RAPID CITY, S.D. — The South Dakota Stockgrowers Annual Convention and Trade Show is underway in Rapid City. The annual event began Thursday with a host of speakers.
The association is one of the oldest organizations in South Dakota, promoting independent livestock producers in the state.
The convention at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn is an opportunity for local producers to meet and get updates on latest legislation regarding meat production.
Stockgrowers President Scot Edoff saysthey’re pleased with the turnout, amid the pandemic.
“It seems like the crowd here is good. We just weren’t sure what the crowd was going to do because of the COVID, but we had a very good turnout Thursday morning and I think we are going to do well.”
Among Thursday’s speakers was Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden and Bull Bullard of R-CALF/USA.
Stockgrowers Executive Director James Halverson was pleased to have Lt. Governor Rhoden on hand.
“When you can get the Lt. Governor to come your convention, that’s always a big deal, and he is a local producer so he can communicate with everybody that way.”
Also Thursday, country of origin labeling continues to be a major concern for local producers with representatives from Wall Meat speaking about processing during COVID-19.
The 129th annual convention will run through Friday and include the annual meeting at 3:30 p.m. The annual awards and recognition banquet gets underway Friday night at 6:30 p.m.
