Mark Sims
Association Perspective
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?
When Fort Worth does cross your mind, I would bet your first thought is of a Longhorn steer. Rightfully so, as Fort Worth was one of the stops on the Chisholm Trail, along which Longhorn cattle were driven north in hopes of capturing higher prices. The city has a rich history in the cattle business. It is home to the Fort Worth Stockyards, which at one time was one of the largest stockyards in the United States. Right across the street from the stockyards were the Armour and Swift packing companies, both of which set up shop in the early 1900s and thrived for more than half a century.
Longhorns do not walk the Chisholm Trail anymore, Armour and Swift have closed and only a few pens remain in the stockyards for historical purposes. The landscape of Fort Worth has changed. Skyscrapers tower over the city, the 16th largest in the United States. More than 850,000 Americans call it home, and millions of tourists come to visit. The city plays host to several events, conferences and trade shows throughout the year. One in particular will be of interest for commercial cattlemen — the 2017 Angus Convention and Trade Show Nov. 3-6.
The Angus Convention is a great place for Angus breeders and commercial cattlemen to mingle, learn and enjoy entertainment. The festivities kick off Friday, Nov. 3, with the National Angus Tour, which will feature two stops at Angus ranches in Texas. On Saturday, Nov. 4, participants can walk the trade show floor for the first time and enjoy the International Genomics Session sponsored by Neogen GeneSeek Operations. At this opening general session, Neogen will bring you up to speed on everything related to genomics. Later that day Zoetis will present an Innovation Workshop, which will cover how to utilize genomic selection tools as part of a comprehensive animal breeding and selection strategy.
As we move into Sunday, Nov. 5, you will have the opportunity to attend the fourth-annual Angus University sponsored by Merck Animal Health. In my opinion, Angus University was built with the commercial cattleman in mind. The Angus University general session will feature Edd Hendee, owner of the famous Taste of Texas restaurant, and Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax. Later in the afternoon, you can attend a wide variety of breakout sessions. You will have the opportunity to learn about everything related to simplifying bull selection; managing females for the long term; feeder-cattle marketing; consumer demand; expected progeny differences (EPDs); chuteside protocols and more.
The opportunities at the Angus Convention do not stop there. All attendees will have the chance to win a Priefert & Tru-Test Complete Cattle Handling System or a Caterpillar 289 Compact Track Loader, which will be custom-painted black and will feature the Angus logo. In addition to this, you can be entertained by the one and only Asleep at the Wheel band.
Consider this your invitation to come and enjoy the 2017 Angus Convention, Texas style. Make plans now, and I will see you in Cowtown!
Editor’s Note: Regional Manager Mark Sims covers Region 13, including the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.