The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will once again heavily emphasize producer education at the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention (Cattle Con), largely through the comprehensive Cattlemen’s College program. In a conversation with Hunter Ihrman, NCBA’s Senior Director of Producer Education, Michaela Clowser detailed the sessions, speakers, and new access options for the upcoming event.
2026 Cattlemen’s College Sessions and Topics
Cattlemen’s College is recognized as the “gold standard in beef cattle education,” offering cutting-edge insights across a wide range of topics crucial to the beef industry.
Key session areas to be covered at the 2026 event in Nashville include:
- Business and Planning: In-depth content on succession planning. Shannon Farrow of Oklahoma State University is returning to lead a detailed succession planning workshop, following his well-received appearance at the 2025 event.
- Health and Genetics: Sessions on cattle health, genomics, and discussions on why cattle are “getting larger” and the decisions that create further down the supply chain.
- Operations: Extensive grazing content will be available.
- Industry Issues: Discussions focused on workforce and next-generation issues, including “humanizing the workforce” in agriculture, and topics related to animal welfare.
Featured Speakers and Experts
Cattlemen’s College aims to bring in the “best of the best” speakers and experts, covering topics such as animal health, nutrition, genetics, and sustainability. Attendees will hear from:
- Industry Leaders: Speakers representing companies such as Five Rivers Cattle Feeding Company, Alltech, and Zoetis.
- Academic Experts: Renowned geneticist Dr. Troy Rowan from the University of Tennessee.
- Consultants: Dr. Ron Scott with Purina.
Access and Financial Assistance
For the first time, Cattlemen’s College is included in all registration packages for Cattle Con.
- Attendees do not need to pay an additional fee or purchase a separate package; Cattlemen’s College sessions are accessible with a one-day registration or a full-week pass.
Additionally, cattle producers can take advantage of the Rancher Resilience Grant to help defray costs.
- The Grant: This program is designed to help producers attend educational events, including Cattle Con, by offering reimbursement of registration and hotel costs.
- Application: Producers can apply for the grant at NCBA.org under the Rancher Resilience Grant tab, where they will find detailed steps and information.
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification
Due to popular demand, the opportunity for attendees to become BQA certified is being offered again. Attendees can receive their Beef Quality Assurance certification on Thursday afternoon by attending the session and successfully completing the quiz.
To Learn More
Cattle producers interested in learning more about Cattlemen’s College and all Cattle Con offerings should visit convention.ncba.org, where the full educational schedule and travel details are outlined.
