This news just in from AMS Program Chair, Steve Werblow:

Seven-time NFL All-Pro kicker Nick "The Kick" Lowery will kick off AMS on Sunday afternoon, July 24, with leadership insights on “Ultimate Teams: The Five As.”  Lowery rose from a string of trades to lead the NFL in field goals, hold the accuracy record for 10 out of 12 years, become the Kansas City Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer, and earn himself a place in the Chiefs Hall of Fame.

If that wasn’t enough, he was honored with the NFL Players Association’s top humanitarian award and earned a master’s degree from Harvard. Check out: http://www.loweryspeaks.com/

Lowery will share his perspective on turning a tough streak into a winning career, mentoring, and finding the passion and focus to achieve your goals.  (He’ll also stick around for autographs!)

Make sure you arrive in New Orleans in time for this special opportunity.

Yep- the deadline will be upon you before you know it to make your submissions for the LPC Contest and the LPC Critique. Last year we made several changes and we want to be sure to explain the differences so it is clear that these are very different programs. We will continue to update information and keep you aware of the changes. ALL entry forms are available on the website too. http://www.livestockpublications.com/forms.php Deadline for submissions is April 20, 2011.

LPC Contest:

·       This is the standard contest the LPC has conducted for years. The only difference: No critiques are provided.

·       This is your opportunity to compete against other LPC members for awards in 54 categories.

·       These awards will be presented during the LPC Contest Awards presentation at the Ag Media Summit in New Orleans, La.

LPC Critique:

·       This is not a contest. This is your opportunity to meet with a professional who has reviewed your submitted portfolio for one of five categories.

·       You can ask questions and receive an in-depth critique of your work on Sunday, July 24, at the Ag Media Summit in New Orleans, La.

·       This critique will be recorded, so that you may take the information back to your staff. And, if you’re not available that day, we will provide the recorded critique to you.

Here's a photo from the LPC luncheon co-sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (ISPAH) that was held during NCBA. Pictured are Diane Johnson, exec of LPC; Scarlett Hagins, Kansas Stockman and committee chair of the student award program; Lisa Brown, Oklahoma State University and 2010 Student Award winner; and Jeff Baxter, ISPAH, and our good LPC cheerleader! Thanks again to everyone who took the time to come and for those of you who missed it, we'll see you in Nashville next year!

The deadline is quickly approaching for the Forrest Bassford Student Award! Check it all out http://www.livestockpublications.com/forms.php DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15.  It's FREE money!

It was a great week in Denver last week at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) annual convention. As is tradition, LPC hosted its annual luncheon that has been held in conjunction with NCBA for years. We try and keep it a very laid back atmosphere and allow for some casual conversation and no program to take up everyone's precious time. And due to weather that was awful for travel in the majority of the country, several long-time attendees were stuck at home. I missed them and for those who kept trying to get on flights ended up being lucky to get in. Then there were the return flights which were challenging too. Ah the woes of winter travel.

Thanks again to the folks at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health who help support this event with their contributions to the student program for LPC. Lisa Brown, Oklahoma State University, was re-recognized as the 2010 winner and Jeff Baxter with ISPAH was on hand to make some comments and help us honor Lisa.