Maple Plain– Nearly 300 cattlemen, cattlewomen, and cattle industry members gathered in Willmar, Minnesota for the 2019 Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention. This premier networking, policy, and educational event in the Minnesota cattle industry featured speakers and an industry-leading tradeshow to give cattlemen and women the tools to connect, learn and thrive into 2020.
“This year’s convention was a great combination of celebrating the past year’s successes and charting the policy direction for the upcoming year,” said President Mike Landuyt. Opening this year’s event, attendees heard from Dr. Sara Place, one of the leading voices when it comes to telling the cattle industry story about sustainability. Dr. Place is a technical consultant in sustainability. On a regular basis, she is in front of stakeholder groups proactively providing information about the sustainable story for the beef cattle producers of this country.
During the 2019 “Cattlemen’s College Educational Series,” attendees were updated on BMPs for protecting themselves from activists and nuisance lawsuits during the “Ask an Attorney” session. Emily Wilmes from the U of M Extension Rural Stress Task Force discussed practices for handling stress and the resources available within the state. The education series ended with the Soil and Water Conservation District led conversation and demonstration displaying the soil health impacts of overgrazing. The Cattlemen’s College Educational Series was sponsored in part by the National Corn Growers Association, Gislason and Hunter, LLP, the University of Minnesota-Extension and Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation District.
Attendees also heard from state and national cattle industry and political leaders about current efforts to grow and defend the cattle industry in Minnesota and across the country. Bruce Kleven, MSCA Legislative Advisor and Kent Bacus, NCBA Director of International Trade and Market Access, shared insight on current policy trends and insight into 2020. Members of the MSCA Resolution Committee set new policy on carcass weight reporting, trade, climate change and biosecurity.
During Friday evening’s “Best of Beef Banquet,” Tim and Rita Nolte were awarded the 2019 “Minnesota Cattlemen of the Year Award” for the commitment they have made to the association through their time as members. The “Industry Service Award” recipient for 2019 was past Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director, Ashley Kohls, for her dedication to the Minnesota beef industry. Kohls served as the Executive Director of MSCA for six years and has been a valued advocate for the Minnesota beef industry.
The convention wrapped up with a keynote on Saturday from Zach Johnson. He is known to his 300,000+ followers on YouTube as the “Minnesota Millennial Farmer.” Zach is a fifth generation farmer who has spent his life growing, working, and learning on his family’s farm. Zach discussed how he actively promotes agriculture by sharing his daily experiences while providing farmer-to-farmer education to help facilitate a collaborative conversation between farmers and the public.
The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association newly elected leadership team includes: Joe Wagner of Brandon, MN as Feeder Council Chairman and Jake Thompson of Barnsville, MN as Cow/Calf Council Chairman. Regional Directors include Eric Zeltwanger of Morris, MN as Region 4 Director, Tyler Tramm of Isle, MN as Region 6 Director and Tom Helfter of Le Sueur, MN as Region 8 Director. The MSCA executive committee for 2020-2021 will consist of Mike Landuyt of Walnut Grove, MN as President; Grant Breitkreutz of Redwood Falls, MN as President-Elect; Mark Pankonin of Lamberton, MN as Vice President and Kevin Hoge of Aitkin, MN as Secretary.
For more information about the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association or the 2019 Annual Convention, contact Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association President, Mike Landuyt, at 507-3820884. About the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association The Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association (MSCA) is a membership-based organization that represents cattle farmers and individuals who are part of the cattle community in Minnesota.
Posted: December 19, 2019
