National Red Angus Convention Promotes Collaboration, Innovation and Elevation by Megan Underwood, Red Angus Association of America media intern
The Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium hosted 207 producers.
After a year of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Red Angus producers were finally able to gather in-person again at 68th annual National Red Angus Convention in Boise, Idaho. While in Boise, producers were able to collaborate over innovations discussed in general sessions, symposiums and workshops, and elect the new Board of Directors who will elevate the Red Angus breed. Keynote Speakers
Carey Portell
Julian Garcia
Lance Pekus
Kia Twisselman Burchett
Ladies’ Symposium
Members enjoyed personal interaction. 42
Convention attendees were able to hear from keynote speakers, Carey Portell and Lance Pekus. Portell shared her story of being a survivor of a drunk driver which led to disabling injures. This has not stopped Portell from continuing to farm, instead it has led her to break through all limitations with grace and grit. Portell is an active advocate of AgriAbility which is an organization that works with disabled individuals to work successfully in agriculture. “Acceptance is the key to my happiness. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some fact of my life unacceptable to me, and I can’t find happiness until I accept the situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment,” said Portell. Pekus, known as the “Cowboy Ninja” during his appearances on several seasons of NBC’s America Ninja Warrior, shared his journey. Becoming the Cowboy Ninja brought together two of Pekus’ passions: ranching and a love for obstacle courses. Pekus never skips an opportunity to advocate for his way of life in the spotlight and promotes inclusivity by bringing families together with beef. “Overcoming obstacles is the key to being successful. Set goals. Identify obstacles. Prepare. Execute. Succeed or Fail,” explained Pekus.
RED ANGUS Magazine November 2021
During the Friday morning general session attendees heard from Matt Buyers and Jay Theiler. of Agri Beef, a company rooted in the Northwest with 13 operations within Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The company’s core values have been centered around honesty and integrity while driving innovation in the business to uphold their mission to sustainably produce the highest quality beef products. Working on sustainability is good for the business, the people and the community. “We get into it for the cattle; we become successful through the people,” said Buyers. Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium
The annual convention kicked off with Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium, which allowed attendees to collaborate with industry professionals to elevate the future of the beef industry, not just the Red Angus breed. The symposium began with a Feeder Calf Panel featuring Guthrie Newell of Agri Beef, Brock Hough of Beef Northwest, and Perry Martin of H3 Feeders LLC, explaining how the industry can collaborate to make the “perfect beast” through continuous innovation. Julian Garcia, Beef Northwest CEO, joined the discussion about feedyard uniqueness in the Pacific Northwest. A cull cow panel consisting of Trent Stewart of Central Oregon Livestock Auction, Randy Baxley of Visalia Livestock, and Eric Drees of 7 Rivers Livestock, provoked discussion on the opportunities for producers to add value to their cull cows.
