The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) will host its 60th Annual National Convention Sept. 11-13 in Lewistown, Mont. This year’s convention – themed “Diamonds in the Big Sky” – will be held at the Yogo Inn with a separate Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium taking place at the Fergus County Fairgrounds. Post-convention events are scheduled for Sept. 14.
Red Angus members, producers and affiliates from across the country will attend the convention to conduct RAAA business, connect and network with other members, learn about innovative industry ideas and take part in educational RAAA events.
A Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium hosted by the Montana Red Angus Association (MTRAA) and held at the Fergus County Fairgrounds will kick off the National Convention Wednesday afternoon. The symposium – sponsored in part by Zoetis, Northwest Farm Credit and CHS Lewistown/Central Montana Co-Op – will offer presentations to conference attendees regarding genetic testing, embryo mortality and feed efficiency.
Director of Added Value Programs Myron Edelman said, “RAAA Convention is the culminating event of the year for Red Angus. It is an opportunity for producers, breeders, industry partners and affiliates to come together and celebrate Red Angus’ successes over the past year and make strategic decisions to strengthen the breed in a competitive market place.”
New to convention this year is a Ladies’ Symposium that will be offered during the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium.
Esther Fischer, a Montana breeder said, “The Ladies’ Symposium is a new option this year for the women. Several activities will be offered including a Montana wine tasting, a presentation on “The Ranch Wife Routine,” a fashion show, and more!”
Both symposiums are free of charge but attendants must register online in advance.
Schedule overview
Thursday, Sept. 12, will begin with a Junior Red Angus (JRA) silent auction and display and a First-Time Attendees meeting. The general session will follow and will include the President’s Message, State of the Association, Foundation update and Strategic Plan review. The Breed Improvement and Registration Committees will meet following opening session, and the Promotions Committee will meet Thursday afternoon.
In the evening, buses will transport the convention group to the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, a three-and-one-half hour train ride across Montana. Red Angus breeders will learn about the history of Montana while enjoying dinner and local entertainment. Buses will travel back to the Yogo Inn at 9 p.m. where attendees will have the opportunity to support the JRA by buying a late-night snack – fresh s’mores prepared by junior members.
On Friday, Sept. 13, state affiliates will meet over breakfast prior to the general session, which will be followed by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee and the Marketing Committee meetings, as well as the JRA Year In Review.
During lunch, the Northern Ag Network will be present to talk about the convention on live radio. The broadcast will reach over 50 radio stations throughout Montana, Wyoming and the western Dakotas and will air on television across CBS affiliates in Montana and NBC affiliates in Wyoming.
Following lunch, the Show and Sale Committee will meet and area and regional caucuses will convene to elect their new directors. Mid-afternoon the general session will resume with reports on the newly elected board members, committee chair reports, and a sneak peak at the 2014 convention at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront in Savannah, Ga.
The banquet that evening will recognize Red Angus breeders and junior members with special awards and will provide a fundraising event by auctioning off a commemorative, custom-made, 1874 Custom Hartford military C. Sharps Arms rifle, 45-70 caliber, donated by Fischer Red Angus and Laubach Red Angus. A large, high-quality professional photography canvas depicting Montana Red Angus cattle will also be up for bids.
On Saturday, Sept, 14, post-convention events will be available to members including the Red Bull Classic golf tournament, a Montana bale trail, a Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge tour and local shopping. Interested attendees must register online or contact Ron or Esther Fischer at (406) 632-5598 by Aug. 31.
Convention attendees should reserve their room at the Yogo Inn at (406) 535-8721 by Aug. 27 to receive the special “Red Angus Convention” rate of $70. Registration for the convention is $200 if paid by Aug. 31. Late registration is $250. To learn more and to register for the convention, visit redangus.org or contact McKenzie Smith, media and public relations coordinator, (940) 387-3502, mckenzie@redangus.org.
