REGION REPORTS
REGION l
By Frank Stoltzfus
I believe 2024 is the 15th consecutive year I have attended CattleCon and the NCBA Trade Show . I ’ ve come for many different reasons but , to name a few , education , information , entertainment and networking are just four reasons to attend .
Education — If you are serious about being successful in the cattle industry , then I hope you ’ re attending Cattlemen ’ s College . The sessions I have attended have been so helpful in making profitable decisions about our operation .
Information — The NCBA Trade Show is a great opportunity for us to see new things and talk with experts about changes we are thinking about making . There is probably no other place in the world with so many options to get information on all aspects of the industry .
Entertainment — We look forward every year to the motivational speakers and the world class entertainment that has become a much-expected part of the convention experience .
Networking — This is the part of convention I appreciate most . Great opportunities are available for cattlemen to participate in that can help set direction for the industry . I have been fortunate to receive two national awards , the Environmental Stewardship Award and Beef Quality Assurance . Both are tremendous programs influencing how cattle are raised in the U . S . I have represented Pennsylvania at meetings for both policy and Federation , and I have sat in committee rooms where federal policy priorities were finalized . It is an honor to continue serving Region I as policy vice president .
Opportunity is the key word for the CattleCon . I hope you ’ ll take advantage and attend .
REGION ll
By Fred Smith As I think about my past three years as Region II vice president of policy , I am reminded of the phrase “ people , places and things .” I have met outstanding people , gone to new places to witness the diversity of the cattle business , and have a greater understanding of “ things ” such as how cattle markets and D . C . politics work .
I am constantly impressed by the quality and competence of the leadership of the cattlemen associations ’ infrastructure in each state in Region II . My attendance at state conventions has been a social and educational opportunity to increase my understanding of our industry . On a personal note , I have enjoyed working with Bryan Blinson , North Carolina executive director , who is retiring this year . His skillful ability to be a good steward of the responsibility of his position is awesome .
My participation in the Environmental Stewardship Award Program provided the opportunity to study and visit farms and ranches that demonstrate the diversity of the cattle industry in the U . S . My visit to the Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the cattle industry from a
completely different environment than what we have in Region II .
The “ things ” the cattle industry touches are vast . Opportunities like testifying at a Farm Bill Listening Session with Senators Boozeman and Tillis , to watching the Livestock Markets Committee debate in Denver were special events . Policy priority “ things ” such as the Farm Bill , tax issues , and WOTUS are a sample of what must be dealt with to enable cattle producers to contribute to the rural economy , care for the natural resources , and produce beef to feed the world .
REGION lll
By Mike Landuyt
This is my last report as Region III policy vice president . I greatly enjoyed my time in this position as it has been a wonderful experience getting to meet so many people across the region . Thank you to the states that invited me to your meetings . At this year ’ s Region III meeting at CattleCon , a new vice president will be elected . I am glad to say we have several qualified people running for the position .
If you ’ re making it to CattleCon , and if you are attending for the first time , stop by the First Timers Reception and meet others from our region . The regional meeting is another great spot to encounter new people from our area . And , it ’ s a good chance to visit with old friends you may not have seen since the last convention .
I want to take a moment to reflect on my time in this role , serving you . I am a believer in the concept that you become like the people you spend the most time with . It is easy to say that while spending time with the leadership and active members of NCBA , I have gotten to spend time with some of the best cattle produces in the country . I learned so much that I have been able to bring home to my operation . The relationships I built in this role are one of the highlights of my time serving . Thank you to all who trusted me to represent you at this level .
REGION lV
By Scott Anderson
Have you ever thought about how CattleCon is the one time each year you can visit with producers from all corners of this great country in one spot ? Our operations are as different as the area of the country we are from ; however , there are many common challenges we all face as we work to make a living producing beef . Convention gives us all an opportunity to come together , and work together , on addressing some of those challenges .
What do I look forward to most ? The people . Convention is always an excellent place to catch up with people you only see on occasion . Every year I bump into someone I have not seen for years . Similarly , just through casual conversation in a meeting or out in the hallway , I will connect with new people too .
And be sure to attend the regional meetings . From a policy point of view , our Region IV meeting offers an opportunity for attendees to hear what our state affiliates have engaged with the past year .
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