14 minute read
50 Year Recap
by EDJE
Each year the American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) holds their National Maine-Anjou Show at a rotating location between the American Royal, Kansas City, Mo., North American International Livestock Association (NAILE) Louisville, Ky., and the Fort Worth Stock Show, Fort Worth, Texas. Special this year, the National Maine-Anjou Show & Annual Meeting was also the host of a very special, milestone birthday for the AMAA, 50 years. Held in conjunction with the 2019 NAILE, the AMAA celebrated 50 great years of existence with breeders from across the country in attendance. The 50 year celebration was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 17. Kicking off the afternoon was keynote speaker, Mark Core, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer for Vermeer, Inc. and longtime Maine-Anjou breeder, who lead attendees in the afternoon session. Mark’s message was clear in describing how far the AMAA has come in its 50 years, but most importantly what is our plan for the next 50, what is our True North? He challenged members to take a look at their practices, to figure out where they excel, what they need to work on and how you can combine this skill set to become the best you can be as a marketer and breeder.
Following Mark’s presentation, Blake Nelson gave the annual meeting report and awards were presented to the following operations; K&A Farms, 2019 Heritage Road Hall of Fame, Morton Farms, 2019 Breeder of the Year and Rick Carlson, 2019 Maine Man of the Year. A highlight for attendees was also the recognizing of those Legacy Breeders who have held a continuous AMAA membership for greater than 30+ years. The AMAA was proud to recognize these operations and is thankful for their continued service and commitment to the Maine-Anjou breed.
As we look to the future and our True North, the message is clear, the people who support your endeavors are the key to success. The AMAA has always been fortunate in having a great support system and some of the best breeders in the nation. As we look to the future, it is bright, as we continue on the journey for the next 50 years. Congratulations to the AMAA on their celebration of this momentous, milestone birthday.
AMAA
50 Celebrates
LEGACY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE Pictured from left: Larry James, James Farms; Jerry Gibson, 4J Family Partnership; Calvin Fryar, Fryar Cattle Co.; Mike Bentley, Bentwood Farms; Leroy O’Dell, O’Dell Farms. Back Row: Miles DeJong, DeJong Ranch; Landon Nagel, Nagel Cattle Co.; Fred Nessler, Fancy Creek Farm of the Prairie Cross; Brett Carter, Morton Farms; Jim Opperman, Opperman Cattle Co.; Hardy O’Hara, O’Hara Land & Cattle; Beau Ebersole, Ebersole Cattle Co.
Legacy Breeders Awarded
With the celebration of a milestone birthday came the celebration of those legacy breeders who have been a part for of the AMAA for over 30 years. The following operations were honored for their dedication and continuous membership status at the AMAA. We would like to congratulate the following breeders for this historic milestone award.
4E CATTLE COMPANY 4J FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AVID & NANCY CAFFEE BARRETT FARMS BEAUPREZ LAND & CATTLE BENTWOOD FARMS BLUEPRINT CATTLE CO BUCK CATTLE CO BURTON BEEF RANCH CALBERTA FARMS CAMPBELLCO CARROUSEL FARMS COUNTY LINE MAINE ANJOU CRAIG & DAWN COVEY DEEP CREEK LAND&LIVESTOCK LLC DEJONG RANCH DIAMOND M CATTLE CO DONALD BEGALKA DOUBLE O RANCH DOUG & DIANA SAMPSON DUANE JEFFREY EBERSOLE CATTLE COMPANY FANCY CREEK FARM OF THE PRAIRIE CROSS
FARRER STOCK FARMS INC FRED SHULTZ TRUST FRYAR CATTLE COMPANY GARY YANCEY GOEKEN CATTLE H W MC ELROY COMPANY INC HALDERMAN FARMS HOLLY HILL MAINE-ANJOU JAMES FARMS JIM OPPERMAN K & A FARM KENDALL L BREMER CATTLE CO LARRICK FARMS LOU & BARB DEJONG LUING MAINES MAPLE WIND FARM MC CULLOCH CATTLE COMPANY MERLE E SCHRAGE MEYER MAINE-ANJOU FARMS MID-CONTINENT FARMS MORTON CATTLE COMPANY NAGEL CATTLE COMPANY NEER SHOW CATTLE O’DELL FARMS O’HARA LAND & CATTLE RANDY GOLIGHTLY RICHARD & JEAN ELKE S W CATTLE CO SEVERSON’S FLYING E RANCH SHADY VIEW CATTLE COMPANY STEEN CATTLE STEPHENS MAINE-ANJOU SYCAMORE HILL RANCH THORNE CATTLE COMPANY TOM FARMS TOM KLINGNER TRULINE MAINES WD LAND & LIVESTOCK WEBER SHOW CATTLE WOLFE FARMS YARDLEY CATTLE COMPANY ZAHN FARMS
2019 HERITAGE ROADHALL OF FAME INDUCTEE Pictured: Kenny & Audrey Bremer, K&A Farm & Executive Vice President, Blake Nelson.
