REGION UPDATE
Those organizations include Oklahoma Cattlemen ’ s Association , Texas Cattle Feeders Association , Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and Arkansas Cattlemen ’ s Association . Staff and volunteer leaders from all four of these organizations are relentlessly working on policy to protect their respective members . We will also hear updates on the NCBA officer team ’ s efforts .
REGION V
By Skye Krebs
As I look back on the last three years of being Region V vice president , it was again , truly humbling to represent the ranchers who are working to raise families , make a living , support their communities and all the other good things the cattle industry provides . I worked with good , dedicated people who help this great industry of ours progress . I really enjoyed that .
Time is the most precious commodity in a voluntary trade association . As a young man , I sat through too many unproductive meetings , without parliamentary procedure , without results , and people felt frustrated because it was not a good use of their time . I have always had simple goals in being in a leadership position . Be prepared , be fair , be honest and don ’ t waste people ’ s time . Being in a leadership position , whether it be on the county , state or national level , was always something I took seriously . To make decisions that affect an industry and other individuals , and to get it done right , was something I worked hard at to get the best result .
Being in NCBA leadership these last three years was a great use of my time . We got some positive things done in our region . One of them was to implement voting procedures for Region V which will help in selecting future leaders and I am proud we took the time to do .
I will wind up my term at CattleCon in Orlando . Conventions are always educational and a good chance to combine business with pleasure . I look forward to seeing you there !
REGION Vl
By J . J . Goicoechea
As we welcome 2024 and are about to gather in Orlando for CattleCon , I can ’ t help but be excited by the opportunities ahead for us all . While many may view the annual convention as a family retreat that business is conducted during , I view it at as a family reunion that serves as the voice for the American beef industry . I have been fortunate in my years of membership at NCBA to make some lifelong friends , and most of these I truly consider family . Group texts across three time zones to check on weather , markets , kids ’ and grandkids ’ sporting event results , and well wishes are what make this organization a great big family .
I remember an annual convention more than a decade ago when I was walking down a hallway when I heard someone call my name . I turned to see an old family friend I had not spoken with in more
than 20 years . While this man had been close friends with my dad , I had not had much opportunity to visit with him recently . We sat and talked for a couple of hours at that convention , exchanged numbers , and we still check in on each other regularly .
I encourage you all to take the time to expand that circle of “ family ” in Orlando . We are all in the same industry and together , across regions , we are more successful fighting the fights we must . This is a wonderful opportunity ; branch out , meet new “ family members ,” and enjoy Orlando .
REGION Vll
By Phil Perry
CattleCon24 and the NCBA Trade Show are here , and it ’ s an event I always look forward to . Since it ’ s in Orlando this year , that may be a welcome spot for the folks in the northern part of the U . S . depending on how ‘ ole man winter is feeling .
Business and policy both are addressed at CattleCon but there is plenty of time to take in the NCBA Trade Show , enjoy fun activities , and catch up with fellow producers . Regional meetings will be held , each state will give a brief update on its happenings , and new officers will be elected if necessary . These are important meetings to attend , and I encourage you to attend them this year and in the future .
I have attended CattleCon for the past several years while serving both the state and national level . I have made many great friendships , and I look forward to seeing these folks each year .
The NCBA Trade Show is second to none . It ’ s a great place to see what ’ s new in the industry and visit company reps about their products . More than once I ’ ve read or heard about a new product on the market , only to realize I ’ d already heard about it at the convention .
I talked about all the friendships I ’ ve made at the convention . Getting to see those folks is by far my favorite part of the whole deal ! There are many great people in our industry so if you make it to Florida , you ’ ll meet a few .
See you in Orlando !
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