Joint Industry & Producer Services Group
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., A11 Room
Be sure to attend the group meeting to get current program and committee information in the areas of NCBA membership, checkoff producer communications and joint producer education. We also encourage your participation to help improve and enhance coordination and collaboration among the committees and councils within this group. Chairman: Charles Miller; Vice Chairman: Tom Woodward

Joint Public Opinion & Issues Management Group
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., F4-5 Rooms
Come to discuss strategies and plans for issues and programs such as nutrition, beef safety, consumer-friendly beef, youth education, health professional influencers, issues management and public relations. We will also be discussing and setting priorities for the coming fiscal year. Chairman: Jay O’Brien; Vice Chairmen: David Dick

Joint Research & Knowledge Management Research Update
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., A17 Room

Joint Global Consumer Marketing Group
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., C4 Room
The group will convene to hear program updates from the joint marketing committees: Advertising, Foodservice, Retail, New Product & Culinary Initiatives, Veal, International Markets and the National Beef Cook-off®. Following the group meeting, the individual joint committees will meet to discuss program priorities for 2009. Chairman: Sid Sumner; Vice Chairman: Gary Voogt

NCBA Tax and Credit Committee
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., A18 Room
We will review legislative activity thus far in the 110th Congress, and discuss the outlook for tax issues with the potential to affect the profitability of U.S. cattle producers. Join us as we continue our work to ensure that NCBA is positioned and prepared to address important tax and credit issues. Chairman: Arthur Uhl; Vice Chair: Dave McCracken

NCBA Agriculture Policy Committee
9:30 a.m. – noon, C1 Room
The committee will discuss the results of the 2007 Farm Bill and how its provisions will affect the cattle business. We will get the latest on renewable energy research and review energy legislation passed by Congress. We will also continue our discussions on immigration reform and its effects on labor. Chairman: Ben Brophy: Vice Chairman: Tim Munns

NCBA Cattle Health & Well-Being Committee
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., A5 Room
The committee will focus discussions on the status of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issues and will have the opportunity to meet the new APHIS administrator. Updates on feed regulations, the rule to reopen the Canadian border and efforts regarding tuberculosis, brucellosis and ticks will also be on the agenda. We will also talk about the latest action in Congress surrounding the use of antibiotics, animal welfare issues and the farm bill. Chairman: Chuck Massengill

NCBA Property Rights & Environmental Management Committee
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., A12 Room
The committee will discuss the status of the Conservation Title in the Farm Bill, the status of our appeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) decision to regulate dust under the Clean Air Act, and the status of the Clean Water Act CAFO rule. Come and learn the latest on our efforts to define that manure is not a hazardous substance under Superfund, our strategy to defeat efforts to expand the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act to all waters of the United States, and Endangered Species Act issues. Your input is critical as new strategies and policies for addressing regulatory and legislative issues that continue to affect your business are developed. Chairman: Scott Jones; Vice Chairman: Jason Hitch

NCBA Federal Lands Committee
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., A13 Room
The committee will consider federal lands resource issues and hear from decision-makers about current issues across the west and in Washington, D.C. Chairman: Jeff Menges; Vice Chairman: Mark Roeber

Joint Nutrition & Health Committee session 1
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m., D2 Room
Discuss strategies to reach consumers through important nutrition influencers with science-based information and resources that position beef as the premier, nutrient-rich, high-quality protein, so they feel good about including beef as part of a healthful diet. Also review influencer initiatives to credibly protect and defend beef’s place within the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and build the case for beef protein, as well as efforts to provide important beef nutrition information through the school environment. The Youth Education & Information and Nutrition Influencers subcommittees will meet from noon to 4 p.m. (see separate listings) with the Joint Nutrition & Health Committee reconvening at 4:30 p.m. Chairman: Leo Vermedahl; Vice Chairman: Daniel Smith

