Hunte Breeder Conference Draws 2,500
More than 2,500 professional pet breeders and industry leaders attended the ninth annual Breeder Educational Conference, held Sept. 26-27 in Joplin, Mo., by The Hunte Corp. (Goodman, Mo.), making it largest event of its kind.
“The Breeder Educational Conference attracts the very best breeders in America, who attended in the largest number ever this year,” said Andrew Hunte, the company’s founder and chief executive officer. “This year’s conference reflects the tone of breeder excellence that prevails throughout the professional pet industry, and the very bright outlook for the industry.”
The conference had been targeted by activists as part of an online campaign attacking the pet trade and puppy mills. Despite activists’ efforts to discourage vendors and speakers from participating, a roster of experts took part, including renowned canine geneticist Dr. Carmen Battaglia; Dr. Jerold Bell of the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine (North Grafton, Mass.); Dr. Chelsea Cohorn and Dr. Paul DeMars of Oklahoma State University (Stillwater); Andrea Ball-Morawa of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service; and Patti Strand of the National Animal Interest Alliance (Portland, Ore.).
More than $50,000 in prizes—including a $10,000 grand prize and two Caribbean cruises for two—were awarded to attendees.
Hunte’s next conference will be held Sept. 25-26 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, formerly known as the John Q. Hammons Convention Center, in Joplin, Mo. [January 2009 PET AGE]
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