National Red Angus Convention - by Megan Underwood

from November 2021 - Red Angus Magazine

Understanding Carcass EPDs and Influence on Carcass Prices - by Ryan Boldt

National Red Angus Convention Promotes Collaboration, Innovation and Elevation by Megan Underwood, Red Angus Association of America media intern

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 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. Members enjoyed personal interaction. 42 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.

The symposium concluded with Randall Raymond of Simplot, discussing the effects of feed efficiency in commercial cattle-feeding operations.

Ladies Symposium The Ladies Symposium featured the 2020 Beef Advocate of the Year, Kiah Twisselman Burchett. Burchett is a California cattle rancher who accidently became a life coach after her personal health journey, losing more than 125 pounds. Burchett is on a mission to empower others to build a better relationship with themselves from the inside out while creating a healthy life they love, without sacrificing what they enjoy. While Burchett is known best worldwide for her healthy journey, she uses every opportunity in the spotlight to advocate for the beef industry.

“I started in beef and beef has been integral in every aspect of my life. I grew up in production agriculture. My career started in agricultural communications and now it’s crazy to think that my role in agriculture is not in production or communications, but it’s actually to empower the women in agriculture, to rebuild their

relationships with themselves too, and that feels like the greatest gift,” said Burchett.

Convention Workshops Attendees had three opportunities to attend various workshops throughout the week. Workshop topics included: bull sale data analysis, best practices for running a state affiliate, interactive foot scoring, generational transfer and finances, data management and contemporary grouping, leading your leadership in the organization, data input and management panel, building your brand and how to use your data. The workshops offered something for everyone and received great participation from attendees.

The 68th annual National Red Angus Convention was a success with 228 attendees representing more than 28 states and Canada who joined together to collaborate, innovate and elevate the Red Angus breed.

The 2022 convention will be held in Kalispell, Montana, Sept. 14-16, and will continue to promote collaboration and innovation in the Red Angus Association of America. •

The Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium hosted 207 producers.

Carey Portell

Lance Pekus

Julian Garcia

Kia Twisselman Burchett

Ladies’ Symposium

Tradeshow Connections

Foot and Leg Scoring Workshop

Social at BSU Sky Center

2021-2022 RAAA Board of Directors

The 2021-22 RAAA Board of Directors (front, left to right): Steve Koester, Steele, North Dakota, president; Tony Ballinger, Morgan Mills, Texas, Area 4 – Southwest director and first vice president; Stephanie Jung, Mina, South Dakota, Area 5 – Northern Plains director; Rob Hess, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Area 7 – Northeast director; Stuart Gilbert, Stockport, Iowa, Area 9 – Midwest director; Jeff Pettit, Sebree, Kentucky, Region C director and second vice president; Kay Klompien, Manhattan, Montana, Area 2 director and Board secretary; Tom Brink, RAAA CEO. Back row: Craig Bieber, Leola, South Dakota, Region B director; Jim Yance, Columbia, Alabama, Area 8 – Southeast director; Jason Anderson, Oberlin, Kansas, Area 6 – Great Plains director; Chuck Feddes, Manhattan, Montana, Region A director; and George Murdock, Pendleton, Oregon, Area 1 – West director.