Producers and industry stakeholders will also participate in the 20th Cattlemen’s College sessions, which run Feb. 5-6 in the convention center.

Cattlemen’s College admission includes the CattleFax Annual Outlook Seminar that features 2013 forecasts for cattle inventory, weather, feed prices and global trade.

Featured speakers at the general sessions will be Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, best-selling authors whose life story was the inspiration for the book and film “The Blind Side,” and Fox Business Network anchor Stuart Varney.

Cattlemen’s College class descriptions are as follows:

Reproductive technology applications
How reproductive technologies, such as estrus synchronization and artificial insemination, work in your cow-calf operation to enhance performance and profitability.

Reproductive management experts will share their experience and advice in this interactive, demonstration-based class format.

Low-stress handling and stockmanship on horseback
Low-stress cattle handling principles will be taught. Appropriate methods of moving cattle as a group, penning techniques and pressure points in moving animals will be demonstrated.

Pfizer 20th Anniversary Reception and AQHA ranch horse competition
Enjoy an exciting night of ranch horse competition as the American Quarter Horse Association brings ranch horses to the bay.

These cowboys and horses will show off their skills in reining, cow work and roping as they show the versatility, athleticism and willingness that make the American Quarter Horse the ultimate ranch tool.

Keynote address
What does the future hold for U.S. agriculture and especially the beef industry? Internationally respected futurist Dr. Lowell Catlett will present the keynote address with his predictions for the long-range future of the agricultural industry and factors that influence sustainability of beef cattle production.

How have credit policies changed our ranch management planning?
How tight credit policies have impacted beef cattle operations during the past couple of years and what to expect over the next year. A market update will be presented by CattleFax.

Water challenges and strategies for future ranching
The availability of water for livestock will have a major impact on the future of beef cattle production and ranching.

One of the nation’s most highly respected ranchers will present white paper results concerning water utilization and how it affects the future of ranching.

Preserving family relations on the ranch
Many of America’s farms and ranches are enjoying success because of the work that generations of family members have contributed. How do you continue to honor that legacy and heritage?

In this session we will look at what it takes to perpetuate your farm or ranch across generations, while at the same time preserving family relationships that are so important.

My cow herd is a reproductive wreck – What can I do?
Environmental conditions such as heat, drought, cold, lack of forage and water can wreak havoc on the reproductive efficiency of the cow.

If pregnancy rates have slipped more than expected, then this is the class for you to get the cow herd back on track.

Beltway gossip
Learn what this past election will mean for the beef cattle industry, how future policies will affect your operation and what changes in Congress mean for you.

Credit availability to operate in today’s beef industry
The amount of credit that it takes to operate in today’s business climate is breathtaking. Bankers representing some of the largest international, national and local financial establishments will provide new information on credit and credit policies for farmers and ranchers.

Weather predictions for farmers and ranchers
The drought of 2012 has devastated the U.S. and effects will be felt for years. Join a nationally renowned climatologist as he discusses his predictions for 2013 and beyond.

Satisfaction and motivation of ranch employees
We often hear from ranch managers that keeping good employees satisfied and motivated is a continual challenge. Learn how to attract, develop, motivate and retain an exceptional workforce.

Making a replacement heifer into a productive cow
With high input costs, the value of lifetime fertility has never been more important. Learn what happens after the embryo is formed and the subsequent lifetime impact of the maternal nutritional environment on the reproductive efficiency of the heifer.

Consumer attitudes about beef and production practices
The science of understanding consumers’ buying habits, perceptions about beef, food safety, ranch and feedlot production practices – and even attitudes that go into the preparation of the evening meal – are fascinating to track. What is on the consumer’s mind and how do we respond?

Market predictions
Global markets have a huge impact on commodity prices. How does this influence our decision on cattle feeding, and how does it affect the profitability for our ranches and feedlots?

Tips on managing forage, water and cattle resources
One of the nation’s best-known ranch managers with experience in all areas of the country will give practical insights on how he has managed large cattle ranches under adverse environmental conditions for the past 30 years.

Rancher responses to generational transfer, labor issues
Local and national ranchers will discuss how they have dealt with generational transfer of the ranch as well as methods for employee management, “team” attitudes and maintaining a ranch vision.

How technology helped the ranch to prosper
For the past five years, ranchers have heard how DNA-assisted technologies can improve the genetics of their cow herd.

In this panel, some of the nation’s best-known breeders explain how they are successfully utilizing new technologies to make better cattle.

New beef cuts and methods of preparing beef
Bridget Wasser, senior director of meat science technology at NCBA, will demonstrate and discuss new beef cuts such as the Flat Iron and Country Style Ribs.

Steve Wald, executive director of beef culinary innovations, will demonstrate new methods of beef preparation.

Ranch horse management
Properly managed, working ranch horses can be a critical part of your cattle operation, as well as a residual income.

Learn how to better purchase, manage and market your ranch horses in this practical session presented by producers who have tapped into the ranch horse market, along with valuable tips from the American Quarter Horse Association on how to tap into its resources to help market your horses.

Stop leaving money on the table
Learn how to identify and prioritize risk factors that affect your bottom line and explore strategies to protect your business. Applying management strategies to those of highest priority are key skills for cattle enterprise managers.

Coping with drought and high feed prices
The cattle business faces risk factors – weather, market prices, input costs and a host of others. Recognizing risk factors and applying management strategies are key skills for cattle enterprise managers.

Producers are facing high hay and grain prices and a shortage of inventory. We will offer practical solutions from ranchers around the country.

Parental validation: Who’s your daddy?
This session will discuss using technology to guarantee DNA parentage in one of the largest growing breed segments – the American Bucking Bulls.

Delivering high-quality beef: A restaurant perception
Delivering flavorful and tender beef to restaurants is necessary as consumer demand for our quality product is on the rise. Insights from the restaurateur of a nationwide dining establishment will allow us to better understand customers’ perceptions.

Diversifying your cattle and horse operation
In today’s tumultuous economy, balancing your portfolio and ensuring you have diversified your investments is one key to success.

Join our panel of experts – who raise horses in addition to their cattle operations – as a successful means to diversifying your production portfolio. 

Come see us in Tampa!

Be sure to drop by the Progressive Cattleman booth at the NCBA Trade Show in Tampa and visit with our team members.

Sign up for a subscription and pick up a magazine. If you choose to be in a video, you can also win a Progressive Cattleman hat. Visit us at Booth #1305.

PHOTO
NCBA floor. Photo courtesy of Progressive Cattleman staff.

- From NCBA conventions news release