Cattle graze on rangeland in this Capital Press file photo. A planned USDA-certified processing plant and retail facility in Laramie, Wyoming, will be a significant development for small producers around the state who have longed for a means to sell their product locally.
Cattle graze on rangeland in this Capital Press file photo. A planned USDA-certified processing plant and retail facility in Laramie, Wyoming, will be a significant development for small producers around the state who have longed for a means to sell their product locally.
Alternative proteins, trade and policy issues will take center stage at the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association producer forum set for Sept. 5 and 6 at the Big Horn Resort in Billings, Mont.
“What’s at Stake? Your Steak” is the theme of the event aimed at giving producers the chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities that will face the cattle industry in the years ahead.
The conference will zero in on plant-based protein alternatives to beef and the push by companies developing those products to label and market them as beef.
Industry experts will be speaking to that issue and other rising trends in the meat case and what they mean for the future of the cattle industry on Sept. 6.
The organization’s annual meeting will start things off on Sept. 5 with business meetings and nominations for the USCA board of directors and officers.
The organization’s committee chairmen will also address USCA’s priority issues, including plant-based alternatives, animal ID, transportation and electronic logging devices for livestock haulers, the beef checkoff, interstate meat inspection and trade.
Also on the agenda is a trade forecast with Sheridan McKinney of TradeWins LLC, Washington, D.C., and Terry Stewart of Stewart and Stewart Law, Washington, D.C.
Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., will give an update on issues on Capitol Hill.
A review of cattle markets in 2018 will include perspectives from Corbitt Wall, livestock market analyst with Feeder Flash; Justin Tupper, manager of St. Onge Sale Barn; and Allan Sents, USCA marketing and competition committee chairman.
Chris Skorupa of Beartooth Fertilizer will give a presentation on managing for better grass.
USCA President Kenny Graner and USCA Vice President Brooke Miller will wrap up the forum drilling down on cattlemen’s issues and livelihoods and the organization’s goals.
