(LOCKHART) – The Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas (ICA) will host its Annual Convention & Tradeshow this July 1-3, 2024, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel Conference Center. Established in 1974, ICA serves as the voice for independent Texas cattle producers in Austin and Washington, D.C. 

The group will celebrate its 50^th Anniversary with this year’s convention theme of “Land and Legacy.” The meeting will feature industry leaders to discuss the challenges that producers have overcome in the last 50 years and the opportunities that are still to come. Confirmed speakers include Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Justin Tupper, Corbitt Wall of DV Auction’s Feeder Flash, USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux, Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright and ranching and genetics consultant, Dr. Joe Paschal. 

Attendees will take home valuable insights into the latest production and marketing practices.  There will also be availability to earn credit for continuing education units (CEUs), as well as opportunities to earn Beef Quality Assurance certifications and participate in a live cattle handling demonstration. 

Following the business of each day, kick up your heels with the best of Lone Star entertainment! On Monday, July 1, Texas music legend Gary P. Nunn will put on an exclusive performance featuring his top hits. After a lively steak dinner on Tuesday, July 2, be sure to take a number and bid against others for handmade and hand-picked prizes in the ICA Live & Silent Charity Auctions. Enjoying the company? Keep it going at the After-Hours Party each night in the hospitality suite. 

Don’t forget to purchase tickets for a chance to win a 2024 Can-Am Defender. During the annual drawdown raffle, all sold ticket numbers are placed in a barrel and individually drawn at random during the event. Drawn numbers are eliminated. The last ticket holder wins the grand prize! Only 500 tickets will be sold. Purchase one for $100 or two for $180. Grand prize generously donated by ICA’s official powersports dealer, Velocity Powersports. 

Registration can be found online at https://icatexas.com/events/ or call (512) 620-0162 for more information. Sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor space are available.  To secure a drawdown raffle ticket, contact the state office, your ICA chapter director, or purchase online at check-out.