News Update
Jan. 5, 2009

Roberts Named Next NCBA CEO

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced Forrest Roberts will be its next chief executive officer (CEO). Roberts, 42, will start Jan. 20, 2009.

“We are thrilled Forrest will be joining us as CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. We are certain Forrest brings the right experience, vision and optimism to lead the nation’s oldest, largest and most respected cattle organization,” said Andy Groseta, rancher from Cottonwood, Ariz., and NCBA president.

Roberts grew up on a family-owned, diversified livestock operation in Uvalde, Texas. He worked side-by-side with his family when the operation expanded to include a retail meat market for “locally grown, corn-fed” beef and pork. Forrest went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University and a master of business administration (MBA) from the University of North Carolina.
Roberts has held several marketing and sales positions in two animal health companies. He started with Upjohn Animal Health in 1992, and he remained with the company through its two mergers to Pharmacia Animal Health and later Pfizer Animal Health. In 2004, he left Pfizer to join Elanco Animal Health where he most recently served as the marketing manager for Elanco’s Beef Business Unit. 

The search for NCBA’s next CEO was competitive, attracting more than 70 applicants. A 12-member producer committee reviewed the applicants, interviewed several candidates and selected two among the 70 for NCBA’s officers to consider. 

“Forrest’s agriculture background, business experience and his passion for the industry clearly made him the candidate we wanted to lead our association into the future. Forrest is a goal-oriented and dynamic leader, who will take NCBA to the next level to better serve the cattlemen of this country. We fully expect him to meet the challenges of our industry head-on with innovative solutions that will help producers succeed in the global marketplace,” Groseta said.

In addition to his agriculture and beef business experience, Roberts has served in several volunteer positions in NCBA. He has been a member of NCBA’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Allied Industry Council, Long-Range Planning Committee and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Trustees.

“My roots, my education, my passion, my career — they’re all linked to the cattle industry. I can think of no greater honor than to be CEO of NCBA. I look forward to working with NCBA’s staff, members, leaders, state and industry partners to ensure the future strength and sustainability of the U.S. cattle industry,” Roberts said. 

Terry Stokes stepped down as NCBA’s CEO in September, after serving in the role for nearly seven years. Stokes has stayed on in the role during the search and will work with Roberts through the end of January to ensure a seamless transition. Both men will be present at the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 28-31.

— Release provided by NCBA.

Dick Bond Leaving Tyson Foods; Tollett Takes Over

Dick Bond, president and CEO of Tyson Foods Inc. announced today that he is leaving the company, effective immediately. Lealand Tollett, former chairman and CEO of the company, has agreed to return to the company as interim president and CEO until a permanent successor is named.

“After seven years of helping lead or leading the world’s largest meat company, I have decided it is in both my best interest personally, and the best interest of the company for me to move on and pursue other interests,” Bond said. “I have a lot of both my time and personal finances invested in Tyson Foods, so I wish the company all the best for future success.”

Additionally, Donnie Smith, longtime Tyson executive, is being named senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, and will have overall responsibility for those divisions of the company.

— Adapted from release provided by Tyson Foods Inc.

MU Stocker/Backgrounder Conference Set

A one-day institute for stocker and backgrounder operators from Missouri and neighboring states is set for Feb. 19, 2009, in Harrisonville, Mo.

“Missouri is an ideal location for stocker and backgrounding operations because we have an abundance of pastureland and easy access to the Midwest Corn Belt and the Great Plains cattle-feeding belt,” said Craig Payne, beef veterinarian with the University of Missouri (MU) Commercial Agriculture Program.

By presenting the latest research and state-of-the-art practices, the conference can provide participants with tools to improve the efficiency and profitability of their operations, Payne said.

Speaking during the morning sessions will be two MU Extension beef specialists. Economist Joe Horner will present a talk titled “Making money with calves without losing your shirt” and nutritionist Justin Sexten will discuss nutritional management for cattle during the receiving phase.

In the afternoon, veterinarian Mike Nichols of Pfizer Animal Health will talk about disease dynamics and how to reduce disease challenge. Shaun Sweiger, a veterinary consultant from Edmund, Okla., will discuss treatment protocols for bovine respiratory disease and using data to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Highlighting the institute will be Tom Gallery of the Gallery Ranch in Dewey, Okla., which won the 2007 National Stocker Award in the backgrounding/drylot division. Gallery will discuss his operation with an emphasis on how alliance-formation and real-time data management played a role in the success of his ranch.

The institute will take place at the Harrisonville Community Center, 2400 Jefferson Parkway, Harrisonville, Mo. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with welcome and introductions at 10 a.m. Cost for the one-day conference is $50. For more information, contact Craig Payne at 573-882-8236 or payneca@missouri.edu. Registration begins Jan. 1. To register, contact Christine Pickett, 573-882-4349 or pickettc@umsystem.edu.

— Adapted from release by University of Missouri Extension.

— compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.