2026 Northwest Florida Beef Cattle Conference & Trade Show

Ranchers and their employees are invited to attend the 41st annual, Northwest Florida Beef Conference and Trade Show. Registration and the Trade Show will open at 7:30 AM central time, and the educational program will start at 8:15 AM and conclude with a grilled steak lunch.

Since 1985, the University of Florida has provided an educational conference and trade show of industry professionals for cattle ranchers in the Florida Panhandle, Southeast Alabama, and Southwest Georgia. One of the core principles of this annual event is practical recommendations for cow-calf producers based on research-based information. This year, the planning team has invited an all Florida team of cattle and forage specialists to focus on a core area of ranching. The focus of the 2026 Beef Cattle Conference is “Don’t Get Sloppy! Managing Your Ranch Well.”

In addition to the educational program, the conference will also feature a Trade Show of businesses and agencies that offer goods and services to cattle producers in the region. The representatives in attendance are trained professionals in specific areas of cattle, forage, and farm management. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with so many resource people in one place.

Info: Enjoy a cup of coffee and visit with the Trade Show Exhibitors before the educational program begins.

Info: The cattle market is expected to very strong in 2026, but input costs have also risen to levels that require calculated investment. The program will start with a brief 2026 Cattle Market Outlook but also include a discussion of production costs, provided by Hannah Baker, UF/IFAS Cattle and Forage Economist.

Info: Dr. Todd Thirft, UF/IFAS Cow-Calf Extension Specialist, will be the keynote speaker. He will discuss managing a cow-calf herd well from his experience working in extension over his 30-year professional career.

Info: Hit the restrooms, and then enjoy a cold drink and popcorn while you visit with the Trade Show Exhibitors during the 45-minute program break.

Info: Dr. Marcelo Wallau, UF/IFAS Forage Specialist, has been working on managing forages for cattle production for the past 12 years. He will focus on one of the key areas of ranching, managing pastures well.

Info: Dr. Brent Sellers, UF/IFAS Director of the Range Cattle Research Center, will share from his 22 years of experience of controlling pasture weeds. Ranchers have a few newer chemicals available to help manage an ever growing list of troublesome weeds that reduce forage productivity.

Info: Doug Mayo, UF/IFAS Jackson County, a 30-year veteran extension professional, will provide the final presentation that will focus utilizing an extensive record system for annual ranch analysis to develop benchmarks for ranch management. It is difficult to improve the management of an operation without knowing costs of production, break-even prices, and key production targets.

Info: Enjoy an 8-oz steak fresh off of the grill, that was prepared by the Jackson County Cattlemen's Association's Cooking Crew.

Info: Final opportunity to visit with Trade Show exhibitors, or ask follow up questions with speakers after lunch has been served.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2741 Penn Ave, 2741 Penn Avenue, Marianna, United States

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