Association Commentary - by Tom Brink

Red Angus Convention in Boise a Huge Success

The 68th Annual Red Angus Convention took place in Boise, Idaho, on Sept. 15-17. It was a huge success and a lot of fun. We’ve had much positive feedback from members, who really enjoyed being together again.

Here are a few quick stats on attendance: first-time attending members: 71, total members: 228; and for the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium, 208. We appreciated seeing our Canadian Angus Association friends, Sheldon Kyle, current CAA president, and Myles Immerkar, CEO.

We also want to thank our many sponsors and industry partners who made the event possible and brought new ideas and information for Red Angus breeders and commercial producers to consider and explore.

Each Red Angus Convention is a little different due to its location and the meeting agenda, which is modified slightly from year to year to make

it run smoothly and better serve attendees.

We added more educational workshops this year and all were well attended. Topics included: Best Practices for Running a State Affiliate, Generation Transfer, Building Your Brand, Data Management and Contemporary Grouping and Leveraging Your Leadership.

Along with the positive socialization aspects of this year’s Convention, it was clear that many attendees had a goal of learning something new or adding to their current knowledge on certain topics.

Convention speakers are always a highlight, and this year’s lineup was perhaps the best. From analyzing the feeder cattle and cull cow markets to finding motivation in both success and extreme hardship, our presenters brought their Red Angus audience much to consider from a variety of

A panel of experts analyzed the feeder calf market at this year’s convention.

perspectives. We enjoyed and appreciated what they had to say, the challenges they proffered and are grateful for their contribution to the event.

Another important part of every Convention is the annual membership meeting. This included both RAAA update presentations, as well as regional and area caucuses. Caucusing allowed members from similar geographies to meet and discuss various issues affecting their operations. It’s also a time to meet candidates for board director seats being vacated by retiring directors.

A climax event occurred on Friday evening with the awards banquet. This long-running celebration recognized those who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to the advancement of the Red Angus breed, not just for years, but in many cases, for decades. It is an enjoyable time to applaud those who have given so much, and to reminisce about

days gone by and the work done by so many to make Red Angus all that it is today.

We want to recognize the contribution of outgoing board members Connie Mushrush, Sam Lorenzen, Newley Hutchison, and especially immediate past-president, Johnny Rogers. Due to COVID, Johnny spent three years as RAAA president and a total of 10 years on the board. Thank you, Johnny, for your long-standing dedication and service to the Red Angus breed!

Welcome to our new board members, Stephanie Jung, Jason Anderson and Craig Bieber, as well as newly elected president, Steve Koester.

The breed and Association have a lot on the docket during the months ahead, and it will continue to take a strong team effort to help Red Angus realize all its potential as time progresses.

Overall, the 2021 Boise Red Angus Convention was one for the history books. More than $63,000 was raised for the Red Angus Foundation auction, which will help the Red Angus cause through research, education and support of junior activities.

Much more could be said, but attendees would probably summarize by saying our 68th Convention was productive and enjoyable.

Soon, we will begin making plans for the 69th Convention, which will be held Sept. 14-16, 2022, in Kalispell, Montana. We hope to see you there!