MAINE-ANJOU Commercial Connection

Director Of Commercial Development

We have hit the point in the beef industry where we want to forgot the last 10 years of struggle and are now looking forward to the next six months of selling cattle for elevated prices and strong demand. What’s led us to this point is probably more of an underlying issue than we might think. Constant focus has been put on the topic of sustainability.

Whether we like it or not, becoming more aware of what we are going to have to achieve in the next 50 years should be at the forefront of production practices. We’ll need to create a level of efficiency in the beef cattle production cycle that has yet to be seen. Total beef cattle inventory is at a record low of 28.9 million, and probably even more interesting than that is data shows 90% of farms have a cow inventory ranging from 1 to 99 head. These operations care for just over 44% of total cow numbers in the United States. Yet even with low cattle numbers, we are still producing just under 27 billion pounds of beef. In the history of beef production, we have never seen a broader range in the amount of beef produced relative to total cow inventory.

What does this mean for Maine-Anjou?

We are headed toward, what I believe will be, an awaking for the beef industry. Producers will look to utilize practices since gone by that maximized efficiency and increased profitability. We sometimes get caught up in the science, but often it is the simple responses that yield the greatest changes and move the needle forward.

I’m referring to crossbreeding and the advantages that come along with it. The Maine-Angus program is at the root of combining two drastically different breeds with regards to the traits they bring forth, but each one is positioned perfectly for the other. A comprise in mature cow size, a synergistic effect on muscle and composition, maintaining a black-hided advantage to garner premiums. As my 2-year-old daughter would say, “Think about it!” We are sitting at a time in the beef industry where talking about conservation and sustainability isn’t enough anymore. We must make decisions to impact the beef supply and actually solidify its presence to the consumer, especially because we don’t have the option to vertically integrate like other areas of the protein supply.

It’s exciting to know we are headed into the time of year where we witness the fruits of all labor. This Fall we can expect to see Maine-Anjou genetics excel in the marketplace, in terms of garnering value and attention. We set a standard for youth involvement in the show ring and beyond at the 2023 Maine-Anjou and Chianina Junior National in Grand Island, Nebraska. Heading into Fall, we will finish State Fair season and start to put herd visits on the schedule –meaning the dog days of summer are nearly behind us. This helps us to look to the busy seasons Fall brings about. It brings us to a time where we’ll witness first-hand the growth and progress breeders have made to advance Maine-Anjou!

The Carlos Fox Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a deserving Texas Student. Longtime Sullivan Supply Employee, Carlos was a one-of-a-kind guy loved livestock shows and the people. He pursued everyday with grit and determination.

KARLEY RAYFIELD , Lubbock, TX

Full of Grit & Determination, Numerous Time Texas Major and State Fair Champions, Recipient of the 2023 Fort Worth Livestock Beef Superintendents Challenge. Karley exemplifies the precedence in character which Carlos Fox set.

DALTON SHANKS , Colfax, IA

Grade A clipper/fitter who has exhibited Iowa State Fair Champion Steers. Greenhand Degree, student council, active in the IJBBA An excellent ambassador for the beef industry who is also focused on giving back to his community.

HAYDEN SCHROEDER, Zephyr, TX

National Level Goat & Lamb Showman who knows how to fit & breed. Heavily involved in livestock judging. Focused on obtaining a position in the agricultural pharmaceutical sales field and continuing to raise livestock with his family.

ADAM MILLER, Gridley, IL

A Role Model in the Angus Breed, FFA Vice President, & member of numerous champion team fitting teams at national & state levels. After obtaining a degree in Animal Science & Production he hopes to return to his family’s cattle operation.

BAILEE AMSTUTZ , Richwood, OH

Market Lamb & Breeding Ewe achievements at a high level. Ohio State FFA Degree, Academic Excellence Award in Agriscience, & Student Council. Striving to be a Chiropractor within in the livestock industry.