K&A FARM IOWA
Commitment, hard work, and dedication are just a few of the words used when describing this year’s Hall of Fame inductee, K&A Farm, Kenny & Audrey Bremer. Located in Blakesburg, Iowa, K&A was established in 1968 and they started raising cattle in 1971 after Kenny returned from Vietnam. Maine-Anjou cattle were introduced in 1973 to the K&A herd and K&A Farm became an official member of the American Maine-Anjou Association in 1975. Kenny decided on the Maine-Anjou breed because of their docile temperaments and their excellent performance. Growing up on a diversified Iowa livestock Farm, Kenny knew what it would take to be successful in the cattle business. Kenny was showing cattle before anyone had ever heard of Maine-Anjou and raising and exhibiting livestock has been an important part of his life ever since.
K&A Farm is no stranger to the spotlight. They have garnered numerous awards on the local, state, national and international level. Kenny & Audrey’s children, Kevin, Keith, Raelynn and Kendall have all shared in this spotlight and have now passed down their knowledge and passion to their grandchildren. Throughout the years Kenny has been a true champion of the Maine-Anjou breed, promoting them however and wherever possible. He has held titles on the Iowa Maine-Anjou Association Board of Directors, American Maine-Anjou Association Board of Directors along with bringing home several awards from each organization. Kenny was awarded the National Breeder of the Year Award in 1984 and was named Maine Man of the Year in 1993.
Kenny played a significant role in organizing the National Junior Show and helping to grow it to what it is today. He is primarily responsible for starting the popular bull sale the National Western Stock Show, now known as the Bright Lights Maine-Anjou Sale.
From red to predominately black cattle, K&A Farm has witnessed and taken part in many changes with the breed of the years. K&A Farm has stood the test of time and we are grateful for their continued faith and love for this breed.
HERITAGE ROAD Hall of Fame
2019 BREEDER OF THE YEAR Pictured: Brett Carter, Herdsman & Executive Vice President, Blake Nelson.
MORTON CATTLE CO. OKLAHOMA
Dr. Robert Morton of Morton Cattle Company, Stratford, Oklahoma, strives to build an operation that they and the Maine-Anjou breed can be proud of. Morton has been a member of the American Maine-Anjou Association since 1989 when he began buying Maine-Anjou females for his son, Louis, to exhibit. In 2012 Brett Carter and his family joined the operation as herdsman. With Brett’s knowledge of the Maine-Anjou business and his ability to be progressive as a cattle breeder, Morton Cattle Company has now grown to 400 mother cows that calve in both the spring and fall and 150 ET calves born each year.
Starting with registered Angus cows, Morton became interested in the Maine-Anjou breed more than 30 years ago. Through advice from a friend and longtime Maine-Anjou breeder, Glen Ferris, Morton was introduced to Jirl Buck. From that meeting, a lifelong friendship and partnership began. Buck has been an integral part of growing the Morton program along with helping to market their genetics. Morton Cattle Company’s philosophy of focusing on fertility, soundness and productivity has worked to create an elite female. This has been aided by only retaining documented and registered females within the operation so even bull serviced calves are registerable. It is their goal to buy and raise females that not only succeed in the showring, but also come home and become high quality, elite females in the herd. This philosophy has paid dividends with the Grand or Reserve Grand Champion Female at the last 4 of the last five junior nationals holding a MTF prefix, additionally, many top five and regional show champion finishes have been earned as well as exhibiting the Grand Champion Maine-Anjou Pen-of-Three Bulls at the 2019 National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Morton includes that with the support and guidance from Jirl Buck and the expertise and hard work of Brett Carter, Morton Cattle Company would not have achieved the success they have experienced recently.
A champion outside the ring, Dr. Morton is a tremendous supporter of the American Junior Maine-Anjou Association (AJMAA) and their respective programs. He has supported the junior organization to the fullest extent possible, including donating the 2016 Bright Lights “Lot 1” donation female.
Very passionate about the purebred cattle business, Morton Cattle Company knows the value of pedigrees, performance and quality. Morton Cattle Company continues to strive to become a genetic source for breeders to come for high quality females and herd bulls. With a love for the people who are involved in this industry you can plan to see the MTF prefix in the Maine-Anjou breed for many years to come.
