By Beth Doran
Feedlot Forum 2020 will be held Jan. 14, 2020, 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. at the Terrace View Event Center, Sioux Center. The event marks the 17th year for the program co-hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Beef Center, the Sioux, Lyon and Plymouth County Cattlemen’s Associations, and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
Feedlot Forum is an opportunity for feedlot producers and allied agribusiness professionals to receive the latest information on beef production and marketing. The program features several industry-leaders as speakers, agribusiness sponsor displays, a steak dinner and a $10 beef certificate for attendees.
“The feedlot industry has had its share of challenges, including restricted processing capacity, high export tariffs and plant proteins competing for the center of the consumer’s plate,” said Beth Doran, beef program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Coupled with these challenges, the consumer also has expectations. They want assurance that their beef is produced with attention to animal stewardship and environmental sustainability, and that it is nutritious and high quality.”
Keynote speakers and their topics are:
- Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, director of sustainability, JBS USA, presenting “Customer Expectations of Today.”
- Greg Hanes, Cattlemen’s Beef Board CEO, “International Customer Expectations and Your Checkoff.”
- Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO, “NCBA’s Role in Marketing Issues.”
- Andrew Gottschalk, R.J. O’Brien and Associates senior vice president and HedgersEdge.com LLC president, “Herd Expansion Ends, What’s Next?”
Attendees will also hear brief updates on the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s efforts to increase consumer demand and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s efforts to maintain market access for Iowa feedlot operators.
“Marketing has expanded beyond the farm gate to include not only state and national venues, but now an expansive international focus,” Doran said. “The goal of this forum is to help today’s producer learn what it will take to be competitive in the future.”
The forum features 26 agribusiness sponsor displays with the latest in cattle products, technology and services, all of which are available to cattle producers.
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