Iowa cattle producers are urged to help set priorities at the Iowa Cattlemen's Association annual convention. All ICA members have an opportunity to help shape the future of their state association during the two-day annual convention. Cattle producers are invited to join other ICA members January 6-7, 2009 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, Iowa.

Committee meetings will be held in Tuesday morning sessions. The meetings allow ICA members to discuss issues and vote on policy directives to be taken to the ICA annual meeting for vote by all members present. Every ICA member is eligible to participate in committee meetings and vote at the annual meeting.

New Master of Beef Advocacy program

There will be a table-top trade show open over the entire course of the convention, featuring more than 56 agribusinesses. Representatives will be on hand to discuss their products and services and interact with cattlemen.

"Stand Up, Speak Out and Be Heard", will be the message given to convention attendees, by Daren Williams, Executive Director of Communications for National Cattlemen's Beef Association, at Tuesday's luncheon. The message is in conjunction with the new Master of Beef Advocacy program unveiled this fall by the beef checkoff. The MBA program is aimed at helping everyday beef producers better communicate the details of their work and in sharing their point of view to the general public.

"Hot-button" topics to be discussed

The Tuesday afternoon Info Expo sessions offer cattlemen the opportunity to hear updates on several "hot button" issues in 30-minute rotations. Topics ranging from financing feedlot environmental improvements with low-interest loans and managing feed waste in cow/calf operations to cattle handling and economic value of manure will be discussed.

Tuesday evening's events consist of the ICA President's reception and dinner, followed by the ICA awards presentation and concluding with the Iowa Cattlemen's Foundation auction.

On Wednesday, January 7 annual meetings of the Iowa Beef Industry Council and ICA start at 9:30 a.m. Authors/Iowa Farmers, Bill and Karen Johnson, will host an information session "Once Upon a Farm II, How to Look, Listen, Laugh & Survive." The ICA Annual Convention officially adjourns at 12:30 p.m.

Advance registration deadline is Friday, December 26, 2008. For information or to register call the ICA at 515-296-2266 or visit the site www.iacattlemen.org.