National Cattlemen’s Beef Association realizes significant growth in 2008

DENVER — Membership and revenues increased significantly for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in its 2008 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30.

Association membership grew 6.7 percent over the previous year to 30,647, while revenues from membership grew by 8.3 percent over fiscal 2007.

Membership in the organization has grown 24 percent in the last three years.

Thirty-eight of the country’s 45 cattlemen and livestock affiliates increased association member revenue in 2008, and 36 of them increased their national member numbers.

Membership retention rate was about 74.5 percent for the year, a 3.7 percent increase over 2007.

At least one state in each of the seven association regions had more than 20 percent increase in national membership growth, demonstrating the nationwide resurgence in the organization and interest in its efforts.

The association also increased its membership in 2007, adding eight percent to its membership base from 2006.

One reason

Among the reasons for the upswing are four field representatives who have been working in the different regions, attending local meetings and providing another conduit for association members to reach the organization while carrying policy and issue information into the field.

In addition, increased membership benefits, including educational opportunities through the association’s National Cattlemen magazine, Cattlemen to Cattlemen TV show on RFD-TV and events at the annual convention are providing new methods for enhancing successful cattle businesses.

A new Young Producers Council will also provide techniques to keep new producers in the cattle industry.