NDSU at NCBA: the importance of university attendance at CattleCon

Direct Engagement with Stakeholders aids researchers

By Kathlyn M. M. Hauxwell

Research Specialist

Earlier this year, three representatives from the NDSU Department of Animal Sciences traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the 2025 NCBA CattleCon. Kathlyn Hauxwell, Dr. Rebecca Swanson and Dr. Rachel Gibbs represented NDSU among more than 20 universities as they participated in the annual CattleCon Trade Show, which drew over 8,500 stakeholders from across the beef industry.

The event featured a wide range of timely topics, including seasonal weather projections, cattle market trends and cutting-edge innovations in animal health and production management. A standout component of the trade show was the “University Pavilion,” a dedicated space where attendees connected with university faculty and alumni, explored ongoing research, and identified opportunities for future collaboration between academia and the livestock sector.

For students and faculty alike, participation in CattleCon offers a unique opportunity to better understand the pressing challenges facing the beef industry. It also highlights the practical applications of university-led research in addressing those challenges. For land-grant institutions such as NDSU, these national events reinforce their commitment to serving producers, educating future agricultural leaders and delivering science-driven solutions to real-world problems.

Direct engagement with producers, allied industry professionals and other universities enables faculty to align research priorities with stakeholder needs, while ensuring relevance and maximizing impact. At the same time, students gain exposure to internship and career opportunities, expand their professional networks and engage with prospective collaborators. The exchange of ideas fostered at CattleCon plays a crucial role in keeping academic research both progressive and grounded in industry realities.

NDSU’s presence at the 2025 CattleCon serves as a strong reminder of the vital role land-grant universities play in driving innovation, building industry partnerships and shaping the future of the beef industry. Looking ahead, the NCBA Booth Committee at NDSU will begin meeting regularly to plan for the 2026 CattleCon Trade Show, which will be held in Nashville. Individuals interested in supporting this initiative or joining the planning committee are encouraged to contact Kathlyn Hauxwell at kathlyn.hauxwell@ndsu.edu, Lydia Trandem at lydia.e.hansen@ndsu.edu, or Guillermo Scaglia at guillermo.scaglia@ndsu.edu