CALF_News_April_May_2019

8 CALF News • April | May 2019 • www.calfnews.net T H E C A T T L E C O M M U N I T Y G A T H E R S I N N E W O R L E A N S “It’s all about quality and genetics.” You’d think that statement came from an Extension beef specialist or a breed association leader. But Terry Bradshaw? Well, you can bet his three Super Bowl rings he said it. The NFL Hall of Famer, Steeler Terrible-Towel-waving and FOX NFL Sunday 25-year-man also runs cattle and Quarter Horses in Louisiana and Oklahoma. He knows his way around the barn and corral. And he had thousands in stitches as the featured speaker to open the Cattle Industry Con- vention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans in late January. Bradshaw was among many convention speakers, who included U.S. Sec. of Agri- culture Sonny Perdue (see separate story in this issue), officers fromNCBA, Cattle- men’s Beef Board and American National CattleWomen, allied industry leaders and a host of other beef ambassadors. A native of Shreveport, La., Bradshaw quipped that Drew Brees, Tom Brady and FOX sidekick Howie Long can’t talk to you about cattle – “but I can” – noting that he currently runs an Angus opera- tion after getting started with Simmental and “Tiger Stripes” early on. “I went to the Federal Land Bank and borrowed money off my NFL contract,” he said, throwing in hilarious anecdotes about getting started in the cattle business. “God put me here to enjoy myself. Everyone should dance to your own tune with your own fiddle.” He saluted producers and feeders for the sacrifices they make in the beef busi- ness.“You earn your money the hard way,” he said. Another general session speaker was Lance Pekus, better known as the “Cowboy Ninja Warrior” and fan favorite on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior tele- vision show. He lives near Salmon, Idaho, and works on a ranch. He likes being a spokesman for beef and notes that “consumers want to know about cattle production and health.” NCBA President Kevin Kester, who did an excellent job of represent- ing NCBA at state and regional cattle association meetings this past year, said New Orleans Something for Everyone By Larry Stalcup Contributing Editor TOP: Bradshaw is honored for his belief in beef and American agriculture. ABOVE: Cowboy Ninja Lance Pekus counts on beef to power him through the grueling obstacle course laid out for the American Ninja Warrior tv show. NCBA President Kevin Kester welcomed nearly 8,000 producers, feeders and others to The Big Easy. his experience has left him feeling that producers and feeders “are like family” no matter where they run cattle. Kester added that NCBA remains a big factor in Washington, D.C., saying, “we have a strong identity there. We’re small in numbers, but carry a big stick.” Gwen Geis, ANCW president from