Angus Enthusiasts gather for 2022 Angus Convention
After a weekend exploring new learning and networking avenues, the American Angus Association® concluded a successful 2022 Angus Convention. The four-day event, held in Salt Lake City Nov. 4 to 7, attracted 1,400 registrants and nearly 80 trade show vendors.
“This year’s convention was without a doubt a tremendous success,” said Mark McCully, Association chief executive officer. “Our Angus family left Salt Lake City energized, equipped, and inspired to reach new levels of success.”
Each day was loaded with educational sessions, networking opportunities and wall-to-wall trade show vendors. On day one, Angus enthusiasts had a chance to partake in various tours including the National Angus Tour and the Beef Blitz tour hosted by Certified Angus Beef (CAB®). That evening marked the kickoff of the trade show floor during the Trade Show Grand Opening and Welcome Reception.
On the main stage, three general sessions presented attendees with industry relevant, cutting-edge information. The opening session, Exploring Your Potential, welcomed the Angus family with remarks from McCully and panelists about defying standards, the scope of the beef business and what’s on the industry’s horizon. Later, Kelli Retallick-Riley, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®) president, and panelists of the Genetics Symposium, sponsored by NEOGEN, discussed the functional longevity EPD, genomic advancements and the value of the Angus cow. The Consumer Perspectives Panel, sponsored by Zoetis, concluded the trio of general sessions, where Bruce Cobb, CAB executive vice president of production, alongside industry professionals, shared how cattlemen can earn consumer trust and continue driving demand for CAB.
Throughout the weekend, educational opportunities filled the schedule. Angus University continued to provide attendees opportunities to learn from industry experts, both in classroom settings and with live cattle in the Priefert Cattle Demo Area. Topics covered ranged from capturing value for all sectors and bovine heart health to innovative production practices.
American Angus Association Awards Dinner and Reception
The highly anticipated American Angus Association Awards Dinner and Reception recognized several distinguished honorees. Honored as Angus Heritage Foundation inductees were Leo & Sam McDonnell, Montana; Dave Nichols, Iowa; Becky & the late Arlen Sawyer, Nebraska; and Jim & Sue Coleman, California.
Awarded the Roll of Victory Show Heifer of the Year was SSF Lady 5030 owned by Houston Ferree, Indiana.
The Roll of Victory Show Bull of the Year was Conley DS Clear Cut 0510 owned by Conley Cattle, Oklahoma; Ferree Fitzgerald, Indiana; and David Smith, Colorado.
Concluding the Roll of Victory recipients was Breeder of the Year awarded to Express Ranches, Oklahoma.
During the dinner reception, CAB recognized two recipients of producer awards. Achieving the Seedstock Commitment to Excellence award was Larson Angus Ranch, Kansas and honored for the Ambassador Award category was Walter Angus, Colorado.
A special Angus Foundation fundraiser took place with the auction of a CAB Barn Painting. When the gavel pounded, the painting was purchased by Gardiner Angus Ranch who generously invested $15,000 to further the Foundation’s mission of education, youth and research.
The announcement of a new Miss American Angus rounded out the program with Kelsey Theis, Kansas, being crowned for the 2022 to 2023 year.
139th Annual Convention of Delegates
The 139th Annual Convention of Delegates capped off the final day of the event. Elected to their first three-year term on the board of directors were Rob Adams, Alabama; Art Butler, Idaho; Alan Mead, Missouri; Henry Smith, Kentucky; and Roger Wann, Oklahoma. Serving in leadership positions for the year are President and Chairman of the Board – Chuck Grove, Virginia; Vice President and Vice Chair of the Board – Barry Pollard, Oklahoma; and Treasurer – Jonathan Perry, Tennessee.
To hear a few breeders recap Angus Convention, listen to the latest episode of The Angus Conversation here: www.angusjournal.net/episodes/episode/7b49f40b/in-demand-why-angus-breeders-are-so-optimistic. The 2023 Angus Convention will be held November 4-6 in Orlando, Florida.
For news and further information about this year’s Convention, visit www.angus.org