Joint Information Committee session 1
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m., D3 Room
The committee will hear and discuss reports from its subcommittees: Joint Public Relations and Joint Issues Management. Come and hear discussion of the issues facing the beef industry and reports on program activities, including beef safety public relations, food communications, nutrition public relations, policy communications, crisis preparedness, consumer issue research and activist response. The Issues Management and Public Relations subcommittees will meet from noon to 4 p.m. (see separate listings) with the Joint Information Committee reconvening at 4:30 p.m. Chairman: Lucinda Williams; Vice Chairman: Laurie Lickley

Joint Human Nutrition Research Committee
11:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., A16 Room
Human nutrition research is essential to protect and promote beef’s role in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and support beef as a nutrient-rich food. Join fellow producers and nutrition experts to discuss new and ongoing nutrition research projects in areas such as beef’s nutrient composition, lipids, protein and beef’s role in diet quality. All are welcome to learn how nutrition science can work for beef promotion and demand. Chairman: Becky Walth; Vice Chairman: Richard Thorpe

NCBA Beef Production Research Committee
11:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., A1 Room
Come interact with fellow producers and researchers regarding beef production issues and research. You’ll learn and discuss the key research priorities for the beef industry and how they can be used to drive research agendas within the government and other organizations. These research priorities will help to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the beef industry and your business. Chairman: Barry Dunn; Vice Chairman: James Henderson

Joint Beef Safety Committee
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., A2 Room
Come and interact with other producers and committee leadership as we discuss recently completed beef safety research and hear information about the Beef Industry Food Safety Council’s upcoming Beef Safety Summit. Take the opportunity to hear research priority discussions and information dissemination accomplishments. Chairman: Duane Theuninck; Vice Chairman: Mark Riechers

Joint New Product & Culinary Initiatives Committee
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., F1 Room
Come hear the latest information on the new chuck roll cuts, taste new innovative beef products, get updated on all of the projects the Culinary Center is working on and the program areas it supports and enjoy the winning recipe and highlights from the National Beef Cook-Off® program. Chairman: Tom Hotz; Vice Chairman: Mark Pendleton

Joint Product Enhancement Committee
11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., A3 Room
Providing consumers with a positive and consistent eating experience is paramount to long-term customer satisfaction and building beef demand. The committee will focus on beef product enhancement issues such as genetics, muscle characterization and application, tenderness prediction, and how to best get this information disseminated to producers and industry stakeholders. Chairman: Glen Dolezal; Vice Chairman: Paul Parker

Joint Producer Communications Committee
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., A10 Room
During this important meeting, the checkoff’s Joint Producer Communications Committee will review to-date results of fiscal year (FY) 2008 producer communications programs and begin mapping a FY 2009 strategy to communicate efforts and results of checkoff programs to the producers who invest in it. Tactical areas of discussion encompass paid media, earned media communications, the Beefmobiles, producer outreach, Cattlemen’s Beef Board communications and more. Chairman: Richard Nielson; Vice Chairman: Chuck Adami

Joint Producer Education Committee
Noon – 3 p.m., A6 Room
Join us as we plan to discuss producer education activities, including Quality Assurance initiatives, Integrated Resource Management projects, the Cattle Learning Center and Cattlemen’s College®. The group will identify and establish priorities for future initiatives. Chairman: Roger West; Vice Chairman: John Maas

Joint Advertising Committee
Noon – 3:30 p.m., D8 Room
After reviewing 2007 results, the new ads and 2008 media plans will be shared and discussed. The committee will also set priorities, which will serve as a basis for 2009 checkoff advertising. Chairman: Glenda Flora; Vice Chairman: Terri Carstensen

Joint Foodservice Committee
Noon – 4 p.m., D1 Room
Beef is the leading protein on foodservice menus, and programs funded by the beef checkoff are helping to keep it that way. Learn how marketing initiatives are working to protect and grow beef’s volume in this $537 billion channel. Chairman: Brian Healey; Vice Chairman: Bill Jackson

NCBA Membership Committee
Noon – 4 p.m., A11 Room
NCBA’s success as an organization is derived from the strength of its membership and relationship with state affiliate organizations. Join us as we come together to develop strategies for enhancing revenue development, give direction on existing services and provide input on future programs and services. Chairman: Steve Foglesong; Vice Chairman: Bill Donald

