(SPRINGFIELD) More than 9,500 cattle producers and industry partners from across the nation gathered this week in Nashville, Tennessee for the three day CattleCon 2026 event, which is an all-time attendance record. The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) was among those participating in educational sessions, policy & checkoff meetings, and a trade show spanning seven acres. IBA officials say this year’s concerns were mostly different than in years past, with a focus on beef profitability along with outside force issues like New World Screwworm, Ticks, and more. Go to the IBA website online for updates on the annual event which finished up last night.