WENATCHEE — The Washington Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Association Annual Tradeshow and convention runs Oct. 30-Nov. 1. The association started in 1925 to promote cattle and agriculture industries by preserving, protecting and promoting the beef industry. 

“Our purpose is to help ranchers do the important work of raising beef so that we can feed the world,” Chelsea Hajny, Executive Vice-President of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association, said. “The event that’s coming up is our annual convention. We meet once a year, collectively as a whole group. And it’s really a social opportunity, an opportunity to get everyone together, get off the ranch and network, as much as it is an opportunity to have some learning sessions and hear from industry speakers ... It’s really a lot of fun.”

On Wednesday, registration and set-up begin. There is also a WSA board meeting. The tradeshow social is from 4 until 6 p.m. and will have light appetizers and chatting. Dinner will not be provided on this day. 

Thursday is the beginning of festivities. The day starts with a breakfast buffet with a presentation about digital solutions for rangeland management hosted by Envu. There will be information on how to be more profitable while customizing grazing plans. 

“I think that the biggest thing is that it’s a group of people who are committed to raising beef, feeding the world,” Hajny said. “It’s not glamorous work, it’s hard work, but some of the best people that you’ll find in one room.”

The WCW will then have their meeting while the WCA also holds a meeting. WCA will be discussing policy and will have guest speakers to discuss the topics. These two meetings will go until noon. At 9 a.m. the silent auction will also begin.

Then from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. there will be three presentations: Dr. Fred Muller from Cyon Animal Health will be discussing cattle health and wellness; Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of the Public Lands Council, will be discussing public lands, transportation and natural resources; and attorney Toni Meacham will talk about water and ecology.

Then there will be a small coffee break with drinks provided. From 10:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. there will be two presentations to choose from. The first is Tanner Beymer, senior director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, speaking on marketing and trade. The second will be a discussion of wildlife, endangered species and recreation. 

At 1 p.m. there will be an industry update from keynote speaker Randy Blach. 

“We’re going to hear from Cattle Fax CEO Randy Blach,” Hajny said. “It’s an exciting time to be in cattle, and we’re going to hear about industry trends and what we can expect to see this year and maybe into next year in the future. To get an industry leading expert like Randy to attend the convention is really special.”

Afterward there will be breakout sessions with three different topics: Washington State Beef Commision, business succession and estate tax planning in agriculture and commodity ingredient hedging.

Then it becomes social time with cocktails, dinner, live music and the trade show. 

“I love getting to see people that like getting everyone together, even though we all network year round, getting everyone in the same room once a year is so special,” Hajny said. “Ranching is hard work, and it’s hard to get off the ranch and the farm. It’s just hard to get away when you’ve got that many mouths to feed and that many chores to do. We recognize the challenges around that, and we feel very blessed that people prioritize this gathering.”

Friday, the third and final day of the event, starts with breakfast and the silent auction.Then people can join breakout sessions of four topics from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The first breakout is a legislative update for cattlemen hosted by Beymer. The second includes discussion on 2025 budget increases, agency enhancements, program updates, and the Inflation Reduction Act which will be hosted by Keith Griswold, Assistant State Conservationist. The third topic is hosted by AgWest Farm Credit and titled “Turning Challenges to Opportunities.” The final breakout room is about environmental stewardship award winners; there will be opportunity for question and answer with the winners.

Lunch will then be provided before the “Legacy of the Land: NCBA Region V’s Environmental Stewardship Award Winner Presentation Tower Rock Ranch.” Following is the Washington Cattlemen’s Association general membership meeting. 

The night ends with a social and gardgame fundraiser, formal banquet dinner, auction, and announcement of the Cattlewoman of the Year. 

“This event is open to anyone and everyone,” Hajny said. “You don’t even have to be a member of the Cattlemen’s Association to come join us. We would love your membership and your support, but that’s not prerequisite to attend. If anyone has any desire to learn more about it, if they’re new to raising cattle, just have a couple of cows in their backyard. They want to get more involved. The WCA welcomes all people who are interested in the beef industry with open arms.”