Breeder of the Year
2019 MAINE MAN OF THE YEAR Pictured: Rick Carlson & Executive Vice President, Blake Nelson.
Rick Carlson, along with wife, Rosemary, daughter Rachael, and Rachael’s husband, Justin, make up the Carlson Maine-Anjou operation. Beginning in the Shorthorn breed, the Carlson’s bought their first Maine-Anjou female out of the Denver Maine-Anjou sale in 2003. Over the years the Carlson’s have accumulated genetics from all across the country with a focus on cow families and elite genetic EPD profiles to comprise their herd. In 2005 Rachael captured the Reserve Show Heifer of the Year award with a female named DCC Playmate 140P. In 2006 DCC Playmate 76R was named Show Heifer of the Year. 140P and 76R have since gone on to be foundation females in their herd producing many outstanding progeny.
Rick became further interested in Maine-Anjou after studying each breed and what they had to offer to not only their herd, but the industry as a whole. With a background in the meat packing and commercial industries, Rick liked the complementation of Maine-Anjou when crossed with Angus cattle. Additionally their phenotypic look was superior to the other breeds that they researched. Even today, Rick is quick to remind everyone that this sentiment still holds true and the Maine-Anjou breed is still the way to go.
Rick has been a faithful advocate of the breed for many years, he has served as Secretary/ Treasurer on the American Maine-Anjou Association Board of Directors, President of the Missouri Maine-Anjou Association as well as his continued role spearheading special projects for the AMAA in the recent years.
A consistent champion for Maine-Anjou, Rick’s goal remains steadfast in gaining widespread commercial acceptance for our breed. Through current projects like the bull coop, Rick’s goal is becoming a reality.
RICK CARLSON MISSOURI
Maine Man of the Year
2 P.M. - TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 - Sale Animal & Pen Bull Check-in - Yellow processing tent behind the Pepsi Arena. 1 P.M. - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 - Sale Bull Evaluation, Pepsi Arena MAINE-ANJOU SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2020 NATIONAL WESTERN
4 - 6 P.M. - FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 - Hill cattle check-in, Maine-Anjou stalls on the hill.
3 P.M. - SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 - NWSS Bright Lights Maine-Anjou Bull & Female Sale, Livestock Center Auction Arena 8 A.M. - SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 - NWSS Maine-Anjou, MaineTainer & Maine Angus Junior & Open Shows, On the Hill
MAINE-ANJOU Annual Board of Directors Meeting
2019-2020 AMAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Front (L to R): Andy Jones, DJ Folkerts, Brian Fox, Cali O’Hara, Brent Tolle, Blake Nelson Back (L to R): Wyatt DeJong, Eric Walker, Michael Cramer, Landon Nagel, Beau Ebersole, Leon Matlock, Jim Opperman. Not Pictured: Mark Beauprez, Jirl Buck & Danny Dupree.
PRESIDENT LANDON NAGEL - Region 2 41008 312th St. Springfield, SD 57062 M: (605) 464-1197 nagelclubcalf@hotmail.com 1ST VICE PRESIDENT BRIAN FOX - Region 3 3574 County Road 22 Fort Morgan, CO 80701 M: (970) 313-7224 Brian.m.fox@hotmail.com 2ND VICE PRESIDENT LEON MATLOCK - Region 3 25118 C.R. 1380 Anadarko, OK 73005 M: (405) 222-7979 lmatlock@wichitaonline.net DIRECTOR AT-LARGE BEAU EBERSOLE - Region 2 1935 280th Ave. Kellerton, IA 50133 M: (515) 971-8461 ebersolecattleco@yahoo.com SECRETARY/TREASURER WYATT DEJONG - At-Large 16600 W. Burmood Rd. Wood River, NE 68883 M: (605) 842-5683 Dejongranch.wyatt@gmail.com
REGION 1 Michael Cramer 2282 State Route 309, Ada, OH 45810 M: (979) 251-1560 mikesaclassic@yahoo.com
Andy Jones 1729 Van Gundy Rd., Chapin, IL 62628 M: (815) 228-7820 ajones@mix30.com
Brent Tolle 791 Brashears Points Rd., Taylorsville, Ky. M: (502) 905-7831 Brent.tolle@merial.com
Eric Walker 14845 Walker Rd., Prairie Grove, AR 72753 M: (479) 601-3567 eric@willowspringscattle.com
REGION 2 DJ Folkerts 463 30th Ave., Jasper, MN 56144 M: (507) 348-4919 evfm@frontiernet.net
Cali O’Hara P.O. Box 991, Fort Benton, MT 59442 M: (406) 734-5252 Ohara@3rivers.net
REGION 3 Jirl Buck 18478 Cattle Dr., Madill, OK 73446 M: (580) 795-4865 jirl@buckcattle.com
Danny Dupree P.O. Box 1192, Clinton, OK 73601 M: (580) 445-7595 ddupree@bar-s.com
AT-LARGE Wyatt DeJong 16600 W. Burmood Rd., Wood River, NE 68883 M: (605) 842-5683 Dejongranch.wyatt@gmail.com
Mark Beauprez 11780 Mimosa Rd., Byers, CO 80103 M: (303) 822-9260 markb@netecin.net
Jim Opperman 10493 290th St., Manning, IA 51455-8604 H: (712) 653-3032 M: (712) 210-6013 Opperman@mmctsu.com
Meeting Minutes... AMAA BOARD MEETING - LOUISVILLE, KY. NOV. 15, 2019
ANNUAL MEETING
The American Maine-Anjou Association’s (AMAA) Annual Membership Meeting was called to order by AMAA Board President, Landon Nagel, at 2:15 pm in Louisville, Ky.
