Nearly 8,000 cattle producers were on hand in New Orleans, La., for the official start of the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show, which runs through Feb. 2, 2019, and brings together producers from across the country.

National Cattlemen's Beef Assn. (NCBA) president Kevin Kester said, “Every year, the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show hosts members from every segment of the beef industry. Not only is the event a great opportunity for attendees to network and learn about the newest technology and science to improve their operations, but it’s also when we set our policy priorities for the next year.”

National Football League Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw delivered the keynote address at the opening general session. In addition to his football and broadcasting career, Bradshaw is a gospel/country singer, best-selling author and breeder of championship quarter horses.

Convention attendees will have the chance to visit the 6.5-acre trade show and attend a wide range of events. These include live cattle handling demonstrations and the popular Cattlemen’s College, a series of educational sessions that cover topics like herd management, cattle health and improving profitability. Cattlemen’s College is known for stimulating and thought-provoking sessions that can help generate high returns for producers’ operations, the event announcement said.

Other highlights this week include the Washington, D.C., public policy issues update, NCBA policy committee meetings, the “Mardi Gras Masquerade” at Mardi Gras World and the Cowboy Concert Series featuring music stars Big & Rich.

The convention will wrap up Saturday morning with a meeting of the NCBA board of directors, where official public policy positions will be set for the coming year.

NCBA, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also be holding meetings in conjunction with the event.