For Immediate Release: September 11, 2024

Media Contact: Lorrin Naasz, lnaasz@sdcattlemen.org

Registration Now Open for the Cattlemen’s 76th Annual Convention and Trade Show 

The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA) will host the 76th Annual Convention and Trade Show December 10-11, 2024, at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre, South Dakota. The event programming will be focused on conservation and a building a legacy of leadership.

The SDCA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show provides a forum for members and non-members to network with fellow cattlemen, craft the policy that will guide the SDCA staff and leadership in the coming year and learn more about the latest industry happenings.

A new event to highlight this year is the Cattlemen’s Land & Legacy event to showcase the relationship between conservation and working lands. SDCA will welcome Mark Eisele, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and 2015 Wyoming Leopold Conservation Award recipient, as the Land & Legacy keynote speaker. At the event luncheon, the 2024 South Dakota Conservation Award will be presented to Blioux River Ranch of Castlewood, South Dakota. The Land & Legacy event will also feature a Ranching for Profit Workshop conducted by Dallas Mount of Ranch Management Consultants. Attendees will gain insights into concepts and practices that can be implemented on their operation. The Ranching for Profit Workshop is sponsored by the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition and the South Dakota Grasslands initiative.

Entertainment on the first evening will include the second annual roping contest and auction. This family-friendly event is open to the public and is fun for all ages and skill levels. Participants can enter the Team Roping or King of the Reach events for a chance to win cash and prizes. The SDCA President’s auction features something for everyone.

Programming will emphasize future leadership and long-term investment in the cattle industry. Policy meetings will determine the direction of the association when it comes to important issues in the year ahead. A keynote address and seminar will feature leaders at all levels, from local trade association, local government, the state legislature, and beyond. Learn about how to best advocate for your industry at every level and be inspired to take on leadership roles. The Cattlemen’s Banquet will honor deserving members with the Friend of South Dakota Cattlemen and The Cattleman of the Year awards, and celebrate the future leaders within the industry as SDCA announces the first class of the SDCA’s Leadership Academy. Following the Banquet, live music and entertainment will be provided by Cody Henson Hullinger.

Applications for the SDCA Leadership Academy are now open through September 1st. Interested individuals can learn more and apply by visiting sdcattlemen.org. For more information regarding the 76th Annual Convention and Trade Show visit sdcattlemen.org, click on the ‘Special Events & Awards’ tab, and then click on ‘Annual Convention and Trade Show’ or contact Lorrin Naasz.

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