The 2015 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show kicks off today in San Antonio, Texas, and the BEEF magazine editorial team will be out in force to cover the week’s events. Whether you’re at the event or home on the ranch like me, here are six ways to follow the happenings at this year’s convention:

1. Follow our Twitter feed.

Follow us on Twitter at @BEEFMagazine or on Facebook, and use the hashtag #beefmeet and #CIC15 to read live updates from the convention. Not an avid user of social media? No problem. You can follow the conversation on our website. Check out the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention twitter feed here.

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2. Check out our app!

This free app – developed by BEEF magazine – is available for both iOS and Android devices. It’s designed to help attendees stay current on the convention schedule and news, manage their schedule, learn what to do and eat in San Antonio, and have fingertip access to maps of the convention and trade show venue. Download the app here.

3. Meet the ranchers nominated for the 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award.

Each year at the annual Cattle Industry Convention, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, along with Dow AgroSciences and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, recognizes cattle operations that exemplify good environmental stewards. You can meet this year’s seven regional nominees by checking out this gallery. Be sure to tune in for updates on which of these operations is named the winner of the overall national award later this week.

4. Meet NCBA’s incoming president, Philip Ellis.

Wyoming rancher Philip Ellis will take on the year’s top volunteer position as NCBA’s president when the Cattle Industry Convention concludes at the end of the week. Get to know the man who will lead this organization and read his interview with Burt Rutherford here.

5. Check back for updates often!

Whether it’s coverage from the Zoetis Cattlemen’s College, exclusive interviews with industry leaders, or photographs from the trade show, we’ve got you covered at this year’s Cattle Industry Convention. We will upload any and all updates onto our 2015 Cattle Industry Convention page, which you can check out here.

By the way, we would love to see the convention through your eyes. Send me your photos to [email protected] or tag us in your #CIC15 photos on social media. On Twitter or Facebook, tag @BEEFMagazine and on Instagram, tag @AmandaRadke. We will be adding these photos throughout the week, so check back often for updates. And, we've got a copy of "Ranch School 101" by Don Gill that we'll be giving away to one randomly selected photographer. Thanks for your help!

6. Stop by & visist us at the trade show!

If you are in San Antonio at the convention, swing by and see everyone at the BEEF magazine booth #8010 in the trade show. It’s always great to connect with readers, and this is an excellent way to meet the people behind the magazine. Will you be attending the Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, or are you planning to follow along at home?

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of Beefmagazine.com or the Penton Farm Progress Group.

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