A truly outstanding set of applicants in our 2023 Distinguished $20,000 Sullivan Supply/Stock Show University Scholarship program. 1,587 applications from 46 states and Canada proves that the interest of our Ag youth runs deep. It is a blessing now more than ever to be a part of this great industry and to see this generation flourish in the barn, the showring, in academics and in their community. A huge thank you to our scholarship selection committee of industry leaders (non-Sullivan Supply employees or family members) who spend so many volunteer hours choosing our 20 winners. Congratulations to all our winners and applicants. Over $320,000 has been gifted to young individuals since the inception of this program in 2008. Sullivan Supply is a stock show family owned and operated company founded in 1989 by John and Dede Sullivan. With with it’s central headquarters in Dunlap, Iowa and offices in Hillsboro, Texas, Lodi, California and Hillsboro, Ohio, Sullivan Supply is known as the innovative leader in livestock grooming supplies.

PAYGE DUPRE , Gainesville, FL

An All-Star Volunteer, International Brangus Queen & Chapter FFA President with plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science at the University of Florida Sponsored with Sullivan Supply Representative, Jason Weaver.

BERREN STROPE , O’Neill, NE

Stock Show U Professor, National Champion Heifer Showman, Broadcasting Member, AJCA Board Director, & Member of the NE State Ag Issues Champion Team. With goals to attend college and become an attorney like his Father.

KILEY ALLAN , Le Mars, IA

A Marketing Master with an Old school work ethic, Iowa Pork Queen, Dean’s List, FFA Area Vice President. Recipient of the La Prix Scholarship. With plans to double major in Agricultural Communications and Animal Science at Iowa State University.

MIRANDA SKAGGS , Bryan, TX

Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador, National 4-H Congress Delegate, All A Honor Roll, TJSSA Junior Director, & great achievements within the Simmental association with plans to study Animal Science & Agricultural Journalism at Texas A&M.

CARTER HOGE , Good Hope, IL

A lifer in the livestock industry, breeder & showman of national champions with a successful show career, leader in varsity sports, AIJC Board Director with hopes to carry on his family’s legacy in the show industry

ERIC SCHAFER, Owaneco, IL

National Level Judging Contestant with multiple champion honors including, NAILE & American Royal. Aspiring to be a Collegiate Livestock Judging Coach with plans to return to his family’s operation and continue in the cattle industry.

MCKENNA RICHARDSON, Eureka, KS

4.0 Student, FFA Chapter President, member of the champion livestock judging team. Campaigned a successful show cattle career with highlights including NWSS, NAILE, & many Junior Nationals.

SYDNEY SANDERS , Leesburg, OH

FFA Focused, Varsity Softball Captain, Ohio Junior Angus Association Vice President. Various state and national champions, including wins at NAILE & Ohio State Fair. Sydney is attending Lake Land College to focus on Ruminant Nutrition.

CAROLINE MUNSON, Shallowater, TX

Decorated Showman with highlights including Ft. Worth & Houston champions. , Actively involved in her family’s cattle operation at every level. Future ag communicator with a passion for the industry.

CARLEE CLARK , Muldrow, OK

A superstar showman who has excelled in national rings including Tulsa State Fair, OYE & Maine/Chi Junior Nationals. With plans to pursue a career in the agribusiness field. Sponsored with Sullivan Supply Representative, Charles Hill..

JORDYN WICKARD , Greenfield, IN Indiana Junior Angus Association President. Community Centered. Graduating from Purdue and pursuing a career advocating for the agriculture industry. Sponsored with Sullivan Supply Representative, Justin Shoufler.

MAKENA HOGUE, Trafalgar, IN

Marketing Wizard, Communication Connoisseur, 2022 Sullivan Supply The Pulse/Marketing Intern. Indiana FFA Hoosier Degree Recipient. Sponsored with Sullivan Supply Representative, Justin Shoufler.

ALLI PERRY , Fayetteville, TN

A Scholar and a Showman with future plans to be an embryologist. Heavily involved in the Angus Association Alli strives to mentor to those around her while obtaining a high level of academic achievements. Sponsored with the Quiggins Family-Champion Show Supply

NALANEY GUYER , Robinson, IL

Exhibited national hog & cattle champions throughout her decorated career. Involved in Ag in the Classroom, Livestock Judging, Cheerleading & 4H. Future plans to obtain a degree in Ag Business & return to the family’s online sale business.

TUCKER STAGEMEYER, Page, NE

Future Attorney with plans to represent the American farmer and rancher locally and nationally. National Honor Society, Class President & exhibited numerous national champions including honors at the American Royal & Natl. Jr. Angus Show.

1587 applicants from 46 states & Canada ... 20, $1,000 Scholarships