2009 International Livestock Congress - USA
January 13, 2009
Denver, Colorado
Renaissance Denver Hotel
Global Beef –Meating the Demand was the theme that resonated throughout this year’s International Livestock Congress-USA.
Beef producers, packers, retailers, students and other industry leaders heard first hand how the world’s largest retailers are meeting the protein demands of their consumers and, in turn, what those retailers are demanding of the suppliers of protein.
Dr. Lowell Catlett, world-renowned futurist set the stage with his presentation on the Globalization of the Beef Business. Speakers representing major food retailers in the USA, UK, Europe and Mexico outlined the supply, the demand and the marketing strategies used to reach their customers.
The four afternoon sessions addressed some of the key critical elements facing the individual producers today. The presenters were recognized industry experts who provided participants with valuable and useful “hands on” information needed in today’s business climate.
Many participants enjoyed the pre-congress tours set for Monday, January 12. The tours covered segments of the beef supply chain, varying from a packing plant to an ethanol plant or feedlot to a major retail case-ready processing plant and a new product demonstration at National Cattlemen’s Beef Association headquarters. Pre- and post-harvest management practices were presented.
The global marketplace is an exciting and challenging arena for everyone involved in the beef business. ILC-USA 2009 provided the ideal setting to learn and discover how the challenges and opportunities impact the individual operation.