The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has set it’s 2011 policy priorities in preparation for the upcoming Cattle Industry Convention being held Feb. 2-5 in Denver.

According to NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall, they identified five major priorities for the organization that will be discussed in great detail during the annual meeting – trade, transportation, environment, competition, and healthy herd – cattle and consumers. Woodall says the overall theme for 2011 is sustainability. “The days of allowing others to define sustainability for this industry are over,” Woodall. “We will discuss these five priorities at the upcoming convention and determine how we can develop policies that ultimately sustain the future of this industry for generations to come. Our five priorities are critical to sustainability, profitability and longevity of the beef industry.”

There is still time to register for the meeting, if you have not done so yet. There are dozens of good reasons for anyone in the cattle industry to be there, from educational sessions to entertainment. The 18th annual Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, offers 20 sessions that cover all aspects of cattle production and marketing. To address today’s challenging industry environment, the 2011 curriculum will focus on three primary tracks:

* Technology Track – focus on Genomics and Reproductive Management
* External Forces Track – focus on Consumer and Environmental Issues
* Business Management Track – focus on Risk and Business Management

Lots of serious business will be done, but Friday night is reserved for laughs at the Cowboy Comedy Club featuring Larry the Cable Guy, sponsored by Bayer Animal Health. There’s lots more – information and registration details can be found here. Hope to see you there!