The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is gearing up for its 66th Annual Convention & Trade Show, a cornerstone event for cattlemen and cattlewomen across Arkansas. This year’s convention, held from July 25-27, 2024, at the Hot Springs Convention Center, promises a blend of education, networking, and entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this event. Register online now.
Key Highlights
Cattlemen’s College
The Cattlemen’s College series is a major educational component of the convention, featuring sessions on:
Financial Planning 101: Essential Strategies for Tax and Estate Management
Presented by Cornerstone Capital Management and Pinnacle Legacy Law
Navigating Tick Ecology and Disease Management in Cattle & Humans
Presented by Dr. Emily McMermott, University of Arkansas, Sponsored by Cattlemen’s Education Series
Effective Livestock Management
Presented by Meg Harrington, Nashville Animal Hospital, Sponsored by Cattlemen’s Education Series
Optimizing Cattle Management: Insights from Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
Presented by Dr. Maggie Justice, University of Arkansas, Sponsored by the Arkansas Beef Council
Strategies for Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Panel
Sponsored by the Arkansas Beef Council
Producer Profitability Panel
Sponsored by Cattlemen’s Education Series
Entertainment and Social Events
Friday evening will feature a social hour and the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Foundation Benefit Auction, with entertainment provided by Cory Jackson, a celebrated Arkansas country music artist.
The Arkansas Cattlemen’s Foundation Benefit Auction will be on Friday evening, with proceeds going to benefit the ACF in their educational and developmental programs. Items to be auctioned off, include but are not limited to: guns, paintings, concrete feed troughs, western bags, and more.
The ever-popular Cowboy Capers will take place on Saturday morning. This farm-style Olympics is a great way for the young or young at heart to compete for glory and fame.
Registration and Attendance
Registration is available online, however, you can pay online or via check mailed to the office. Please contact us if you have any questions! We will be accepting early registration up until July 15, after that the registration cost will increase.
FFA and 4-H Day: Students wearing their FFA jacket or 4-H swag, along with accompanying family or adults, will receive free entry to the trade show on Saturday.
There is also a grant available for producers to attend convention and get reimbursed for their costs. That grant is available online.
Hotel Reservations
The Embassy Suites in Hot Springs serves as the convention headquarters. Reservations can be made by calling (501) 624-9200 and requesting the special ACA rate.
The overflow hotel is Hotel Hot Springs, you can book directly at this link or by calling HHS at 501-623-6600 and asking for the ACA rate.
Exhibitor and Sponsorship Information
The ACA Convention & Trade Show offers various sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, including break sponsors, entertainment sponsors, happy hour sponsors, and opening session sponsors. Custom sponsorship packages are also available to fit specific needs.
Awards and Recognition
Producer of the Year
The ACA is introducing the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Producer of the Year award to honor significant contributions to the cattle industry. Applications are open until June 30, 2024. Nominate someone here.
65 Year Campaign
To celebrate the ACA’s 65th anniversary we are hosting a campaign to brand a cowhide at convention, that will hang in the ACA office. 65 years ago, 12 gentlemen in south Arkansas met and submitted the paperwork to create the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. Since 1959, the ACA has grown, adapted, and worked to improve the cattle industry in the state. Join us in celebrating 65 years of the ACA by becoming a campaign supporter at this link below or by calling the office at 501-224-2114.
We will also be awarding our Lifetime Service Award, President’s Award, and Producer Educator of the Year at the banquet. Along with our Top Hand recipients, counties who achieved 110 and scholarship winners.
Convention Schedule
Friday, July 26, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Arkansas Cattlewomen Business Meeting
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Registration Open
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Opening General Session
Market Outlook by Dr. James Mitchell, Ag Economist at U of A
Weather Outlook by John Lewis, Senior Forecaster at NOAA
11:00 a.m.: Trade Show Open
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Arkansas Cattlemen’s Foundation Meeting
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Allied Industry Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Board of Directors/State Board Meeting
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Cattlemen’s College I
Tick Ecology and Disease Management, Dr. Emily McDermott, sponsored by the Cattlemen's Education Series
3:30 p.m.: Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission Meeting
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.: Cattlemen’s College II
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Insights, Dr. Maggie Justice, Sponsored by the Arkansas Beef Council
4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.: Cattlemen’s College III
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Panel, Sponsored by the Arkansas Beef Council
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Social Hour with Cory Jackson, AR Country Music Award Nominee
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Dinner and ACF Benefit Auction with Cory Jackson
Saturday, July 27, 2024
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Registration Open
8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Trade Show Open
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Cowboy Capers
9:00 a.m.: Arkansas Beef Council Meeting
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.: Cattlemen’s College IV
Best Practices for Maintaining a Healthy Herd,
Meg Harrington, Nashville Animal Hospital, sponsored by the Cattlemen's Education Series
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 p.m.: Cattlemen’s College V
Financial Planning 101, sponsored by Pinnacle Legacy Law and Cornerstone Capital Management
11:00 a.m.: Silent Auction Closes
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: County Officers Meeting
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Cattlemen’s College VI at Lunch
Producer Profitability Panel, sponsored by the Cattlemen's Education Series
2:30 p.m.: Exhibitor Move Out
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: General Membership Meeting
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Overcoming Hardship Panel & ACLC/YCLC Networking
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Happy Hour
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: ACA Awards Banquet.
Conclusion
The 66th Annual ACA Convention & Trade Show is poised to be an invaluable event for cattle industry professionals, providing a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating achievements. Whether you're a longtime member or a newcomer, this convention offers something for everyone in the cattle community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with fellow cattlemen and cattlewomen and gain insights that can enhance your operations. Register today and join us in Hot Springs this July!
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