Board members present were Brian Fox, Leon Matlock, Hardy O’Hara, Cliff Randall, Andy Jones, Jim Opperman, DJ Folkerts, Wyatt DeJong & Beau Ebersole. AMAA staff present was Blake Nelson, Lindsey Broek, Josh Cribbs, Paige Jones, and Rhonda Boddicker. Additionally many members and guests were present for the meeting.
The invocation was given by Wyatt Dejong.
AMAA President Nagel recognized retiring board members Cliff Randall, Cory Thomsen, Hardy O’Hara and Troy Jones. They were presented with a gift to show appreciation for their dedicated service. President Nagel introduced the incoming board members, Brent Tolle, Cali O’Hara, Michael Cramer and Eric Walker. President Nagle recognized the American Junior Maine-Anjou Association (AJMAA) Board of Directors and thanked them for their service to the junior membership.
Cliff Randall, AMAA Secretary/Treasurer, presented the secretaries report and the minutes from the previous annual meeting. Motion was made and approved to accept the minutes as stated.
Randall also presented the current AMAA financial report. Motion was made and approved to accept the report as given.
Blake Nelson introduced the AMAA staff members that were present and gave an update on the status of the association’s current and future projects.
President Nagel opened up the floor for new business. There was none.
Then opened up the floor for any old business to discuss the motion was made and seconded to adjourn. Motion carried. BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING The American Maine-Anjou Association’s (AMAA) Board of Director’s meeting was held in Louisville, Ky., November 15.
Board members present were Landon Nagel, Brian Fox, Leon Matlock, Hardy O’Hara, Cliff Randall, Andy Jones, Jim Opperman, DJ Folkerts, Wyatt DeJong, Beau Ebersole and Troy Jones. Members absent were Jirl Buck, Danny Dupree, and Mark Beauprez. Also in attendance were AMAA staff Blake Nelson, Lindsey Broek, Josh Cribbs along with Cali O’Hara, Brent Tolle, Mike Cramer, and Eric Walker.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented. Motion made to accept minutes as written. Motion carried. Committee Reports that followed Show - Leon Matlock Sale - Brian Fox Buildings and Grounds - Jim Opperman Magazine - Blake Nelson Finance - Cliff Randall Youth - Blake Nelson Promotion and Marketing - DJ Folkerts Long Range - Hardy O’Hara Breed Improvement - Brian Fox The financials were presented and discussed. Motion made to accept as presented. Motion carried.
The budget was presented by Blake Nelson and Cliff Randall after discussion. Motion made to accept as written and motion carried
Motion was made from finance committee by Leon Matlock, seconded by Hardy O’Hara to move $72,733.28 out of Junior American Funds and 80,000 out of the Mainstay funds to a more conservative investment. Motion carried.
Motion was made from the sale committee by Wyatt DeJong, seconded by Hardy O’Hara to direct association staff to implement sale rubric for the Bright Lights sale order in Denver.
The show committee selected Judges for the national shows in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021.
Discussion of the 2020 Hall of Fame Ceremony was held.
Cliff Randall moved for closed session, seconded by Leon Matlock.
Wyatt Dejong moved to end closed session. seconded by Beau Ebersole. Being no old or new business meeting was adjourned
RETIRING DIRECTORS Pictured (L to R) Hardy O’Hara, Blake Nelson, Cliff Randall. Not pictured: Cory Thomsen and Troy Jones.
