But we're not talking about my philosophy of ranch life, we're talking about "Convention". Whatever your career may be, you belong to at least one trade organization that has an annual convention somewhere in the state.
I went to my first ACA convention 3 years ago, shortly before "the wreck", so my memories are a little splotchy, I missed last year due to recovery, but was back again this year.
Folks, if you're thinking of conventions as a "party place" where attendees drink all day, and party all night, you're wrong when it comes to the cattlemen of Arkansas. Now, I'm not saying we didn't consume a barley pop, or scoot a boot, but that was not the goal of anyone there.
The Arkansas Cattlemen's Association is one of the purist associations I have ever belonged to. It is run by the members of the association, and we all have the same goal to achieve, to do what's best for the cow. Not what's best for a corporation, political party, or individual, but for the animals in our care, and the land under our stewardship. After all, if we care for the animals and the land, the land will nourish the animals, the animals will nourish the people, and the cycle will repeat. That is why you see multiple generation farming and ranching operations in this country.
Every August, we are afforded the opportunity for all of us to come together under one roof. Even though it's just for a few days you will make lifelong friends, and gain a little more knowledge about the cattle industry than you had a week before. For me that is what it's all about, my 3-4 day break for the year, but I'm still working, and I'm still learning.
For the staff in the ACA office, Adam, Autumn, and Cody, thank you for all you do, and to all the volunteers who took time out of their schedules to pull this off...BRAVO, you did an excellent job.
I'm already looking forward to next year.
Until next time, thank the Lord for your blessings every day,
Scooter
Until next time, thank the Lord for your blessings every day,
Scooter
