Kansas Cattlemen’s Association Hosts Annual Convention
The Kansas Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) concluded its 18th Annual Convention and Trade Show on October 29th at the Meridian Center in Newton, KS. The meeting brought together producers from across Kansas and surrounding states. The event included industry expert presentations, the association’s annual business meeting, trade show, bbq, banquet, and benefit auction. The convention kicked off on Friday, October 28th with a Beef Checkoff update by Courtney Kalous from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). Attendees learned about promotion programs and research projects currently underway in support of beef producers. Following, Dr. Dan Thomson of Kansas State University addressed attendees to discuss safely transporting fat cattle.
The KCA membership met the afternoon of October 28th to discuss policy, review resolutions, and create resolutions relevant to the industry today. “One unique aspect to KCA is that we get together to determine policy, and the outcome of that meeting goes out on a ballot to all of the membership for a vote. It may take a little longer, but this way all of the producers get a say in what their organization is doing for them,” stated Tyler Dupy, KCA Executive Director. Following the meeting, attendees and exhibitors enjoyed a casual beef meal of burgers and hot dogs and a social hour.
Saturday, October 29th consisted of a full-day of presentations, demonstrations, and the KCA trade show. The day began with Newton Mayor, Glenn Davis, welcoming attendees and Dr. Roger Marshall explaining his candidacy for the 1st Congressional District House of Representatives.
Presentations for the day covered numerous topics and issues relevant to independent cattle producers today. Dr. Jessica Laurin started off the day with an overview of the Veterinary Feed Directive, followed by an economic update by Bob Baker from the Executive Intelligence Review.
Dr. Bill Brown, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner, spoke regarding the dangerous and significantly contagious Foot and Mouth Disease. He explained the state of the industry about current FMD cases, followed by the response and impact of an outbreak of FMD in the United States. Domenic Varricchio of Schwieterman, Inc. provided an update on the cattle markets.
Dr. Tom Noffsinger gave a presentation on updated Low Stress Cattle Handling technique research. The presentation demonstrated low-stress cattle handling techniques, and Dr. Tom discussed the many benefits of implementing handling programs into operations. The presentation included new techniques and information available to producers to better manage herds.
Presentations wrapped up with a seminar and discussion with KCA member David Pfrang, where he discussed the Kansas Beef Checkoff Assessments, and producer’s ability to redirect these funds from a non-transparent system with the Kansas Beef Council.
Upon the close of the trade show, attendees enjoyed the annual KCA social, benefit auction, and annual banquet. The McKinney Sisters performed for guests of the banquet. The KCA Legacy Award was presented to Brandy J. Santos. Santos was the managing executive and lead lobbyist for KCA for over eight years.
Proud sponsors of the event included: Go Bob Pipe and Steel Sales, Murphy Tractor, McPherson County Feeders, Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed, Rawhide Portable Corral, Elanco, Foote Cattle Co./Hoxie Feedyard, Animal Health International, KFRM 550 AM, Multimin, USA, Alligare, Zeitlow Distributing, Intrust Bank, CSBBA, Agricultural Engineering Associates, HydraBed by Triple C, Inc., Schwieterman, Inc., DewEze Mfg., Schreiber Red Angus, L-H Branding Irons, Travis Scale Company, and Supreme International, LTD.