SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) convened in San Antonio, Texas last week for their Annual Meeting, presented by Anipro Xtraformance Nutrition and AgRisk Advisors, and in partnership with USCA affiliate Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas. The meeting provided ample opportunity for networking, education, and policy discussions.
“I appreciate all the directors, members, sponsors, and partners who joined us in San Antonio last week,” USCA President Justin Tupper said. “The Annual Meeting is a critical time to set the direction of the association for the year ahead and join in conversation on issues impacting the industry. The meeting hosted a number of panels focused on hot-button issues and the group has a renewed momentum to make positive change as we enter a new year with a new administration.”
Panel presentation topics this year included emerging technologies, Beef Checkoff, livestock risk protection, and mandatory animal ID. In addition, Certified Angus Beef Director of Commercial Industry Relations Troy Marshall shared a look at the industry and how the branded beef program has impacted its history. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux provided an overview of the tools FSA has to support its producers.
USCA reviews its policies every two years and accepts new policy submissions at the Annual Meeting. This year, new policies were presented regarding animal health and ID, all of which will be sent to the membership on the year’s official ballot.
USCA also welcomed newly appointed Board of Directors members who will be placed on the upcoming ballot, including Todd Clemons (Region XI: Florida and Georgia); Luke Frantz (Region XIV: Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois); and Curtis Thomas (Region I: Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii).
The USCA Annual Meeting sets the policies and focus of the Association for the year ahead, which will culminate this year in the USCA DC Fly-In. Issues to be included for discussion include Animal ID, Producer Profitability and Competition, Trade and more. Any USCA members interested in participating in the 2025 fly-in should contact USCA’s Federal Policy Director Kalina Reini: [email protected].
–U.S. Cattlemen’s Association
