Agricultural News
New OCA Executive Director Previews Upcoming Convention and Trade Show
Thu, 18 Jul 2013 18:36:53 CDT
The 61st Annual Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Convention and Trade Show is scheduled for July 25, 26 and 27 and will be held in Midwest City, Okla. at the Reed Conference Center.
The theme for this year's convention is "Embracing Technology, Enhancing Production, and Evolving Policy."
This three day, family event offers a large trade show, informative speakers, committee meetings for developing policy, leadership development for junior cattlemen and a banquet recognizing outstanding members and their accomplishments.
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This will be the first OCA convention for the organization's new executive director, Michael Kelsey. Kelsey came on board July 1st. He said he looks forward to the convention as a time to get better acquainted with members of the OCA and to hit the ground running. Kelsey spoke recently with Radio Oklahoma Network Farm Director Ron Hays about the convention. (You can hear their full conversation by clicking on the LISTEN BAR at the bottom of this story. You can also catch Kelsey on this weekend's In the Field segment on News 9, Saturday about 6:40 a.m.)
Kelsey said the upcoming convention and trade show is a wonderful opportunity for anyone connected to the Oklahoma cattle industry."
"If you have an interest in the cattle industry in Oklahoma, this is the premier event. From an education standpoint, from an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, large or small, cow-calf, stocker-feeder, it doesn't matter. All of the junior cattlewomen and cattlemen, this is the premier event. And that's what we're going to continue to bill this as and build on whether it's Cattlemen's College, trade show opportunities, the policy-making committees, etc., we're going to bill this as the event and that's what we're pushing for. And we're hoping that cattlemen, cattlewomen and junior cattlemen will come out for it."
All OCA members are welcome and encouraged to attend the committee meetings on Thursday afternoon. The Friday morning general session keynote speaker is Forrest Roberts, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Producers can gain much by attending the Cattlemen's College sessions featuring 10 different presentations and speakers on Friday and Saturday. Early risers can be inspired on Saturday morning by Brandon Baumgarten at the inspirational breakfast. The convention closes out with the Cattle Market Outlook presented by Dr. Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University.
Kelsey said he asked Roberts to communicate the NCBA's vision during his presentation, but he has also asked him to be available for the second day of the convention. Kelsey said convention attendees will have an opportunity to meet with Roberts one-on-one.
"From a formal presentation it's great to get that overarching, 30,000-foot view. But, at the same time, as cattlemen we like to talk to each other. We want to talk about what's going on and how this shapes and affects me individually. And so we've asked Forrest to stick around and he's going to do that for us."
Another highlight of the convention and trade show is the OSU/OCA Cattlemen's College. There will be two sessions on Friday moderated by Dr. Dave Lalman and Dr. Chris Richards from OSU. There will be another session on Saturday. Cattlemen's College will explore the latest trends in the beef industry with several professors from OSU making presentations.
"There is no greater opportunity, we believe, for education to occur than our Cattlemen's College," Kelsey said. "This year, and in years to come, that Cattlemen's College is just going to be a critical part of our convention. And the relationship between OCA and OSU, we just view that as a partnership. Obviously, as an alumni, I'm very proud of being a Cowboy, but at the same time it is critical that we maintain that positive, dynamic, synergistic relationship between OCA and OSU and we're going to continue that."
Kelsey said there are over one hundred exhibitors signed up for the OCA trade show this year. He said it is a wonderful opportunity for cattle producers to talk with manufacturers' representatives and service providers to get the latest information on technologies and services available to the industry.
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