South Dakota Ag Connection - SDCA Wraps up 69th Annual Convention and Trade Show

South Dakota Ag News Headlines

SDCA Wraps up 69th Annual Convention and Trade Show
South Dakota Ag Connection - 12/05/2017

The 69th Annual South Dakota Cattlemen's Association Convention and Trade Show wrapped up in Pierre this past week after two busy days of information sharing, policy development and the election of new leaders.

"Mother Nature smiled during convention week and many cattlemen and vendors took advantage of the great weather to join us in Pierre. We're pleased so many came to network, learn and engage with their organization and count this convention as another successful event," stated Jodie Anderson, SDCA executive director.

Highlights of the event included Anna Jones, a BBC journalist and 2016 Nuffield Farming Scholar sharing insights on agriculture and the media, Dr. Victor Cortese with Zoetis discussing calf health and profitability, and a market outlook from Don Close with Rabo AgriFinance.

The SDSU Extension Roundup provided excellent educational opportunities on a variety of topics from Adapting Drylot Techniques to Stretch Pasture Resources to Quality Assurance program updates and grasslands in South Dakota.

Anna Jones addressed attendees at Cattlemen's Collegeand also provided the keynote address during lunch. Her Cattlemen's College presentation focused on how producers can make themselves heard, providing practical tips for working with the media and how to understand where the journalist is coming from. The keynote explored the disconnect between farming communities and the mainstream media and proposed solutions she uncovered through her Nuffield Scholarship.

SDCA members had a work day with policy committees and the annual membership meeting. The slate of officers were re-elected for a second term, including: Larry Stomprud, a cow-calf and seedstock producer from Mud Butte, was elected to another one-year term as president; Steve Ollerich, a cattle feeder from Dell Rapids, was elected to serve another year as vice president; and Allen Walth, a cow-calf producer from Glenham, has a year remaining on his two-year term as the organization's secretary-treasurer. Todd Wilkinson also remains on the executive committee as the immediate past president.

Anderson noted, "Overall, it was a great event and the we thank everyone who joined us to make it a success. We look forward to celebrating the 70th Annual SDCA Convention and Trade Show next year in Huron."

Other South Dakota Headlines