Sixth-Annual Cattlemen’s Workshop – “Opportunities in a Changing Beef Industry” – Sets Attendance Record




Another all-star list of beef industry speakers from throughout the U.S. was featured at the 6th annual Cattlemen’s Workshop in LaGrande, Oregon on January 23, 2010.

The attendance was overwhelming with a record crowd of 450 people attending from throughout the Pacific Northwest.

As the key sponsor of this event, Beef Northwest is extremely grateful to the work that many volunteers put into this event and proud of the involvement we have had in building the success.

The central theme of the free workshop was – “Opportunities in a Changing Beef Industry” – and was an outstanding opportunity for Pacific Northwest cattlemen to keep abreast of the challenges and opportunities facing the cattle industry.

Beef Northwest was involved in starting the Cattlemen’s Workshop and plays a major role in providing speakers and organizing and sponsoring the event. In the last several years it has become one of the premier cattle producer educational opportunities of the year in the region.

With nationally renowned speakers presenting, the attendance has grown dramatically with an increase in attendance every year since the Workshop was started. It has built a reputation as a national template for cattle producers to hear from experts they would normally see at a national convention.

Beef Northwest has put a lot of effort into putting together a program that benefits our cow/calf customers and youth interested in the beef industry.

This year’s list of well known speakers included:

  • Phil Seng, US Meat Export Federation President and Chief Executive Officer -- the top trade representative for the US beef industry who travels extensively throughout the world promoting beef and dealing with international trade issues. Seng was recently inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame in Chicago as one of the leading figures in the meat industry and recognized as a key figure in expanding the presence of U.S. beef and pork in Asia and across the globe. He is the only American to serve as president of the International Meat Secretariat, where he served four years. He has also served on the President’s Ag Policy Advisory Council in Washington and many other organizations that promote beef throughout the world.
  • Forrest Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association -- Roberts became the leader of the largest cattlemen’s organization on January 20, 2009. The search for NCBA’s top executive last year was very competitive and Mr. Roberts was selected because of his ag background, business experience and his passion for the livestock industry. He is a dynamic leader leading NCBA into the future so that it can better serve the cattlemen in this country.
  • Collin Woodall, Executive Director of Legislative Affairs, NCBA Washington DC – Woodall is advancing the message of U.S. cattlemen on many key issues facing Congress including food safety, climate change, property rights, Cap and Trade and a myriad of other items. He is on the “front line” for all cattlemen in this challenging political environment.
  • Dr. Bernie Rollin, Distinguished Professor, University of Bioethics, Colorado State University -- Rollin one of the world’s leading scholars on animal rights and animal welfare issues. He has lectured more than 1,000 times all over the world and has become an advocate for ranchers across the industry.
  • Dr. Dave Daley, Associate Dean, College of Ag at California State University, Chico – Daley is an expert in cow/calf production and efficiencies. He is a frequent speaker at many national conferences and is recognized as a leader in animal agriculture.
  • Dr. Tom Field, Executive Director of Producer Education NCBA, is returning to the Workshop as discussion leader. His experience with producers and education has led him to this top position at NCBA.

    • View or download this year's agenda: