Sept. 23, 2015

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For more information contact:

Jena McRell, digital editor, at 816-383-5100 or jmcrell@angusjournal.com; or

Becky Weishaar, Creative Media director, at 816-383-5100 or bweishaar@angusjournal.com

 

ONLINE: Official convention show guide.

 

Angus University Presents ‘A Story of a Steak’

An all-day education series during the National Angus Convention & Trade Show explores the future of quality beef production.

 

Optimism is strong in today’s cattle business. With near-record prices and the nation’s herd expansion under way, it’s an opportune time for beef cattle producers to evaluate their current operations and set goals for the future.

The 2015 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show Nov. 3-5 in Overland Park, Kan., will explore what’s next for the beef industry and facilitate discussion for improving quality throughout the production chain.

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, Angus University, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, welcomes an industry-leading lineup of speakers and panelists to explore “A Story of a Steak” and what it will take to supply high quality beef for consumers worldwide.

The theme, “A Story of a Steak,” is an extension of the award-winning series of articles in High Plains Journal and segments on The Angus Report. It emphasizes the importance of all industry sectors working collaboratively to improve the quality of beef and the profitability of producers, feeders and packers.

The new five-part series of “A Story of a Steak” begins airing on The Angus Report at 7:30 a.m. CDT, Monday, Sept. 28, on RFD-TV. You can also catch the show at 5 p.m. CDT each Wednesday or 1:30 p.m. CDT on Saturday. Check local listings for more information.

“Back for its second year, we look forward to sharing ‘A Story of a Steak’ with convention attendees in Overland Park and hosting impactful discussion on where our business is headed,” says Becky Weishaar, Creative Media director for Angus Media and lead contact for the event.

Headlining Angus University will be keynote speaker Ken Schmidt, the former Harley-Davidson communications director who helped shape the quality reputation the company enjoys today. Schmidt will inspire the audience to think creatively and pay attention to consumer signals to build a successful brand.

Linking that strategy to the beef cattle business will be a panel of speakers, including moderator John Stika, Certified Angus Beef LLC; Bob McClaren, 44 Farms; Jonathan Perry, Deer Valley Farm; and Eric Grant, Angus Media. They will discuss the power of brand building in seedstock marketing and the influence it can have on your customers.

Following the panel, convention attendees will enjoy lunch in the trade show featuring the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand.

The afternoon will feature 21 educational breakout sessions with emphasis on management, animal health, advertising and marketing, commercial cattle production, ag markets, social media training and low-stress cattle demonstrations. To read more about each speaker, view the official guide for the event online.

Here’s a quick look at the sessions being offered:

·      Management

o MaternalPlus — Tonya Amen, Angus Genetics Inc.; Richard Tokach, Tokach Angus; and Matt Perrier, Dalebanks Angus

o Succession and Estate Planning — Bill Sheets, Colorado State University

·      Animal Health

o  Healthy Bulls and Females for Your Customers — Randall Spare, Ashland Veterinary Clinic; Mark Spire, Merck Animal Health

o  Start Them Off Right, Healthy Cows Raise Healthy Calves — Kevin Hill, Merck Animal Health

·      Advertising and Marketing

o  Data-Driven Marketing — Eric Grant, Angus Media

o  Adding Value to Your Customer’s Herd — Ginette Gottswiller, American Angus Association; Art Butler, Spring Cove Ranch; David Rutan, Morgan Ranches

·      21st Century Cattle Production

o  How to Build the Perfect Steer — Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef LLC

o  Top 10 Things I Learned from Feeding My Cattle — Justin Sexten, Certified Angus Beef LLC; Jim Moore, Moore Cattle Company; Darrel Busby, Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity; Shane Tiffany, Tiffany Cattle Company; Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef LLC

o  Matching Angus Genetics to Your Environment — Megan Rolf, Oklahoma State University; Jared Decker, University of Missouri; Mark Enns, Colorado State University

·      CattleFax

o  Market Outlook and Risk Management — Lance Zimmerman, CattleFax

·      Responsible Beef      

o  Farming Your Social Community and Championing Agriculture — Michele Payn-Knoper, Cause Matters Corp.

·      Creating Connections

o  Stockmanship at Work and Low-Stress Cattle Acclimation — Tom Noffsinger, live handling demonstrations

 

How to Register

Participants can register for $75 per person until Friday, Oct. 2. Registration increases to $125 per person from Oct. 3 to Oct. 16. After that date, advance registration will be closed and guests may register onsite for $150 per person. Included in the registration fee is access to Angus University and all the educational sessions, a Sammy Kershaw concert on Wednesday, Nov. 4, the expansive trade show and three CAB® meals.

“We’re encouraging participants to act early to register and reserve their hotel rooms for the National Angus Convention,” Weishaar says. “The best value can be gained by booking before the Friday, Oct. 2 deadline.”

Delegates elected to represent their state during the Association’s Annual Convention may attend the Association business meetings for free; however, participation in convention education, meals, entertainment and trade show requires a full convention registration. Delegates and alternates are also responsible for booking their hotel accommodations, which can be completed online.

For more information, including a complete schedule and registration details, please visit www.angusconvention.com. Also look for the National Angus Convention & Trade Show official guide to be mailed with the October issues of the Angus Journal and Angus Beef Bulletin.

 

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving nearly 25,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on the power of Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.ANGUS.org.

 

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