Consider it a showcase event for the Indiana beef industry. The Indiana Beef Cattle Association will hold its annual state convention on Jan. 25. Joe Moore, executive vice president of IBCA, promises it will be anything but another boring meeting. The event is designed to be a day of learning as well as a day of fun and networking for cattle producers and their families.

The convention will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. EST at the Indianapolis Sheraton, Keystone Crossing, with programs beginning at 8:30 a.m. Besides the IBCA business meeting, the Indiana Hereford, Simmental, Limousin and Shorthorn breed associations will hold annual business meetings.

If you’re not involved in those meetings, you can hear Ben Bartlett explain low-stress cattle handling or visit the trade show that accompanies the convention. Bartlett will repeat his talk during the morning sessions. Karen Plaut, dean of Purdue University’s College of Agriculture; Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture; and Brett Marsh, head of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, also will present updates.

Jennifer Houston, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will speak in the afternoon, along with Jayson Lusk, head of the Purdue Ag Economics Department. The evening banquet will feature keynote speaker Roger Hunsley, Purdue animal sciences professor and livestock judging coach from the 1970s and 1980s. The evening will conclude with entertainment and time for social networking.

Check out costs and register for the event at indianabeef.org. You can also learn more by calling IBCA at 800-515-2333.

“We want everyone to come, whether you are a member of IBCA or not,” Moore says. “Bring your family. Registration cost is the same, whether you are a member or not. This will be a great event for everyone.”