A legendary weekend of passion, innovation and achievement

The American Angus Association^® capped off a successful 2021 National Angus Convention and Trade Show packed with passion, innovation, and achievement. The three-day event attracted 1,600 attendees and nearly 100 trade show vendors.

“This year’s Convention was a tremendous success,” said Mark McCully, American Angus Association chief executive officer. “We were so grateful to have our Angus family gathered together in person again to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and where we’re headed. The breed’s current reputation is a testament to the collective efforts of hard-working producers and vast industry advancements.”

Each day was loaded with informational sessions, networking events, and wall-to-wall trade-show vendors. On day one, Angus enthusiasts had a chance to partake in various tours such as an in-depth look at nearby Angus operation, Gabriel Ranch, and a cowboy culture tour of the Fort Worth Stockyards. Cattlemen and women also attended the Beef Blitz tour hosted by the Certified Angus Beef^® brand. They toured several Fort Worth eateries that partner with the brand to provide top-of-the-line Angus beef to consumers.

Throughout the convention were educational Angus University workshops. Each session was hosted by an industry expert and was geared to inform cattlemen and women about topics ranging from AAA Log In and improving the bottom line to the importance of genetic advancement.

For the American Angus Auxiliary, the convention kicked off their 70th Anniversary celebration. The organization hosted several events including its Annual Meeting, the 70th Anniversary Kickoff Reception, the Annual Auxiliary Breakfast, and the Miss American Angus competition.

 Leadership Panel

A leadership panel with representatives for each entity of the Association reported on the previous fiscal year’s successes and what the future holds. The over-arching theme of the panel’s conversation was the importance of the Association’s membership and how to best provide tools and opportunities for them and their commercial cattlemen customers.

 Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), spoke about the strides in genomic data information that will better the current tools AGI offers members. She also stressed the economic value of genomics from a maternal standpoint. Combining these factors will allow the Association to make improvements to better serve its members.

Brett Spader, president of Angus Media^SM, celebrated producing more new sale catalogs than ever before. He explained a new technology called “extended reality” allowing cattlemen to use their mobile devices to bring print media alive similar to “virtual reality.” Spader discussed new market research being conducted in January giving insight to producers on their buyer audience.

John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef (CAB), discussed the importance of simplifying the complex information consumers must sort through. He shared a new advertising campaign for the holidays emphasizing, “If it’s not Certified, it’s not the best.”

A report from Thomas Marten, executive director of the Angus Foundation, rounded out the panel. He touched on the growth of the Talon internship program, stressed the importance of mentors for young people, and looked ahead to a year of impacting the lives of Angus youth.

American Angus Association Awards Dinner and Reception

The highly anticipated American Angus Association Awards Dinner and Reception recognized several distinguished people. Honored as Angus Heritage Foundation inductees were Billy Maples, Alabama; Frank Schiefelbein, Minnesota; Bob Funk, Oklahoma; Margaret Dreesmann, Missouri; and Charles A. McPeake, Georgia. Taking home the Roll of Victory Show Heifer of the Year award was Seldon Rest Sandy 9080 owned by Suter Clark, Virginia. The award for Roll of Victory Show Bull of the Year was Silveiras Forbes 8088 owned by Chris & Sharee Sankey, Kansas; Silveira Bros, California; and Rockin S Ranch Inc., California. Concluding the Roll of Victory recipients was Breeder of the Year awarded to Express Ranches, Oklahoma. 

During the dinner reception, Certified Angus Beef (CAB) recognized three recipients of producer awards. Achieving the Seedstock Commitment to Excellence award was Yon Family Farms, South Carolina. Honored for the Ambassador Award category was Pfeiffer Angus Farms, Oklahoma. Finally, topping the Sustainability Award category was Bradley 3 Ranch, Texas.

Mary Wood, North Carolina, was named 2021-2022 Miss American Angus.

138^th Annual Convention of Delegates

Highlighting the final day of the convention was the 138th Annual Convention of Delegates. Jim Brinkley, Missouri, was re-elected to a second term of the Board of Directors. Paul Bennett, Virginia; John Dickinson, California; Greg McCurry, Kansas; and Loran Wilson, Indiana were elected to serve their first three-year term. Serving in chairman positions for the year are President and Chairman of the Board – Jerry Connealy, Nebraska; Vice President and Vice Chair of the Board ­– Chuck Grove, Virginia; and Treasurer – Barry Pollard, Oklahoma.

The 2022 National Angus Convention and Trade Show will be held on November 5 to 7 in Salt Lake City, Utah. For news and further information about this year’s Convention, visit AngusConvention.com.

Written by Briley Richard, Angus Communications

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association^® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on 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, visit www.angus.org.