SEATTLE, WA—Jan. 15, 2018—Members of the North American Gamebird Association are gathered in the Emerald City this week for the 86th annual NAGA Educational Conference and Convention, which runs Jan. 15-17 at the Seattle Renaissance Hotel in downtown Seattle.
Representing gamebird producers and hunting preserve operators from across the continent, the group kicked off the meeting with an afternoon of presentations on critical issues facing the industry.
Much of the spotlight focused on the ever-present threat of avian influenza. Speakers included nationally acknowledged experts Dr. Carol Cardona of the University of Minnesota and Dr. Lyndon Badcoe of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. A panel of industry members also offered case studies of biosecurity measures to guard gamebird flocks from influenza and other infections.
Attendees also heard the latest news on NAGA’s development of a Secure Upland Gamebird Supply Plan, which would foster the continued distribution of healthy birds from farms to hunting preserves in the event of another influenza outbreak.
NAGA executive director Rob Sexton also offered breaking news on the association’s efforts to ensure producers are indemnified in the event of a low-pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. The convention continues with a full slate of seminars, programs, trade show exhibits and meetings.
NAGA is dedicated to promoting, protecting and sustaining a positive environment in which gamebird producers and hunting preserve operators can grow their businesses through monitoring and influencing of legislation, informing and educating members on current industry trends and issues, and promoting and sustaining our hunting heritage through increased public awareness.
NAGA officials also announced dates and location of the 2019 Conference and Convention, which is set for Jan. 14-16, 2019 at the historic DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Georgia.
The convention continues through Wednesday evening, with more valuable presentations on all phases of gamebird production and hunting preserve operation. Watch for full details on this site and in upcoming editions of the group’s official magazine, the NAGA News.
