Last Saturday in Nashville, Tenn., Nebraska cattleman J.D. Alexander was named 2012 president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.  Alexander takes over from Bill Donald from Melville, Mont. Elected NCBA president-elect was Scott George, a second generation Wyoming farmer. Also elected were Bob McCan, Texas, to vice president; Craig Uden, Nebraska, federation division chair; Richard Gebhart, Oklahoma,  federation division vice chair; Don Pemberton, Missouri, policy division chair; and Phil Ellis, Wyoming, policy division vice chair.   

The 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn. set a new attendance record of 8,216. Alexander says the turnout was representative of the enthusiasm in the industry. He says that if you want a voice, want to make a difference and want to ensure that your family operation stays in the family, you must step up to the plate, get off the sidelines and become actively involved in your industry.

More than 250 companies and organizations exhibited at the NCBA Trade Show – another record. While convention attendees spent a great deal of time in meetings and at educational seminars, there were multiple entertainment events for them to attend. A Cowboy's Night at the Grand Ole Opry, with performances by the Oak Ridge Boys, Josh Turner, Charley Pride and others was a highlight of the convention.

Alexander called the 2012 Convention and NCBA Trade Show "a convention of a lifetime." He said it exceeded expectations.

"There was a lot of optimism and positive energy at this convention," Alexander said. "We saw a lot of ranchers and farmers – both young and old – looking to the future and the possibilities it holds. We've got a lot of momentum in this industry and in NCBA."

Use the video player on this page to watch Alexander talk about his goals for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in 2012.