It’s Time to Get Involved in CattleCon 2026

Jul 02, 2025

CattleCon 2026 is heading to the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 3-5, and it’s time to get involved in the largest cattle industry event of the year. Applications are being accepted for the NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook®, internships and scholarships.

National Anthem Contest

The 13th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook®, is accepting entries through Oct. 15. The contest winner will perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the event’s Opening General Session and will receive round trip airfare to Nashville, a hotel room for three nights, complimentary convention registration, plus a pair of boots, jeans and a shirt from Roper or Stetson.

Any member or family member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American National CattleWomen or Cattlemen’s Beef Board is eligible to participate in the contest. Previous NCBA National Anthem Contest winners are not eligible. The top four finalists will be chosen by Oct. 21, and videos will be posted to the CattleCon website. Voting will be open to the public Nov. 1-15 (one vote per person per day), and the winner will be announced Nov. 18.

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Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.