Joint International Markets Committee
Noon – 5 p.m., C3 Room
Beef trade has become a critical component of the U.S. beef industry’s profitability. Will increased volatility in the changing global economy, huge changes in exchange rates, and international political pressures derail industry goals on the trade front or be the dawn of a new era of growth? Get the latest updates on all the trade issues affecting our industry, including developments in beef trade into Japan, Korea, China, Russia and the European Union. Chairman: Dan Dierschke; Vice Chairman: Dave Hamilton

Joint Issues Management Subcommittee
Noon – 4:00 p.m., F2 Room
Chairman: Austin Brown III; Vice Chairman: Jim Steinbeisser

Joint Public Relations Subcommittee
Noon – 4:00 p.m., F6 Room
Chairman: Ann Bruntz; Vice Chairman: Daryl Owen

Joint Youth Education & Information Subcommittee
Noon – 4 p.m., F7 Room
Chairman: Scott George; Vice Chairman: Dianne Kirkbride

Joint Nutrition Influencers Subcommittee
Noon – 4 p.m., F3 Room
Chairman: Terry Handke; Vice Chairman: Dan Kerschen

Joint Retail Committee
12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., D4 Room
Learn what beef checkoff funds have accomplished with supermarket retailers this past year and what is in store for next year. The retail marketing team will be presenting the results of our 2007 marketing plans, including the Hispanic Initiative and the Retail Beef Backer Awards. We will also review progress on 2008 plans, which include new merchandising techniques for large subprimals and an update on the new look for summer grilling plans. Chairman: Don Stewart; Vice Chairman: Helen Wiese

Joint Veal Committee
1 p.m. – 6 p.m., D9 Room
Explore the possibilities with veal as veal industry leaders review checkoff-funded veal promotion programs targeting casual dining chains through the integrated Veal Go to Market Strategy. The meeting will also include veal program updates and a review of relationships with veal marketing partners, including veal packer/processors and state beef councils. Chairman: Pat Kilsdonk; Vice Chairman: Ray Krones

NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Committee
3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., C2 Room
Join us as we review the outlook for cattle markets and discuss the latest factors affecting cattle marketing. We will also review, and if necessary formulate a strategy to address, Congressional action on the 2007 Farm Bill and other legislation pertaining to cattle marketing. Chairman: Jeff Sparrowk; Co-Vice Chairmen: Paul Colman & Jamie Willrett

NCBA Resolutions Committee
4 p.m. – 8 p.m., A7 Room
Chairman: John Grande; Vice Chairman: Mike Milroy

Joint Research & Knowledge Management Group
4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., A17 Room
This group will present the findings and recommendations of the following committees: Beef Production Research, Beef Safety, Product Enhancement,Human Nutrition Research and the Market Research Working Group. Join this group to hear what fellow producers and industry experts perceive to be the key accomplishments for 2007 and research priorities for fiscal year 2009. Chairman: Keith Hansen; Vice Chairman: Dick Sherron

Joint Information Committee session 2
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., D3 Room
The committee will hear and discuss reports from its subcommittees: Joint Public Relations and Joint Issues Management (see separate listings). Come and hear discussion of the issues facing the beef industry and reports on program activities, including beef safety public relations, food communications, nutrition public relations, policy communications, crisis preparedness, consumer issue research and activist response. Chairman: Lucinda Williams; Vice Chairman: Laurie Lickley

Joint Nutrition & Health Committee session 2
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m., D2 Room
Discuss strategies to reach consumers through important nutrition influencers with science-based information and resources that position beef as the premier, nutrient-rich, high-quality protein, so they feel good about including beef as part of a healthful diet. Also review influencer initiatives to credibly protect and defend beef’s place within the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and build the case for beef protein, as well as efforts to provide important beef nutrition information through the school environment. Chairman: Leo Vermedahl; Vice Chairman: Daniel Smith

Editor’s Note: This material was compiled with permission by staff of Angus Productions Inc. (API), which claims copyright to the material as presented. It may not be published or distributed without the express permission of API. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270 or shermel@angusjournal.com.