What the Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show Is
The Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention and Trade Show is the yearly gathering of the state's beef producers. Over three days, members set association policy in committee meetings, hear industry updates, visit a trade show, honor their peers at an awards banquet and elect the next year's leadership. The 2026 convention is December 9 to 11 at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney. Nebraska Cattlemen runs the event; online registration is at necattle.memberclicks.net/convention2026.
It is built for cattle producers and the businesses that serve them: cow-calf, seedstock, farmer-stockman and feedlot members, plus allied industry companies and students looking at careers in the beef business.
How the Three Days Are Organized
A tentative 2026 schedule is posted as a downloadable flyer on the convention page. The 2025 convention, held December 10 to 12 at the same center, shows how the program is laid out.
Day one: councils and the opening session
- Committee and council business meetings for the Cow/Calf, Seedstock, Farmer Stockman and Feedlot councils, plus the Allied Industry Council and the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation board.
- A trade overview breakout session.
- The opening general session in the early evening, followed by a welcome reception and trade show.
Day two: trade show, policy and awards
- The trade show opens in the morning, with a silent auction and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate research posters. More than 60 vendors were expected in 2025.
- Three rounds of policy committee meetings cover education and research, marketing and commerce, brand and property rights, natural resources and environment, animal health and nutrition, taxation, and consumer promotion.
- A career fair runs through the middle of the day.
- The Annual Awards Banquet that evening honors Hall of Fame, Industry Service and Friend of the Foundation recipients.
Day three: market outlook and business meeting
- A market outlook presentation from the Nebraska Cattlemen marketing staff.
- The Annual Business Meeting, where members vote on policy and elect the coming year's leadership.
Who Can Attend
Registration is open through the Nebraska Cattlemen website. Policy committee meetings and the business meeting are where members shape and vote on association policy. Vendors and sponsors who want to exhibit in the trade show should contact Ashley McClinton at Nebraska Cattlemen through the link on the convention page.
What You Get Out of It
- A voice in association policy on topics such as trade agreements, federal tax changes, animal health issues such as New World screwworm, and state brand and property rights.
- Market and industry updates from association staff.
- Face time with vendors and a chance to browse the trade show floor.
- Recognition at the awards banquet and the chance to vote for next year's leadership.
Key Dates
| Item | Date |
|---|---|
| Convention and Trade Show | December 9 to 11, 2026 |
| Previous convention's early registration deadline | Friday, December 5, 2025 |
Registration fees and the 2026 early registration date are posted on the convention page as they are announced.
Where
Younes Conference Center South, Kearney, Nebraska. In 2025 the committee meetings, trade show in the Crystal Ballroom and banquet were all held at this center.
Questions
Who do I call?
Nebraska Cattlemen, 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521. Phone 402-475-2333.
Is there a trade show?
Yes. It opens the first evening with a reception and runs through the second day.
Where do I register?
Online at necattle.memberclicks.net/convention2026.
Official Links
- Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show: 2026 dates, registration and contact
- 2025 convention announcement: topics, trade show, banquet and business meeting
- 2025 committee and council agendas: how the days are scheduled
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention
Farm Bureau members meet for policy voting, discussion meet rounds, workshops, a keynote and board elections. The 2026 meeting is Dec. 6 to 8; the 2025 convention was also held in Kearney.
- Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic
Winter livestock judging contest in Kearney on Feb. 14, 2026, part of the Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit.
Kearney, NE | Organizer: Nebraska 4-H Official event details - Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference
The 41st annual conference for women in farming and ranching, with a pre-conference session on Feb. 25 and the main program Feb. 26 and 27, 2026, in Kearney.
416 Talmadge St., Kearney, NE | Organizer: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Official event details - Nebraska Livestock Judging Classic
Summer judging classic in Kearney on June 12, 2026, counted on the Great Plains Livestock Judging Circuit.
Kearney, NE | Organizer: Nebraska 4-H Official event details - Buffalo County Fair 4-H Livestock Shows
4-H schedule July 21-27, 2026: dog show, horse show, sheep and goat judging, beef, rabbit, poultry and swine showmanship, fashion show and cake walk and pie auction.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.