Illinois Beef Association Members Jazzed after 2023 Cattle Industry Convention

What happens when cattlemen and women gather in the Big Easy? The good times roll! Illinois Beef Association members and staff left their mark in New Orleans at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show held February 1-3. Industry members and cattle producers alike enjoyed encouraging sessions, attended policy meetings, learned about what is to come for cattle industry members and gained understanding about today’s beef consumers.

Notable Illinois news related to Cattle Industry Convention include Justin Rahn completing his term on Cattlemen’s Beef Board. He spent three years on the board representing the ideals of cattlemen and women in the approval of Checkoff-funded programs. Newly appointed to the board, IBA President Dr. Paul Walker will begin his term on the CBB in April.

Henry county’s Al Lyman was re-elected for another year to the NCBA Beef Promotion Operating Committee, elected by the Federation of State Beef Council’s Board of Directors and responsible for developing the annual Beef Checkoff budget.

Opening day of convention included policy committee meetings and the opening general session. The meetings were attended by IBA board members and staff to ensure Illinois producers were represented.

The opening general session began as a jazz band made its way to the stage with 2022 NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, 2021 American National Cattlewomen President Reba Mazak and 2022 Chair of Cattlemen’s Beef Board, Norman Voyles.

“If this nation sticks together, if this association sticks together, if this family sticks together nothing can stop us,” said Schiefelbein during the session.

Taylor Sheridan, writer of the hit series Yellowstone, called in to give his perspective on the importance of informing the public about the cattle industry, one of his biggest goals when writing the show. “The thing that I try to do on Yellowstone is educate people,” said Sheridan. “I’m gonna make it cool to be cowboy.”

Visitors also received a visit from former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning. Manning detailed pieces of his life story while also sharing some of the lessons he has learned along the way.

The first evening concluded with the Environmental Stewardship Award Reception and the NCBA-PAC Reception and Live Auction, held each year to continue advocating for cattle producers in Washington D.C. and elsewhere.

Day two began with the second general session – CattleFax 2023 U.S. & Global Protein & Grain Outlook Seminar. A few weather-related takeaways from this session include that La Nina has been fading since 2020, but it may still take a few seasons to reach El Nino weather, and we should expect cooler temps here in the corn belt this spring with summer being drier than average for Illinois. “We’re about to slam the door on La Nina,” said meteorologist Matt Makens. By fall it is expected to be wetter than average as El Nino takes effect.

Economically, there is a “caution flag” raised regarding the current demand of beef though CattleFax analysts do not feel a need to raise a “warning flag,” but if gas prices stay high so will tallow. Hay stocks are at the smallest level since the 50s. Hay prices are expected to decrease during the second half of this year, which is good news for cow-calf producers.

Supply and demand outlooks were also given, noting the decrease in number of head of cattle since 2019 by 5.5 million and continuance of decline in 2023. Still, U.S beef production is coming out of 2022 with records. It is important to note the U.S. has the most efficient and sustainable beef production industry. For that reason, the exporting of beef is at a record tonnage and domestic demand is still historically strong. From CattleFax’s perspective bred cow and fed steer values are extremely close, making it the prime time for developing bred stock. Long term outlooks include that cow-calf producers should find ways to be more profitable overall and sustainability for all cattle producers should include social and economic practices, not just environmental ones.

“It is imperative the industry continue to embrace new technology, robotics and artificial intelligence as we look for answers in the future,” said CattleFax President Pono VonHolt. Continue to page 22 for a more detailed description of the CattleFax Forecast.

2023 NCBA President

Todd Wilkinson

Both policy and Checkoff committee meetings were held throughout the day on Thursday with the night culminating in “The Secret Cow.” This special event was sponsored by Central Life Sciences and themed to a 1920s speakeasy with both jazz and country music, and dancing, with New Orleans themed food and, of course, great company.

The final day of the convention began with the third general session – Beef Business in Washington D.C. – led by NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. He introduced USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh as the first speaker, who he then sat down with for a few questions and discussion of the cattle industry’s role in the national economy. USDA staff then gave a risk management agency informational presentation that included a panel. The purpose was to inform producers of options and programs available for them within USDA. The session concluded with a traceability panel where 2023 NCBA President Todd Wilkinson voiced the importance of beginning to adapt electronic traceability across the country. “Engage right now with your state veterinarian and your state departments of agriculture,” said Nevada Director of Agriculture Dr. J.J. Goicoechea, who was also part of the panel. Illinois producers should note they now have free access to electronic identification through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

The closing general session featured Chris Koch. Though born without arms and legs, Koch has made a life for himself and pursues the things he enjoys. His childhood on his own family farm gave him edge over this audience regarding how he was able to overcome obstacles to contribute to his family’s business.

After an invigorating few days, fellow Illinoisians danced the night away at the final event on Friday night featuring Neal McCoy and Midland. Now, onward to Orlando for Cattle Convention 2024!