MAINE-ANJOU Commercial Connection
JOSHUA CRIBBS AMAA Director of Commercial Development
The last few months have been rather rewarding for me, both as an employee of the American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) and an admirer of Maine-Anjou influenced genetics. We certainly had an interesting spring, and having to stay grounded from traveling wasn’t all that fun. The last month and a half I’ve been working to make up for lost time. My focus has been to bring customer service to you as breeders, but to also see as many cattle and visit with as many people as possible. To bring to light to the progression you, as breeders, have worked toward over the last few years. Since I began my work for the American Maine-Anjou Association, I can confidently say the cattle being sold and promoted this year are by far the deepest set I’ve seen. During my travels this fall, it’s been extremely rewarding to witness Maine-Anjou cattle selling head-to-head with other breeds. I am confident that the quality is better on the top end and the cattle are deeper as a set. What I’ve seen throughout my recent travels speaks volumes for the renewed energy for this breed – and for the implementation of breeding higher Maine-Anjou genetics, as OCTOBER 2020
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well as incorporating Maine Angus cattle into the rotation. In the last 6 weeks, I have driven through South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico and Oklahoma. I don’t always get to see everyone, but those I have had a opportunity to see… well, it’s apparent that they are excited about Maine-Anjou cattle. The statement that continues to surface amongst breeders from all across the country is how their commitment to finding new options and different pedigrees allowed them to settle into different bulls and continue to be progressive. With great certainty, we can say that 2020 has not been the easiest year. If there is one thing that has remained constant and prevailing, it is that those involved in agriculture and animal agriculture are committed to persevering. Just as the breeders within our registry are committed to making Maine-Anjou cattle better, we – as an office staff and myself out in the field – are just as committed to telling others about the depth of quality. We bring forth strengthened reliability, but
also continued versatility. I cannot say enough of a thank you to all the Maine-Anjou breeders out there, your strength and commitment has been unwavering. I look forward to more travel and visits as we continue further into the Fall. This year might have started out a bit rough, but it’s finishing with a stronger focus to you as breeders and an even greater dedication on making sure we provide the best service we can possibly give. It’s about quality, it’s about longevity, it’s about Maine-Anjou!