Nearly 9,000 cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders from around the country have gathered in downtown Nashville for CattleCon 2026. The largest cattle industry event of the year kicks off Feb. 3 and runs through Feb. 5. Attendees will participate in business meetings, learn the latest during educational sessions, network with peers and experience all Music City has to offer.
“We have an excellent lineup of educational and inspirational speakers, and we look forward to seeing everyone this week,” NCBA President Buck Wehrbein said in a press release.
Throughout CattleCon, guest speakers including NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Jr., New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff and award-winning songwriter Jimmy Yeary will inspire and spark innovation. The CattleFax team, including CEO Randy Blach and atmospheric scientist Matt Makens, will also provide a glimpse into what 2026 and beyond have in store for the industry. Familiar faces (and voices) Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, and Bill Cody, Country Radio Hall of Famer and longtime Grand Ole Opry announcer, will also be on hand.
CattleCon 2026 includes many new activities including “Next Generation Day” on Feb. 5. Collegiates are invited to join American National CattleWomen for an engaging and educational session dedicated to shaping the future of the cattle and beef industries. During the Emerging Leaders event Feb. 4, attendees can connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and explore exciting career and networking opportunities. Attendees can also visit participating “Career Crawl” companies at the NCBA Trade Show to explore internships, job openings and career opportunities while engaging in meaningful conversations with agriculture professionals.
Another new event is the Prime Cut Awards: Featuring the National Environmental Stewardship Award and Beef Quality Assurance Awards. This signature event was Feb. 3 and brought together cattlemen and women for a night of celebration, connection and industry pride.
Education is a cornerstone of CattleCon and new this year, all registration options include Cattlemen’s College sessions and demonstrations. In addition, while roaming the NCBA Trade Show attendees can stop in the Learning Lounge to enjoy informal, face-to-face talks and listen to Cattle Chats which feature beef industry educational sessions. The new Marquee Stage on the trade show floor also offers top-tier programming, live broadcasts and exclusive conversations.
Nashville is known as Music City, and CattleCon 2026 will celebrate the city’s country music heritage throughout the week. Gracyn Stevens, winner of the 13th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, will perform; Paul Bogart, a CattleCon favorite, will bring his down-to-earth charm to the Feb. 4 Boots on Broadway (Almost) event; and country music stars including headliner Vince Gill will shine during Cowboy’s Night at the Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 5.
In addition, producers will be hard at work guiding both NCBA policy and Beef Checkoff programs. Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.
On-site registration is open for those who still would like to attend. For more information, visit convention.ncba.org.
