FORT WORTH, Texas — For the first time in nearly 30 years, the American Sheep Industry Association’s Annual Convention returns to North Texas as the Omni Fort Worth Hotel will play host to the yearly event on Jan. 18-21, 2023.
Registration is now open and early bird rates apply through Dec. 16. All online registrations must be completed by Dec. 30. Any registrations after that date will have to be done onsite in Fort Worth. The Omni Fort Worth Hotel is offering a discounted rate for convention attendees, but reservations must be made by Dec. 30 to assure attendees receive that rate.
The ASI Annual Convention is the one time each year when all facets of the American sheep industry come together to discuss topics that are timely and important to sheep and wool producers, as well as those working in the meat, wool and sheepskin sides of the industry.
“Our industry has key market and supply topics for both lamb and wool that will be addressed at the 2023 Annual Convention, and we encourage you to be there and participate in those discussions,” said ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick.
ASI is excited to hear from convention keynote speaker Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson on Jan. 19. She is director of Colorado State University’s AgNext program – a research collaborative designed to work with members of the entire livestock value chain to produce solutions to move the industry toward a sustainable future. With the support of its partner Industry Innovation Group, AgNext works to address the urgent needs of producers and food systems through the lens of animal agriculture to ensure a safe and nutritious food supply.
Also on the schedule is magician and mentalist Grant Price, who will entertain and enthrall the audience during lunch on Jan. 21. Much like the interactive hypnotist show that left attendees laughing all afternoon at the 2022 convention, Price performs in a way that makes the audience feel known and cared about. As a result, his shows always bear a unique signature – which he calls responsive entertainment – giving the audience a show they will love by making them part of the action.
Three tours will be offered during the convention:
- The annual industry tour on Jan. 18 will take participants to the cutting horse training barn of J.D. Garrett – the 1999 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s bareback riding rookie of the year and a former National Finals Rodeo qualifier in the event – in Weatherford, Texas. Afterward, participants will stop for lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s – a legendary Fort Worth restaurant that has been serving the area since 1935.
- A city tour is on the schedule for Jan. 19. Tour participants will see the sights of Fort Worth with a local expert before stopping at the National Cowgirl Museum to celebrate the lives of women who exemplified the courage, resilience and independence that helped shape the American West.
- The final tour includes a look at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, as well as stops at the John Wayne Museum and Leddy’s Boots. The Wild West will come alive at the stockyards as a tour guide walks participants through an exciting history and the role Fort Worth played in it. Tip your hat to “The Duke” at the John Wayne Museum and then check out the handcrafted boots and saddles at Leddy’s.
Convention attendees are encouraged to register for tours early as participation is limited and spots will fill up quickly. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo will also be going on during ASI’s time in the city.
Meetings of ASI’s councils and committees are open to all convention attendees. And once again in 2023, the Genetic Stakeholders Committee is joining with the National Sheep Improvement Program and Sheep Genetics USA to host a genetics forum that promises to be educational regardless of your role in the industry. A full schedule of events is available on the registration website.
Meeting alongside ASI at the convention are the American Lamb Board, American Goat Federation, ASI Women, American Shearers Council, Food and Fiber Risk Managers, Make It With Wool, National Lamb Feeders Association, National Livestock Producers Association, National Sheep Improvement Program, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, Sheep Genetics USA, Sheep Heritage Foundation, Sheep Venture Company and Western Range Association.
–American Sheep Industry Association
