Red Angus breeders will assemble on the east coast for the Red Angus National Convention Sept. 14 - 16. This year’s convention takes place at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham, N.C., with a post-convention tour set for Sept. 17.
Red Angus producers from across the nation and Canada will convene to handle business of the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA), learn about advancements in the breed and socialize with other Red Angus breeders.
“We are looking forward to showcasing our agriculture industry and the history of North Carolina,” said convention planner and RAAA Director Martin Morgan of Leicester, N.C. “We’ve also set aside time for Red Angus producers to visit and socialize.”
A pre-convention Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium kicks off activities at noon on Sept. 14. “This event will help commercial producers develop cattle selection strategies that will capture more value from their resources plus, explore innovative marketing opportunities,” said Morgan.
Speakers from area universities and cattlemen’s associations, along with RAAA staff and industry professionals, will discuss how producers can capture more value from their land and labor, and ultimately their calf crop.
The Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium is hosted by the Red Angus Association of The Carolinas and is free of charge, but participants must contact Johnny R. Rogers, 336-598-5835 or Martin Morgan, 828-683-9935, to reserve a ticket.
Schedule overview
Convention attendees will gather for hospitality on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Thursday, Sept. 15 will begin with the general session that includes the President’s Message, State of the Association, Foundation update and Strategic Plan review. That afternoon, Breed Improvement, Promotions, Marketing, Registration, Juniors, Show and Sale and Constitution and By-Laws committees will meet.
In the evening, buses will transport the convention group to the historic Bay 7 for a social and prime rib dinner in the restored historic site of the American Tobacco Co. factory founded by Washington Duke following the Civil War. Red Angus breeders can explore the tobacco industry’s history as they enjoy Bay 7’s landscaping and entertainment. Buses will travel back to the convention center until 10 p.m.
On Friday, Sept. 16, state affiliates will meet over breakfast prior to the general session. Area and regional caucuses will then assemble to elect their new directors. The general session will resume mid-morning with reports on the newly elected board members, committee chair reports, Junior Red Angus year in review and a sneak peak at the 2012 RAAA convention at the Silver Legacy in Reno, Nev.
Following lunch, attendees can ride the bus for a shopping trip in Durham or tour the North Carolina State University Beef Research Unit in Raleigh, N.C.
The banquet that evening will recognize Red Angus breeders with special awards.
On Saturday, Sept, 17, buses will depart for the Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum to learn more about the tobacco industry and the famous Duke family that is the namesake for Duke University.
Tour attendees will have lunch at Langdon’s Red Angus and tour a typical eastern U.S. working farm that integrates hogs, row crops, Red Angus and Simmental cattle.
The tour will conclude with a visit and wine tasting at Gregory Vineyards at Angier, N.C.
Convention attendees should reserve their room at the Sheraton Imperial at 919-941-5050 by Aug. 24 to receive the special Red Angus convention rate of $109. To learn more or to pre-register for the national RAAA convention, visit the website at redangus.org or contact Charlie Tigart, member accounts specialist, (940) 387-3502, charlie@redangus.org.