Another Airport, Another Post: Convention Wrap-up

Fellow NCBA interns Kay, Laura, Katie, and Michael at the airport in Denver

Once again, I’m writing this while sitting in an airport; this time, it’s Denver, and I’m waiting for flights to Houston then Corpus Christi for the Southern Ag Econ Association meetings and Quiz Bowl competition. I wish I had gotten to post some more throughout the week here at the 2011 Cattle Industry Convention, but NCBA kept all of us interns busy from before the sun came up until late into the night.

Even with the busy schedule, I have to say that this was a great convention! First of all, I met a great group of interns from all corners of the country. It’s really nice to meet a group of people my age who are as passionate about the industry as I am, and I’m sure that we’ll all stay connected throughout our careers in the industry. From doing our responsibilities for NCBA, to kicking field goals on Invesco Field, to enjoying the dancing and festivities of the convention parties, we really bonded and I’m sad to see everyone go.

Second, I really enjoyed getting to see how the industry is looking ahead to the future. This is an exciting time for beef producers. Cattle prices are at record highs, and new technology is allowing farmers and ranchers to produce more high-quality beef for consumers around the world. And speaking of around the world, US beef producers are also expected to export more and more beef to countries around the globe, and people are very excited about beef’s future in global markets. In the end though, a common theme of this convention is that beef producers need to stick together to stand up to intrusive government regulation and the activists who portray our industry negatively. It’s only if we work together that we can move forward and continue to be successful in providing the world with a safe, wholesome food source.

Well, that’s all from Denver. Check out my Twitter for updates from the convention, and check out the #NCBA11 feed as well. Next stop: Corpus Christi for Ag Econ Quiz Bowl. The weather is supposed to be sunny and 60s in South Texas, so maybe I’ll finally get to wear the sunglasses I brought!