UNIQUE SESSIONS AT CATTLECON24 SHOWCASE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Caring for animals , conserving natural resources , and maintaining a viable business are critical components to transitioning cattle operations to future generations . Two unique sessions during CattleCon24 in Orlando will provide opportunities to share ideas and continue conversations about the importance of continuing progress .
For attendees arriving early at CattleCon24 , there is an engaging half-day Grazing Management Workshop on Tuesday , Jan . 30 . Grazing and forage experts including Chad Ellis , Texas Agricultural Land Trust ; Hugh Aljoe , Noble Research Institute ; Dr . Johnny Rogers , North Carolina State University ; and Dr . Jeff Goodwin , Texas A & M University ; along with national Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners Steve Wooten of Colorado ; Jerry Doan of North Dakota ; and Gary Price of Texas , will discuss benefits of pasture and grazing management , assessing pasture condition , forage growth and quality , the latest technology resources , fencing strategies , drought management and water resource management .
The workshop will feature targeted breakout sessions , based upon average annual rainfall , providing grazing solutions catered to different regions across the country . Producers will be provided with a grazing workbook so they can leave with a completed grazing management plan for their operation .
“ Proper grazing management and having a written grazing management plan are essential to the success , longevity and profitability of forage-based cattle operations ,” said Josh White , senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA . “ We are excited to offer sessions that focus on how stewardship efforts not only benefit the environment , but producers ’ bottom line as well .”
Dr . Myles Allen , professor at the University of Oxford , will be the keynote speaker during the Sustainability Forum , sponsored by Elanco , on Thursday , Feb . 1 . Allen will demystify climate impacts from cattle production and equip producers with the knowledge and resources to effectively speak about cattle ’ s role in the climate conversation . Allen is an internationally renowned scientist who has pioneered modeling warming impacts of shortlived climate pollutants ( like methane ) which has led to the development of the climate accounting metric , GWP *. Allen is also part of international discussions to have GWP * adopted as the primary metric to accurately measure greenhouse gas emissions from livestock .
Following Allen ’ s presentation , NCBA CEO Colin Woodall will moderate a panel featuring cattle producers who will discuss the importance of owning the sustainability narrative and preserving industry longevity . Industry expert , Katie Cook with Elanco Animal Health , will also discuss how to find important partners in producers ’ sustainability journey . Panelists will highlight actions producers across the country can take today to enhance the resilience and profitability of their operations , while providing further evidence as to why U . S . cattle producers can be a part of the climate solution .
For more information about NCBA ’ s sustainability efforts , visit www . ncba . org / producers / sustainability or visit convention . ncba . org for details on CattleCon .
16 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN www . NCBA . org