Cattlemen's workshop in Oregon

Staff Reports

An all-star list of beef industry speakers from throughout the U.S. will be featured at the 6th annual Cattlemen's Workshop, 9 a.m. Jan. 23, at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in LaGrande, Ore.

The central theme of the free workshop, "Opportunities in a Changing Beef Industry," represents an opportunity for cattle producers to keep abreast of the challenges and opportunities facing the cattle industry.

"The workshop has grown in stature the last several years and has become one of the premier cattle producer educational opportunities of the year in the region," said Ron Rowan of Beef Northwest, a cattle feeding company presenting the event. "With nationally renowned speakers presenting, the attendance has grown dramatically with more than 350 people attending last year. The conference is fully sponsored by industry-affiliated companies and has built a reputation as a national template for cattle producers to hear from experts they would normally see at a national convention."

Speakers include:

Phil Seng, U.S. Meat Export Federation President and Chief Executive Officer. The top trade representative for the US beef industry who travels extensively throughout the world promoting beef and dealing with international trade issues. Seng was recently inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame in Chicago as one of the leading figures in the meat industry and recognized as a key figure in expanding the presence of U.S. beef and pork in Asia and across the globe. He is the only American to serve as president of the International Meat Secretariat, where he served four years. He has also served on the President's Ag Policy Advisory Council in Washington, D.C., and many other organizations that promote beef throughout the world.

Forrest Roberts, chief executive officer, National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Roberts became the leader of the largest cattlemen's organization on January 20, 2009. Mr. Roberts was selected because of his ag background, business experience and his passion for the livestock industry. He is playing a critical role in driving the structural changes within the organization to make it more responsive to producer needs and effective in the public policy arena.

Collin Woodall, executive director of legislative affairs, NCBA Washington, D.C. Woodall is advancing the message of U.S. cattlemen on many key issues facing Congress including food safety, climate change, property rights, Cap and Trade and other items. He is on the front line for cattlemen in this challenging political environment.

Dr. Bernie Rollin, professor, University of Bioethics, Colorado State University. Rollin one of the world's leading scholars on animal rights and animal-welfare issues. He has lectured more than 1,000 times around the world and has become an advocate for ranchers across the industry.

Dr. Dave Daley, associate dean, College of Ag at California State University, Chico. Daley is an expert in cow/calf production and efficiencies. He is a frequent speaker at many national conferences and is recognized as a leader in animal agriculture.

Dr. Tom Field, executive director of producer education for NCBA, is returning to the Workshop as discussion leader. An internationally recognized speaker and educator, his experience with producers and education has led him to this top position at the organization.