Session Descriptions

KEYNOTE: Pull Out a Chair: Why Agriculture Needs New People (And Why A Seat at the Table Isn’t Enough)
Speaker: Cassidy Johnston 
Sponsored by: Farm Credit

With farmers over 65 outnumbering farmers under 35 six to one and only 23% of operations having a succession plan, agriculture has a people problem — and simply "making room" isn't going to fix it. This keynote is about why agriculture needs new people, what's actually standing in their way, and what we can do right now to bridge the gap. Built around the Big Four of successful transitions plus a foundation of stronger communication across generations, it's a practical, honest, and funny look at how we cut through stereotypes, navigate tough conversations, and create an aligned vision for the future of agriculture. 

Breakout Sessions - Set #1 

Managing Your Cattle Operation with Confidence: Understanding Your Rights
Speakers: Brian Waddingham, CSIF & Eldon McAfee 

Cattle producers face an increasing number of questions and challenges involving regulations, government agencies, neighbors and even unexpected visitors to their operations. This practical, conversation-style session will help producers better understand their rights, where to turn for reliable information and how to respond when questions or concerns arise. From manure management plans and building regulations to visits from officials, neighbors, drones or unfamiliar individuals, speakers will walk through real-world scenarios and share resources and strategies to help producers protect their operations and make informed decisions with confidence. 

The Future of CRP: Research, Policy, and Producer Perspectives 
Speakers: Randie Culbertson, ISU, Aaron Popelka, KLA, and Kelli Klink, ICA  

What could a more flexible CRP program mean for cattle producers and grazing operations? This session will explore the research, policy work and producer perspectives shaping the future of CRP grazing. Hear from Iowa State researcher, Randie Culbertson, about the latest findings on grazing CRP acres, then learn how Iowa cattle producers and industry partners have worked together to advance a proposal at the national level. Aaron Popelka and Kelli Klink will discuss the process behind the policy effort, why it matters for producers and what comes next as the industry works toward greater opportunities to utilize CRP acres for grazing. 

Rethinking Red Meat Yield Grade Still Measuring What Matters? 
Speaker: Dr. Jessica Lancaster, National Cattlemen's Beef Association 

The USDA Beef Yield Grade scale, established in 1965, is based on four measurements: 12th-rib fat thickness, ribeye area, hot carcass weight, and KPH (kidney, pelvic, and heart) fat. Today’s fat cattle have changed drastically since the sixties. Dr. Jessica Lancaster will examine where the current system falls short, why it matters for producers, packers, and the broader value chain. Lancaster will share how Checkoff-funded research is exploring what a more accurate picture of yield could mean for genetic selection, marketing decisions, and cattle value. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how yield is measured today and how the industry is working to close the gaps.  

Breakout Sessions - Set #2

Work That Works: Finding and Keeping Employees When “No One Wants to Work Anymore”
Speaker: Cassidy Johnston  

Finding and keeping good employees is one of the biggest challenges facing farm and ranch operations today. But what if the solution isn’t just finding better employees, but becoming the kind of operation people want to work for? Cassidy Johnston will challenge leaders to look beyond the labor market and take a closer look at the role leadership, workplace culture and communication play in employee retention. Attendees will leave with practical, no-nonsense strategies they can put to work right away to strengthen their team, improve retention and build an operation that is simply good to work for. 

Cattle Health: Emerging and Ongoing Vector & Disease Challenges
Speaker: Matthew Brewer, ISU   

Ticks, New World screwworm and other emerging disease threats continue to create new challenges for cattle producers. This session will provide a practical look at the health concerns producers are facing now, what could be on the horizon and how to prepare for potential threats before they reach your operation. From understanding the difference between vector and disease management to lessons learned from recent disease scares, speakers will discuss prevention, treatment options, biosecurity and outbreak response. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what to watch for and steps they can take to protect the health of their cattle and their operation. 

Insights Into the Beef Market Place
Speaker Panel: Mandy Carr-Johnson, PhD., Dr. Jessica Lancaster, Shlene McNeill, PhD, RDN with NCBA

Panelists will share key insights into today’s fast-changing consumer marketplace. Consumers are inundated with information about food, where it comes from, how to prepare it, and the lifestyle considerations that shape what ends up on the plate. This panel digs into the trends changing how people eat and make purchasing decisions, with a focus on building awareness, earning trust, and driving demand for beef. Attendees can expect insights on the factors behind buying decisions, emerging health and wellness trends influencing food choices, beef cut innovation, price pressure, and more.  

Breakout Sessions - Set #3

Ag Innovation
Showcase Companies: Nofence, Luzardo, Ceres Tag 

See what’s next in cattle production. This interactive showcase will put three emerging technologies in the spotlight, giving producers a quick, firsthand look at tools that could help improve how they manage their operations. From virtual fencing and animal health technology to other innovative solutions, each company will have 15 minutes to make its pitch, followed by an opportunity for producers to ask questions, connect directly with the companies and get a closer look at the technology. 

Beyond the Rail: The Evolution of Carcass Value
Speaker: Nevil Speer 

Cattle are getting bigger, technology is changing how carcasses are evaluated and consumer demand continues to place a premium on quality. This session will take a closer look at how carcass value has evolved and what those changes mean for cattle producers. Nevil will explore trends in cattle size, grading and quality, including the changing relationship between Select and Choice, while looking ahead to where the industry is headed. Most importantly, producers will learn how these shifts could impact their operations and where opportunities exist to capture greater value from the cattle they raise. 

Producer Funded Production Research
Speaker: Mike Anderson, IBIC and researchers 

When the Iowa Beef Checkoff was reinstated in 2018, production research was identified as a key priority for state Checkoff dollars. Since then, the program has funded 41 projects and invested more than $2.56 million in research that benefits Iowa producers. IBIC Executive Director Mike Anderson will update attendees on this body of work and the program's future direction. Researchers will also be on hand to share key findings from their projects. Producers are encouraged to bring their perspective, staff will be listening for input on the priorities that matter most to your operation going forward.    

Closing Speaker: Market Outlook
Speaker: Nevil Speer 

Closing out the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention with industry expert Nevil Speer as he shares insights into current cattle market trends, key economic factors and what may lie ahead for the beef industry. This closing session will help producers better understand market dynamics and the factors influencing the cattle business as they look toward the future.

Sponsors

GOLD LEVEL

ADM 
Choose Iowa
Devenish NA
Iowa Beef Industry Council
Producers Livestock

Silver Level

Halter
Norbrook, Inc.
Vitalix