Take Us Back to Fort Worth: TCFA 2019 Annual Convention Highlights

​The TCFA 2019 Annual Convention has come and gone, and we wish we could go back. The Convention was a success with an estimated 450 in attendance.
     The Opening General Session, sponsored by Farm Credit, kicked off with Levi Berry’s chairman’s address. Berry opened by sharing his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as chairman and commended TCFA members for their hard work, passion and dedication to the industry over the years.  

​     “The day-in and day-out work of each of you is what provides people across the world with beef,” Berry said. “This is no small accomplishment.”
     Berry talked about partnerships TCFA has with NCBA, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the Texas Beef Council, and how those partnerships have benefited the entire beef industry.
     “I can’t tell you enough what your investment in the beef checkoff does for our product,” he said. “Your investment helps promote the beef industry, not just here in Texas or in the United States, but all over the world. Every dollar you invest in the national checkoff returns almost $12. Couple that with the dollar invested into the state checkoff, and that is significant added value to beef.”
     Berry thanked his family, volunteer leaders, the TCFA staff and membership for all they do to for the industry. 
     “I could go on and on about the good and bad challenges facing the cattle feeding industry in 2019 — what we’ve accomplished and overcome this year alone could fill hours,” he said in closing. “What I can say is that you have remained focused and determined, and it’s those characteristics that will carry our industry successfully into the future.”  

​NCBA President Jennifer Houston followed with an update on federal legislative and regulatory challenges the industry will face in the coming year, and how TCFA’s partnership with NCBA is crucial to successfully navigate policy changes in the future.
     Karl Rove and Jim Messina followed and spoke about how new-day media effects today’s politics. An expert consumer panel moderated by Shalene McNeill addressed red meat in a healthy diet in conjunction with nutrition improvement and weight management.
     Miss Texas 2019 Chandler Foreman presented awards during the annual TCFA award lunch. That evening, the Lindsey Lane Band kicked off the Cattle Feeders Get Together. The successful BEEF-PAC live auction was a highlight of the evening followed by the announcement of the first Sweepstakes winner.
     Tuesday’s Closing General Session covered everything from demographics and politics to an entertaining perspective on perfecting your skill for the greater good of a team. Ken Gronbach discussed how demographics impact America’s buying decisions and political choices, and Kenny Aronoff closed the session with an exciting and interesting view of individual perfection.  

     Thank you to everyone for attending and making the 2019 Convention a huge success. Mark your calendars for the 2020 Convention, October 4-6 in Grapevine. To see pictures from TCFA Convention, visit our Facebook or Instagram (@txcattlefeeders).
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