The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association will be hosting its annual convention and trade show in Sevierville this summer, following its postponement from earlier in the year. TCA’s convention and livestock conference, themed, “See You in the Smokies!” will be held July 30-31 at the Sevierville Convention Center.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a fellow cattle producer, will address the group at 2:30 p.m. EST on Friday afternoon. He will share updates on Tennessee’s agriculture industry and discuss what 2021 has in store for rural Tennessee.
World-renowned livestock behavior specialist and autism advocate, Dr. Temple Grandin, will be headlining the event, along with radio personality Trent Loos. Other speakers will include the Amazing Grazing coordinator Johnny Rogers, veterinarian Dr. Che Trejo, Rob Holland and Megan Leffew from the Center for Profitable Agriculture, NCBA Lobbyist Ethan Lane, and Kevin Yon of Yon Angus Farms, one of the top producers in the country.
Along with a great line-up of speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about new industry products and services in a 100-vendor trade show. Also, several deserving TCA members will receive award recognitions during a special luncheon, and winners of membership promotions will be announced.
“This is my first year hosting a convention as TCA president,” said Jay Yeargin. “I am excited about the speakers and their topics, our new location that is fun for the whole family, and it’s really special that we can offer so much for the youth at this event.”
Friday's sponsor is First Bank and Trust Company. Other sponsors include UT Beef & Forage Center, Merck Animal Health, and Barenburg USA.
There is a little something for all ages this year. The youth have an opportunity to network with their peers for special breakout sessions geared towards younger cattlemen and women. They will learn from Abigayle Pollock, UT’s Livestock Judging Coach, Julie Giles, the director of the Farm Animal Care Coalition, and more. There will also be a Quiz Bowl contest, speaking contest, beef cooking demonstration, photo contest, and a scavenger hunt.
“Young people are the next generation of TCA members and cattle producers in this state,” said Melinda Perkins, TCA’s Director of Youth Programs and Outreach. “We want to get them involved now and this year, our convention gives them ample opportunities to learn and have fun.”
There will also be breakout sessions for small ruminants and equine featuring speakers from the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, MTSU School of Agriculture, and more. The full agenda can be found on TCA’s website. Everyone who is registered may attend the cattle sessions.
Families attending can enjoy many amenities at the nearby lodging sites and surrounding towns. TCA has negotiated room rates with Hampton Inn Sevierville and the Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel which includes access to the water park. Interested convention-goers need to call these hotels to reserve their rooms soon before the block rate expires. Sevierville offers many attractions like museums and cave tours and is just 11 miles from Gatlinburg.
Registration can be purchased online with single-day and multi-day options, as well as reserving a buffet lunch and registering for youth prices: www.tncattle.org/shop. The form may also be downloaded from the website or found in the Tennessee Cattle Business magazine to be mailed to the TCA office. Save $10 by pre-registering before July 21.
All COVID-19 pre-cautions will be followed and convention agenda is subject to change.