S.D. Stockgrowers to host 123rd Annual Convention

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and S.D. Cattlewomen are set to host the 123rd Annual Convention and Tradeshow on September 26 and 27 at the Best Western Ramkota Convention Center in Rapid City. The two-day convention will feature a strong line-up of speakers and panelists along with policy discussions, and the annual business meetings for both associations.

Headlining this year’s Stockgrowers convention will be Dr. Jude Capper, the Bovidiva, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, with her entertaining presentation entitled, “Beef Has Always Been ‘Green’ – So How Do We Convince the Critics?”. Capper will speak during the Friday, September 26 banquet. The S.D. Cattlewomen’s convention will kickoff with Katie Pinke, a blogger and passionate ag advocate from North Dakota, as their keynote speaker on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

“We’re excited to invite everyone to attend our 123rd Annual Convention and to celebrate the work that our association has accomplished in the last year,” said Bob Fortune, President of Stockgrowers from Belvidere. “We have some great speakers and a fun convention planned. I really encourage everyone to join us in Rapid City.”

Friday’s program will feature Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA as the luncheon keynote as well as speakers on Animal Health and ID issues, updates from S.D. Game Fish and Parks, as well as the S.D. Brand Board. The afternoon speakers will focus on the lessons learned regarding reporting and recordkeeping in the face of natural disasters, a discussion on Private Property Rights and the S.D. Cattlwomen will learn about Ag in the Classroom.

Saturday will begin with an inspirational breakfast and speakers regarding Beef Checkoff structures, an update from the S.D. Animal Industry Board, Legislative updates, and trade committee meetings. Secretary of Ag Lucas Lentsch will keynote the luncheon followed up an SDSU ice cream social and candidate forum featuring statewide candidates facing election this fall. At the time of printing, candidates confirming attendance include: Rich Sattgast (R) for State Treasurer, Ryan Brunner (R) for Commissioner of School and Public Lands, U.S. Senate Candidates Mike Rounds (R), Gordon Howie (I) and Rick Weiland (D), Corrinna Robinson (D) for U.S. House, and Susan Wismer (D) candidate for S.D. Governor.

The Convention will wrap up on Saturday evening with an awards banquet, Guy E Ham Beef Industry scholarship presentation and a live auction fundraiser to benefit the work of the Stockgrowers throughout the year. Kenny Putnam and the Lonely Rangers will provide entertainment and dancing to close out the 2014 convention.

For a full agenda and details of the convention, please call the S.D. Stockgrowers Office at 605-342-0429. Hotel Reservations can be made by calling the Ramkota at 605-343-8550 and asking for the S.D. Stockgrowers rate. Registration will be available at the convention.