San Antonio, Nov. 3, 2015 -- The 55th Annual Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) Convention - "Island Time for Beefmasters" was hosted in Galveston, Texas at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center, from October 29 - 31, 2015. The official kick-off of the 2015 convention was highlighted with award winning speeches from the Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association members and the hilarious Retired Sheriff J.B. Smith as the featured speaker.
Following the luncheon was the general membership meeting. During the meeting BBU members elected new Board of Director members and officers. Dan A. Gattis of Hutto, Texas was elected secretary and Chris Kauffman of Searcy, Ark., was elected treasurer. The following individuals were elected to the BBU Board of Directors with a three year term: Trey Scherer of Brenham, Texas, Ronnie Teague of Ramer, Tenn., James Skelton of Springdale, Ark., and Dalton Skinner of Katy, Texas. Lastly, the general membership approved to remove any reference to "Approved Sale Agreement" or "Terms and Conditions of BBU Approved Sales" from the BBU By-Laws.
Beefmaster breeders from throughout the United States attended this year's convention. Attendees enjoyed seminars, the President's Council Sale and fellowship with other cattlemen and women, while also enjoying a little "island time" on the beautiful Galveston Island. The educational seminars hosted by the Beefmaster Educational Endowment Foundation (B.E.E.F.) were successful in providing new information to members. The convention attendees got a sneak peek at the new BBU registration system, which will launch December 1, 2015. Participants also learned about proper bull development and sale cattle nutrition from Dr. Chance Farmer and Dr. Doug Hawkins with Purina Animal Nutrition. Several more educational seminars included presentations about genomics and indices by John Genho of Livestock Genetic Services, as well as effective advertising presented by Cheramie Viator. The highly anticipated "Love Connection" seminar was a huge success and the beef industry guest panelists provided insight about the good, the bad and the "needs improvement" aspects of the Beefmaster breed. Guest panelists included: Pete Bonds, Travis Brown, Mark Sebranek, Brandon Crittendon, Cheramie Viator, Jim Lerwick and Leslie Callahan.
The evening activities provided members the opportunity to meet and greet with new members, first-time convention attendees and satellite members. The first night hosted the "meet and greet" and was filled with great fellowship and beautiful island weather. The second night was highlighted with a highly entertaining "ranch hands" auction, B.E.E.F., auction and everyone danced the night away to the music of Gary P. Nunn. The funds raised through the "ranch hands" auction helped cover convention costs, while the B.E.E.F. auction raised funds to help support Beefmaster education and research.
The convention was concluded with the annual awards luncheon, where top honors in the Beefmaster breed were announced. Randy Mason of Brownstown, Ill., was selected as new member of the year. Bailey Farm, owned by Don Bailey, of Pinson, Tenn., was selected as Beefmaster breeder of the year. Ty Agee of Memphis, Tenn., was announced as member of the year and the environmental member of the year was awarded to Halepeska Ranch, owned by Gary and Abradella Halepeska of Goliad, Texas. Performance breeder of the year was awarded to Lyssy Beefmasters of San Antonio, Texas. Beefmaster Breeders Cattlewoman of the year was awarded to Dusty Carr of Laredo, Texas.
The convention attendees were also honored to witness the induction of two BBU members into the Hall of Fame. Jennie Lee Zipperer of Fort Myers, Fla., and Charlie Jones of Rockfield, Ky., were both inducted into the Hall of Fame during the annual BBU Awards Luncheon. Their families were present to accept the award on their behalf.
On behalf of the BBU staff, officers, board members and the convention committee, thank you to all our generous sponsors, trade show partners and auction participants. Join BBU at their 56th Annual Convention held in Branson, Mo., October 28 - 30, 2016.
For more information about Beefmaster Breeders United and its convention please contact the BBU office at 210-732-3132 or visit www.beefmasters.org. Stay connected to BBU through Facebook, follow us on Instagram, view our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest. Receive our news updates through joining our mailing list.
Beefmaster Breeders United is a not-for-profit breed registration organization that provides programs and services for its members. Beefmaster, Beefmaster Advancer and E6 cattle are selected on the "Six Essentials" of disposition, fertility, weight, conformation, milk production and hardiness.
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