South Dakota Ag Connection - SDCA Announces 68th Annual Convention Speakers

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SDCA Announces 68th Annual Convention Speakers
South Dakota Ag Connection - 10/24/2016

If you're involved in South Dakota's beef industry, you're invited to the 68th Annual South Dakota Cattlemen's Association Convention and Trade Show Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Watertown Event Center and Ramkota.

"This year's speaker line-up will have something for everyone. Regardless of whether you are a feeder, cow-calf operator, stocker or backgrounder, our educational speakers will have insights to help inform your decisions in 2017," stated Jodie Anderson, SDCA executive director.

Back by popular demand, SDSU's Extension Roundup will gather timely topics presented by Extension experts in a quick-paced update. The Roundup will begin at 5:30 pm on Nov. 29 and topics will include: the Veterinary Feed Directive, Working Multiple Generations, Managing Feedstuffs in Drought, Managing Water & Grazing Distribution, and Adding Value to the Beef Carcass.

On Wednesday morning, Dr. Garry Lacefield from the University of Kentucky will dive deep into forage utilization with his presentation, Forages: Change, Challenges, and Opportunities. During Dr. Lacefield's forty-one year career in forage extension at the University of Kentucky, he emphasized a team approach, working collaboratively with other professionals for the benefit of the livestock and forage industries. Beef producers are sure to learn ways to put Dr. Lacefield's expertise to work in their operations.

Attendees will also hear from beef industry leaders during the Opening Session on Wednesday morning. SDCA President Todd Wilkinson and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President-Elect Craig Uden will discuss the priority issues SDCA and NCBA are working to address.

Dr. Lacefield will be back to provide the keynote address during lunch on Wednesday. His keynote will focus on his personal perspective about gratitude, an important message during this time of extreme industry volatility.

Anderson observed, "Ag producers are confronting many challenges, so Dr. Lacefield's message about the importance of gratitude should strike a chord, hopefully providing some hope and perspective for those making tough decisions in 2017."

Council and committee meetings will also take place on Wednesday, as members begin their work leading up to the Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday morning.

The Avera Cancer Institute will share information regarding their cutting-edge genomic cancer research during lunch on Thursday. The convention will wrap up Thursday afternoon with Cattlemen's College, where Don Close from RaboAgrifinance will provide an economic outlook for 2017 and beyond. Come learn when beef producers might expect improved profitability. Next, Dr. Libby Fraser from Zoetis will present The Nose Knows, summarizing the latest studies with Inforce 3 and Bovi-Shield Gold and the importance of mucosal immunity to protect against BRSV and other viruses in cow-calf and feedlot operations.

Plan to attend the 68th Annual SDCA Convention and Trade Show Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Watertown Event Center and Ramkota. Full details, including registration and hotel information, are available on SDCA's website at www.sdcattlemen.org or call the office at 605-945-2333.

There are a limited number of trade show exhibit spaces still available! Contact Janna Reeves at office@sdcattlemen.org or call the SDCA office to reserve your space today.

SDCA strives to advance and protect the interests of all cattlemen by enhancing profitability through representation, promotion and information sharing.

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