Beefmaster breeders from throughout the U.S. and Mexico attended the convention, enjoying seminars, food and fellowship in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Participants learned about the value of consignments sales, cattle health protocols and enjoyed a Halloween welcome reception with a night full of costumes.

The convention also hosted the President's Reception and the Beefmaster Education Endowment Foundation (B.E.E.F.) Gala, where attendees where entertained by a mechanical bull riding contest, singer and songwriter Sonny Burgess and a surprise performance by Kix Brooks. Auctions helped raise money to fund B.E.E.F. scholarships and research programs and helped with convention costs.

Appointments to the BBU during the group’s general membership meeting included Steve Carpenter of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, elected as secretary, and Dwight Bertrand of Elton, Louisiana, as treasurer.

Jerry A. Davis of Canton, Texas, was elected place-one director; Clark Jones of Savannah, Tennessee, as place-two director; Tom Hood of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, as place-three director; Bob Siddons of Tilden, Texas, as place-four director; and Kito Saenz of San Isidro, Texas, was selected to fill a unexpired term for a director in place four. The general membership also voted on a bylaw change that allowed the Junior Committee to be transferred from a special committee to a standing committee.

The convention concluded with the annual awards banquet. Joshua Bird of Rogersville, Missouri, was selected New Member of the Year. Swinging B Ranch owned by Loran "Mackie" and Norma Jean Bounds of Axtell, Texas, was selected Breeder of the Year.

Lyssy Beefmasters of San Antonio was chosen Member of the Year, while Environmental Member of the Year was awarded to Chaparrosa Ranch La Pryor, Texas, and Margaritas Ranch of Coahuila, Mexico.

"I am looking forward to seeing what this year will bring for the Beefmaster breed," said BBU President Steve Emmons. "There will always be challenges, but I have a dream that the Beefmaster breed will be the American breed of choice. This convention was a great success and just the kick-off we needed for a new and exciting year in the Beefmaster industry." 

—From Beef Breeders United news release

PHOTO
Photo courtesy of BBU.