Goodbye ocean, hello involvement
So, a couple of weeks ago I packed up my boots, left the snow and ice and Set Sail to San Diego for the Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show.
Coming from a production background, I really wanted to keep up with policy and the various issues in the beef industry. This trip meant I finally made it to the last semester of my certificate program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but it was also an incredible opportunity to network with some of the industry’s latest and greatest.
During my time at convention I engaged in the grassroots policy process, sat in meetings to hear from industry experts and browsed the massive trade show. It was great to see producers from around the country coming together to discuss issues and make decisions. I’ve realized more than ever how much we need our beef leaders in Washington, D.C., voicing our opinion to elected officials. With help from them doing their job, my family can continue to do theirs.
Looking at the big picture, producers are only a piece of the pie regarding the food industry. When we are raising our cattle, we have to keep the consumer in mind and work toward what they want. Consumers now, more than ever, want to know where and how their food is being produced. Implementing sustainability practices will help to produce the very best beef for our consumers.
Coming home, I was provoked to start getting more involved in our cattlemen’s association at a local level. Participating in policy committees and meetings can help me protect my family’s legacy. Great things can happen when we all come together to make a difference. Hopefully one day I can step up and take a leadership role in the industry.
While I was only away for a short period, not all of my time in San Diego was centered on breakout sessions and meetings. This landlocked girl got to see the ocean for the FIRST time! I saw a surfer, soaked the bottom of my skinny jeans and left a trail of sand in the hotel room.
Until next time, West Coast.
~Jenny
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Jenny Keyes grew up as the fifth generation on her family’s Springfield, Neb., farm. Her early experiences—which included showing Angus cattle—inspired her to keep on learning about all things agriculture. Our current industry information intern, Jenny is a senior ag communications major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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