Back at the Nugget 106th CCA and CCW Annual Convention and Industry Trade Show by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande After three years of being held virtually and at the Peppermill Casino Resort, the California Cattlemen’s Association and California Cattlewomen’s Association’s Convention finally made its way back to the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nev. The sound of slot machines and laughter filled the air at the 106th CCA & CCW Annual Convention and Industry Tradeshow that took place Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. This year’s convention, held in conjunction with the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA), brought together both California and Nevada ranchers. With close to 600 members from California registered to attend, convention serves as a time for those in the industry to reconnect with one another, participate in policy meetings, attend educational presentations, network in the tradeshow and hear about what the Association is working on.
Getting Down to Business
At Wednesday afternoon’s opening general session CCA President Tony Toso, Toso, Hornitos welcomed members and provided an overview of all that the convention and tradeshow would have to offer. To close out the first general session California State Treasurer Fiona Ma welcomed attendees and shared with them her interest in continuing to connect with the ranching community. Over the course of the week, members heard from a wide array of guest speakers in the general sessions. The opening session speakers included, meteorologist Brian Bledsoe, talking about the weather outlook, and Colorado State University Professor Stephen Koontz, going over the cattle markets. In the following morning’s session attendees heard from Global AgriTrends’ Brett Stuart, who provided a global outlook and update. NCBA’s Colin Woodall spoke at the final general session giving an update on NCBA’s national efforts. Throughout the general sessions, industry updates were also given by CCA, NCA, the California Cattle Council and the California Beef Council. Following the first general session, the California and Nevada Cattle Industry Trade Show kicked off with the CCA Allied Cheese and Wine Reception 16 CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN January 2023
and the Tradeshow Welcome Party, sponsored by Laird Manufacturing. Dancing with music from the Buck Ford Band and conversation among ranchers and exhibitors at booths could be heard throughout the tradeshow while snacking on some delicious wine and cheese. A few highlights of the tradeshow came from the generosity of many sponsors. The shoeshining station in the tradeshow was sponsored by Merck and Allflex. Elanco sponsored the Blood Mary bar in the tradeshow and Westway Feed Products sponsored the name badge holders. Amongst catching up with others and walking around the tradeshow a critical part of convention are the meetings for policy committees and fellow meetings held by organizations such as the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the California Cattlemen’s Foundation. Freewave Technologies sponsored one of the five policy committee meetings. Those at convention are encouraged to attend these meetings to help drive the direction of CCA policy, better understand what is going on within the different sectors of the industry, as well as have the chance to ask questions of those who have been working diligently to advocate for the Association. Sponsors also helped with events, as Bayer Environmental Science sponsored the Cattle Fax Breakfast. Friday morning’s CattleFax Breakfast brought a new speaker for the first time in many years. With CattleFax’s Duane Lenz having retired earlier this year, California and Nevada producers welcomed CattleFax Director of Cattle Market Research and Analysis, Patrick Linnell to give the outlook for the first time. Between general sessions and policy meetings, in addition to having meetings of their own, the California CattleWomen celebrated the muchawaited Cowbelle of the Year Award Luncheon, on the Nugget’s Chalet Terrace, recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond in promoting beef and their local Cattle Women groups. Michele Payn of Cause Matters Corps, served as the keynote ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 18