SPEARFISH, S.D. – The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association has opened up their 130th Annual Convention and Trade Show, which is taking place September 9 and 10th in Spearfish, SD. The Spearfish Holiday Inn and Convention Center will host most of the convention’s activities, with Thursday night’s function taking place at the High Plains Western Heritage Museum.
South Dakota Senator John Thune made an appearance today, and discussed with the group the American Beef Labeling Act, which would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling for beef.
“We are very excited to move the convention to Spearfish this year.” Said SDSGA Executive Director James Halverson. “We hope this move will afford more people an easier opportunity to attend the event. Plus, the staff and facilities have already proven to be top-notch in Spearfish. Besides who wouldn’t want to spend a few days in the Northern Black Hills in early Fall. It’s just a beautiful place to visit!”
The SDSGA has gathered an impressive and diverse set of presenters for the 130th Annual Convention. Thursday’s speakers include: Glenn Elzinga of the Alderspring Ranch in Idaho, Bill Bullard of R-CALF USA, Meteorologist Brandt Beckman, Kevin Herrick from POET Nutrition and an update from our Washington D.C. delegation. “I’m very excited to have Glenn Elzinga joining us.” Said Halverson “He’s a guy I truly look up to, and his family has a great story to tell. Thursday people are going to get to hear about ag and weather, legislation, cow nutrition and supplements as well as be able to share their concerns directly with the policy makers from D.C. which is always a fruitful session.”
Headlining Friday’s presenters is Trent Loos talking about the 30×30 land grab. Also speaking on Friday are Larry Reinhold, Dr. Kent Wright wit Monument Health, Baxter Anders and Kevin Larsen on markets, Tanse Herrmann with NRCS, and a panel on SD property taxes. “President Scott Edoff wanted to assemble a panel to discuss property taxes.” Said Halverson. “We have a couple legislators and a county assessor who are all very knowledgeable and passionate about this issue. This is where grassroots legislation gets rolling and I hope folks will join us for that session. Oh, and there’ll be SDSU ice cream that afternoon… you don’t get that everyday this far west!” He added. The annual member meeting will also take place Friday afternoon where the SDSGA membership will decide policy and elect new leadership.
Capping off the event Friday evening will be the annual awards and recognition banquet honoring the Lifetime Achievement of recently retired brand inspector Jim Holloway. “Our annual banquet is always such a great evening.” Said Halverson. “I can’t wait to hear from Jim as well as have folks roast outgoing President Edoff. We will recognize this year’s photo contest winners as well.” An auction and entertainment will follow.
Friday, September 10, 2021
7:00am – 12:00pm – Lab-Blood Draw – Monument Health (Swarm room)
7:00am – Committee Meetings
8:00am – Trade Show Open
8:00 am – Inspirational Breakfast with Larry Reinhold, Rainbow Bible Ranch
9:00 am – SD Property Tax Panel Discussion
Susie Hayes – Fall River County Assessor
Kirk Chafee SD Dist. 29 Representative
Trish Ladner SD Dist. 30 Representative
10:30 am –Trade Show Break/Snack Bar
11:00 am – Dr. Kent Wright, Primary Care Physician at Monument Health in Sturgis
11:30am – 1:30pm – Monument Health Vaccinations (Shingles, Tetanus, Pneumonia, HPV) available (Swarm room)
11:45 – Lunch with Trent Loos and Margaret Byfield (invited)
1:15 – Rainfall Simulator Presentation – Tanse Herrman, NRCS
2:00 pm – Market Q & A with Baxter Anders, Kevin Larsen, and Bryan Hanson
3:30 pm – Dr. Kristi Cammack, Director SDSU West River Agricultural Center
Ice Cream Social and Trade Show Break Sponsored by SDSU
4:00 pm – SD Stockgrowers Association Annual Member Meeting (’76 Room)
Trade Show Closes
6:00 pm – Social Hour –
7:00 pm – Awards and Recognition Banquet honoring the Lifetime achievement of Jim Holloway and retiring President Scott Edoff
Auction and Entertainment
Saturday Sept. 11
8:00am – Board of Directors Breakfast
9:00am – Board of Directors meeting
