The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) will be holding its annual convention at Eagle Crest Resort, Redmond Nov. 7-9. The Oregon CattleWomen, Oregon Trail Beef, Oregon Beef Council, and Oregon Rangeland Trust will also be holding meetings in conjunction with OCA’s meeting.

There will also be a trade show with over 30 booth offering quality services and supplies to Oregon’s ranchers. The trade show attendees will also host the Western Fun Night at Holiday Ranch in Terrebonne Friday evening. The evening will feature dinner and live music.

This year’s convention topics will kick-off with the Cattlemen’s College, an educational program focusing on the production, handling and marketing of quality beef. Speakers at the College will include Dr. Gary Smith, Colorado State University, -“Consumers’ Beef Eating Experience,” Dr. Candace Crooney, Oregon State University, “Your Animal Welfare Image,” Dr. Bruce Lancaster – “Communicable Diseases,” R.J. Frances Cow-Calf Management Software,” a panel of beef industry representatives – “Retail and Foodservice Beef Demands,” and a Beef Quality Assurance training and certification.

Thursday evening will feature the Public Lands Round Table. This will open one of the most popular events at OCA’s convention, because it allows for ideas to be exchanged between ranchers, public land managers, attorneys, academic specialists and state and federal agency representatives. In attendance will be Ann Hanus, director, Oregon Division of State Lands, Janette Kaiser, Forest Servce director of rangeland management, Linda Goodman, acting regional forester, Nancy Phelps, also of the Forest Service, Walt Van Dyke and Chip Dale of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

During the convention, cattlemen will analyze many issues, including brand registration fee increases, captive supply of cattle, West Nile virus, wildlife damage and management plans, in-stream water rights and other important items.

Wythe Willie, NCBA president, will speak to the cattlemen on Friday morning along with Jay Penick, president and chief executive officer of Farm Credit Services, who will address Oregon’s changing cattle industry. Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington Director Elaine Brong will address the attendees during lunch on Saturday. The featured speaker for Saturday evening’s President’s Banquet will be Congressman Greg Walden.