Pierre, SD (October 31, 2007) � The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association (SDCA) is pleased to announce a great speaker lineup for their 59th Annual Convention and Trade Show scheduled for November 28-29, 2007 at the Watertown Event Center and Ramkota Hotel. All producers are invited to join us in Watertown and take part in the educational and networking events.
Thanks to the ongoing support of Pfizer Animal Health, Wednesday will begin with the annual Cattlemen's College. This year Dr. Gerald Stokka, Senior Veterinarian for Pfizer Animal Health, will conduct two presentations focused on animal health issues. The first presentation, entitled �Comprehensive
Health Programs for Really Good Cattlemen�, will provide information on designing a herd health program from the ground up, focused on the impact of genetics, nutrition, and management on health and productivity. The second presentation, �Disease vs. Vaccine � Who
Wins?� will focus on feedlot settings and the impact of stress, the risk factors for BRD and the difference between a vaccine challenge and �real world� challenge of BRD.
2007 was no different from most years, presenting weather challenges and market uncertainty for the cattle and beef business. Cattlemen won't want to miss Wednesday's luncheon where Bruce Knight, USDA UnderSecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, will provide an update from Washington, DC on issues important to cattlemen. As UnderSecretary for Marketing & Regulatory Program, Mr. Knight provides leadership on a number of issues and agencies important to cattlemen, including trade, Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), National Animal Identification (NAIS), and other important marketing programs.
Wednesday evening's fun gets started with a social followed by the popular President's Auction. First Dakota Bank is sponsoring entertainment Wednesday night featuring Shotgun Red, a nationally recognized �Professional Entertainer�. Shotgun Red has been a regular cast member of Nashville
Now! and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
�In addition to taking care of business, the SDCA Convention provides a great opportunity for cattlemen to network and socialize with their peers from across the state,� observed SDCA Vice President, Neal Ruhd from Clear Lake.
On Thursday, November 29 Bill Donald, Vice Chairman of NCBA's Policy Division, will address attendees at breakfast, outlining NCBA's involvement in key issues impacting producer profitability. Suzanne Swett will also share her experiences as South Dakota's reigning Beef Ambassador.
Following breakfast, educational break-out sessions will provide updates on a variety of topics important to cattlemen. Topics range from environmental issues and herd health to trade and keeping the family on the farm.
�Educating producers to provide them with tools to help them increase their profits is important to SDCA,� said Scott Jones, SDCA President and cattleman from Midland. �SDCA membership is an investment in the future of South Dakota's beef business. I encourage all cattlemen to also invest their time to attend the convention and make your voices heard.�
South Dakota Cattlemen's Association is working to advance the interests of South Dakota's Cattlemen through the representation and promotion of the beef industry.
