Orlando Sun Shines on Golden State Ranchers 6 CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS FROM CATTLECON 2024 by CCA Director of Communications Katie Roberti Thousands of cattle producers, ranching families, and allied industry partners were “Onward to Orlando” for the 2024 CattleCon early in February. Formally known as The Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show, 2024 marked the first time “CattleCon” was used as the official event name. Californians turned out to attend the event once again. Last CattleCon, California had the second-highest attendance (behind Colorado) from states west of Texas. This year over 100 attendees traveled from the Golden State. Throughout the multiple-day event, Californians, including CCA leadership and staff, attended policy meetings, networking events, award ceremonies, general sessions with keynote speakers (including a CattleFax update), educational demonstrations, and more. The 8.5-acre tradeshow, with over 350 companies exhibiting, was also a valuable destination for attendees. “The tradeshow is more than just a tradeshow,” Kristin Torres, NCBA Executive Director of Meetings and Events told AgNewsWire. “We try to make the whole thing an experience.” Educational offerings such as Cattlemen’s Colleges, cattle handling demonstrations, receptions for networking, and shopping were other tradeshow highlights. With meetings and activities happening throughout the week, many Californians were recognized for their achievements and played a crucial role in executing the work that had to be done in Orlando, Fla. Here is a roundup of how California producers and leaders were honored at the 2024 CattleCon and have impacted the industry. 16 California Cattleman March 2024
1. Hart Ranch Wins Environmental Stewardship Award Each year at CattleCon, up to seven regional winners are announced for the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). “Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Regional ESAP winners come from every corner of the country and undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape, and resources.” This year, six regional awards were presented. One of those awards went to the Hart Ranch of Montague, as they were honored as the ESAP Region Six winner. Only some years is a California operation selected as Region Six consists of California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico. At the Environmental Stewardship Awards Program Reception on Thursday evening of CattleCon, Blair, Susan, and Alex Hart accepted the honor. The cow-calf operation has a mission of “building a sustainable, holistic property