Ag United News

SDCA Convention speakers provide education for cattle producers

November 01, 2006

Pierre, SD – The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA) is pleased to announce a great speaker lineup for their 58th Annual Convention and Trade Show scheduled for November 29-30, 2006 at the Ramkota in Pierre. All producers are invited to join us in Pierre and take part in the educational and networking events.

Thanks to the ongoing support of Pfizer Animal Health, Wednesday will begin with the annual Cattlemen’s College where animal nutrition and animal identification will be the topics of discussion. Glenn Smith from AgInfoLink will provide insight about how AgInfoLink is working with ranchers, feeders, alliances and governments across the USA, including providing support for many state National Animal Identification System (NAIS) pilot projects, including efforts in South Dakota. Glenn’s responsibilities with AgInfoLink include strategic planning, marketing, and managing sales, operations and implementation for AgInfoLink’s growing U.S. business. Dr. Gary Sides, Nutritionist with Pfizer Animal Health will be speaking about animal nutrition issues, helping producers find ways to ensure herd health and productivity through good nutrition.

2006 was no different from most years, presenting challenges and uncertainty for the cattle and beef business from drought disaster to market fluctuations. With corn prices on the rise and the cattle markets trending downward, convention attendees will benefit from Andy Gottshchalk’s market outlook session during lunch on Wednesday, Gottschalk, Owner of HedgersEdge.com will be sharing his years of experience as a market analyst to provide insight on the markets and how producers can put marketing tools to work for their businesses. Wednesday evening, attendees will be challenged and entertained by Jim Whitt, a nationally recognized “Professional Provoker” who will be speaking about The Power of Purposeful Leadership. Jim’s presentation is designed to provoke businesses and individuals to reach their full potential. His fun, fast-paced, and punctuated brand of humor draws from his rural roots and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

On Thursday, November 30 start your day with John Queen, NCBA President-Elect and Amanda Nolz, 2005 National Beef Ambassador. John will provide an update on current industry event and outline NCBA’s involvement in key issues impacting producer profitability. Amanda will share her experiences representing South Dakota and U.S. producers as the National Beef Ambassador in 2005.

Educational break-out sessions on Thursday morning are intended to provide updates on a variety of topics important to cattlemen and will cover a broad range of topics from international trade to estate planning. Attendees will be able to select three sessions to attend from four topics including: Canadian Issues Update with John Masswohl, Director of Government and International Relations for the Canadian’s Cattlemen’s Association; Declining Beef Quality Grades with Dr. Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef; Estate Planning with Jan Krotter; and Vaccinations Update with Dr. Bill Burdett, Intervet Tech. Services.

Cattlemen won’t want to miss Thursday’s luncheon where Bruce Knight, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, will be speaking about a variety of programs including NAIS. Confirmed by the Senate in August as USDA Under Secretary, Mr. Knight will provide leadership and oversight for a number of USDA programs and agencies important to cattlemen, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Marketing Service, and the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. Thursday’s evening banquet will feature a panel discussion on local agricultural issues with representatives from state government and our Congressional delegation invited to participate.

“We are pleased to have such a variety of speakers with expertise in many issues important to cattlemen”, said Mike Stahly, SDCA President. “Educating producers and providing them with tools to help them increase their profits is important to SDCA.”

South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is working to advance the interests of South Dakota’s Cattlemen through the representation and promotion of the beef industry.

For more information, see: www.sdcattlemen.org