Nebraska Cattleman Named New NCBA President
Adapted from news release by NCBA.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) — Nebraska cattleman J.D. Alexander was named 2012 president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) during the organization’s annual meeting in Nashville. Alexander officially took the reins of NCBA from Bill Donald, a rancher from Melville, Mont.
Elected NCBA president-elect was Scott George, a second-generation Wyoming farmer. Also elected to NCBA posts at the meeting were Bob McCan, Texas, vice president; Craig Uden, Nebraska, Federation Division chairman; Richard Gebhart, Oklahoma, Federation Division vice chairman; Don Pemberton, Missouri, Policy Division chairman; and Philip Ellis, Wyoming, Policy Division vice chairman.
The 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show attracted a record 8,216 attendees. The attendance eclipsed the old record of just less than 7,000, set at NCBA’s 1998 centennial celebration. Alexander said the turnout was representative of the enthusiasm in the industry.
“If you want a voice, want to make a difference and want to ensure that your family operation stays in the family, you must step up to the plate, get off the sidelines and become actively involved in your industry,” he said. “Together — with our state and national partnership — we will be at the table and off the menu.”
Alexander has served as chairman of the Federation Division and on numerous NCBA committees. George was previously NCBA vice president and has also served on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee and as chairman and vice chairman of the Federation Division.
The next generation of cattlemen and women took an active role in the convention, with more than 1,000 young people registered to attend. Marketing, public speaking, quiz bowl and livestock judging contests were held for youth of all ages.
More than 250 companies and organizations exhibited at the NCBA Trade Show — another record. While convention attendees spent a great deal of time in meetings and at educational seminars, there were multiple entertainment events for them to attend.
Alexander called the 2012 Convention and NCBA Trade Show “a convention of a lifetime” that exceeded expectations.
“There was a lot of optimism and positive energy at this convention,” Alexander said. “We saw a lot of ranchers and farmers — both young and old — looking to the future and the possibilities it holds. We’ve got a lot of momentum in this industry and in NCBA.”
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Editor’s Note: This article was adapted from a news release provided by NCBA.