2024 IOWA CATTLE INDUSTRY CONVENTION: WHERE INNOVATORS MEET AND BUSINESSES GROW

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, invites cattle producers and industry supporters to attend the 2024 Iowa Cattle Industry Convention held December 12 and 13 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa Cattle Industry Convention is an excellent opportunity for those just getting their start or those with years of experience to network and learn from others within the industry. This is also where a significant part of ICA’s policy development process happens. ICA members can voice their perspectives and help develop the association’s policy priorities for the year ahead. ICA is excited to welcome Trey Wasserburger of TD Angus at Rishel Ranch as our keynote presenter. Wasserburger will share his motivational story of creating a sustainable beef brand and packing plant in his session, ‘Conception to Consumer.’ As Wasserburger describes it, it is a story of producers coming together for the common good of the community and cattle industry.

Additionally, we’ll welcome a series of exceptional breakout session topics and speakers for participants to select from and gain valuable insights that fit their operation’s needs. Topics include current cattle research, the future of beef exports after the recent election, feedlot prosperity in 2025, and building a brand. Connection is key and ICA has worked in a variety of networking opportunities. Guests will not want to miss out on our beef pairing experience, industry social, and entertainment from the Red Dirt Renegade band. We also have sold
out of tradeshow exhibits and will have more than 30 industry partners on-site to share their products and services. The Iowa Cattle Industry Convention is the culmination of ICA’s formal policy development. Producer members are encouraged to participate and provide input in the policy committee meetings which will review expiring resolutions and directives and provide time to introduce new policy priority suggestions. Voting and ratification will conclude this process during the ICA Annual Meeting on December 13.

“I want to encourage all members and those considering membership with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to attend this year’s Iowa Cattle Industry Convention to get a firsthand look at the value of our association,” said Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO. “We know this is a busy time of year, but your investment of time at the Convention will be well spent for you and your operation. Not only does this event provide educational sessions that offer something for everyone, but the industry connections are key. I also can’t emphasize enough the importance of members being involved in ICA’s policy
development process at the Convention. Input drives legislative wins such as passing the Meat Integrity Bill or reinstating the capital gains deduction that the association accomplished last year. Your participation helps shape the industry’s future.”

Registration and additional event details can be found at https://www.iacattlemen.org/events-meetings/iowa-cattle-industry-convention. ICA would like to thank our gracious sponsors (listed on the event webpage) for helping make this event successful.

Iowa Cattle Industry Convention Agenda
Thursday, December 12
9:30 a.m.          Registration & Tradeshow Open
10:30 a.m.        Welcome
10:45 a.m.        Keynote Address: Conception to Consumer, Trey Wasserburger, TD Angus
11:50 a.m.        Breakout Sessions
 Breakout #1 – Driving the Industry Forward | An IBIC State Research Update, Dr. Dan Thomson, Production Animal Consultation
 Breakout #2 – New Horizons on Beef Exports, John Hinners, United States Meat Export Federation
 Breakout #3 – Feedlots and Financials: Navigating 2025 After A Record-Breaking 2024, Tim Meyer and Zach Tindall, Producers Livestock
1:00 p.m.          Lunch
2:00 p.m.          Cattlemen's College Workshop (with Farm Credit Services)
2:00 p.m.          Policy Session: Business Issues
3:00 p.m.          Policy Session: Beef Products
3:00 p.m.          Breakout Session: It Begins With a Brand, Dayna Wasserburger, TD Angus
4:00 p.m.          Break
4:20 p.m.          Policy Session: Cattle Production
5:30 p.m.          Reception (tradeshow open)
6:45 p.m.          Dinner (awards presentation)
7:30 p.m.         Entertainment: Red Dirt Renegade

Friday, December 13
7:30 a.m.          Breakfast
8:30 a.m.          IBIC Annual Meeting
10:00 a.m.        ICA Annual Meeting

About the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA): The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 8,000 beef cattle producer families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is to “Grow Iowa’s beef cattle business through advocacy, leadership, and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.