CattleCon24 - Showcasing excellence in Beef industry achievements

Feb 05, 2024

By Farms.com

CattleCon24, the premier event for beef enthusiasts, recently concluded in Orlando, Florida. This dynamic gathering celebrated the remarkable contributions of individuals dedicated to advancing the beef industry. From environmental stewardship to education, attendees witnessed a tapestry of excellence.

Here are the highlights:

Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP):

Regional champions from across the country were lauded for their exceptional stewardship practices.
Farms like Tuck Farms (Virginia), JB Ranch (Florida), and G Bar C Ranch (Texas) stood out for their commitment to conservation.
ESAP, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, recognizes those who safeguard our land.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards:

These awards celebrate high-quality animal care.
VanWinkle Ranch (Cow-Calf Award), Dotterer Dairy (Dairy FARM Award), Adams Land & Cattle (Feedyard Award), Dr. John Wenzel (Educator Award), and Power Genetics (Marketer Award) were among the distinguished recipients.
BQA Awards, sponsored by Cargill, promote best practices in beef production.

W.D. Farr Scholarships:

Megan Eckhardt and Jaime Luke received prestigious $15,000 scholarships.
Their academic achievements and dedication to the beef industry earned them this honor.

CME Group Beef Industry Scholarships:

Ten bright students, including Grace Anderson and Bryce Hoeltzel, were awarded $1,500 scholarships.
These scholarships nurture future leaders who will shape the beef industry.

Masters of Beef Advocacy Program Advocate of the Year:

Allison Fender, a passionate advocate, received this accolade.
Her tireless efforts in connecting with consumers and promoting beef exemplify excellence.

Trailblazers Program:

Ten rising stars were identified as elite advocates.
These trailblazers, hailing from Texas, Montana, Washington, California, Missouri, Kentucky, and New York, represent the next generation of beef leaders.

CattleCon24 reaffirmed that the heart of the beef industry beats with passion, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability

Video: Swine Biosecurity: 5 Critical Steps to Prevent Disease Transmission | LANXESS

Protecting herd health starts before anyone enters the barn. Every visitor, employee, piece of equipment and movement between farms can introduce disease risks if proper biosecurity protocols aren't followed.

In this SwineWeb Biosecurity Intelligence feature, Dr. Gisele Ravagnani of LANXESS Biosecurity Solutions explains practical steps pork producers can take to strengthen on-farm biosecurity and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Key topics covered:

• Visitor Management: Why visitor logs, previous farm exposure and downtime requirements are essential.

• Controlled Barn Entry: How Danish entry systems establish a clear separation between clean and dirty areas.

• Shower-In/Shower-Out Protocols: The importance of dedicated clothing, footwear and controlled movement.

• Footbath Management: Proper cleaning, disinfection and maintenance practices, including the use of Virkon™ S.

• Equipment Biosecurity: Why equipment must be properly cleaned, disinfected and dried before entering production areas.