Cattlemen’s Association
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