On May 13, 2010, 160 guests traveling from 15 countries around the world gathered to celebrate the 2010 World Charolais Congress. Following a pre-tour starting in Montana, the Congress tour kicked off in Oklahoma City, Okla. and completed the journey in San Antonio, Texas on May 21 with a reception and banquet recapping the weeks' events. Charolais breeders across the region were gracious in hosting the international guests, as well as those that were native to the country.
The welcome reception was hosted at the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Guests were welcomed by a Champagne toast and the sounds of country swing by the A Bar Bunkhouse Band. Following a fun-filled evening, the tour buses headed north to Perry, Okla. to begin the 8-day journey at M&M Charolais. The soggy weather and cool temperatures did not detour the guests from taking a detailed spin through the powerful set of cattle on display at the ranch. After a steak and eggs breakfast, it was south to Lehman Charolais, Tioga, Texas to take part in showcasing the youth members in a Charolais Junior Heifer show. The exhibitors impressed all onlookers with their dedication to the animals and outstanding showmanship skills. Before dinner, a Purina Mills representative provided a presentation on the importance of proper feed management and conditioning.
The long afternoon wound up in the one and only "Cowtown," Fort Worth, Texas. After settling in, the guests took the opportunity to browse around the downtown area. The following morning, guests were invited to Marti Charolais, Cleburne, Texas. This event was co-hosted with Bar J Charolais, MOGO Charolais and OBBCO Ranch. As the buses rolled in, so did the cowboys driving a small herd up the fence line alongside the buses. The herd bull display caught a lot of attention leading up to the real live branding demonstration by the cowboys of Marti Charolais. At the conclusion of the ladies' event at the Marti lake house, guests boarded the buses once again to return to Fort Worth for an evening of live honky tonk music and dancing at Billy Bob's.
The traveling pace changed on May 17 as the guests loaded a charter plane to head to Harlingen, Texas in preparing for the visit to Thomas Charolais Ranch, Inc., Raymondville, Texas. A Mariachi band welcomed everyone off of the buses to receive a special treat of authentic Mexican food and music. After explaining more about the operations at the ranch, a tour was provided for the guests to see even more of the cattle and a few exotic pets of the Thomas family. As the temperatures rose, so did the enthusiasm of the group en route to city with a slightly different flavor, Corpus Christi, Texas.
Next stop, Graham Feedyard, Gonzales, Texas for a complete look at feed processing, planning and monitoring feeder cattle, many of Charolais influence. Unpredicted rain storms brought a sloppy surprise to the feedyard, but gave the Graham cowboys extra time to answer the lingering questions of the guests.
Upon arriving at the final destination in San Antonio, Texas, guests had a free evening to explore the Riverwalk. On Wednesday, the excitement continued to build for the 2010 World Charolais Congress Sale. The sale featured 17 Genetic Package lots, showcasing the high-selling lot of 1/4 interest in HAMM Mogo U23 commanding $7,000. The Genetic Packages averaged $4,025.
Not venturing far from the San Antonio area, guests explored the historic town of Fredricksburg, Texas in Hill Country. The day filled with shopping and special activities, brought the event to a close with a formal reception and banquet. Awards were presented from various countries, while recognizing those who made the event possible. Details were also released for the 2012 World Charolais Congress in the United Kingdom. Look for complete event coverage in the June/July issue of the Charolais Journal.
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