Association Outlook
Montie D. asa executive Soules secretary/CEO
the Next 150 Years
T
he Annual Meeting and the kick-off for the American Shorthorn Association 150Year Celebration, “Americas First,” is now behind us. Wow, what a turnout of enthusiastic Shorthorn breeders! It started with the Breeders Happy Hour at the ASA Office Open House with Shorthorn folk elbow to elbow finding old friends and making new ones. It was a full house of Shorthorn excitement. The Shorthorn passion continued throughout the weekend with record numbers attending the ASA 150Year Celebration Kick-Off. From the unveiling of the book “Shorthorn and the American Cattle Industry” to the Awards Banquet when the Builders of the Breed were presented to the membership, there was an air of positive excitement about the breed for its past, present and future. We all should be honored that this breed is “Americas First” Beef Cattle Association in the USA. The ASA has several activities and new items available to purchase to commemorate the 150th throughout the next 14 months. It will be up to you to maintain the movement to let the industry know about the Shorthorn Breed. When we, as breeders and members of this great breed read about our history, we should be proud to be a part of
something with such a storied past. As we reminisce about the good old days, it makes current activities and events even more special by stacking up memories. Think about the leaders of our breed in the United States 150 years ago. They met in Chicago in late October and November from all across this country. How long it must have taken them to travel to the event. Cars where not yet invented so their mode of transportation were trains or horses and wagons. The dedication and passion of those breeders, leaders and believers in 1872 was a special gift that has passed down to us in 2021-2022. The groundwork and the organization designed with intelligence and foresight by those Shorthorn enthusiasts allows us to move forward from that today. Take some time to think through the needs of today and tomorrow within our breed and industry. It is our turn to lay the groundwork for the next 150 years of sustainability for the ASA. The decisions made today will affect those for generations to come. Not only the decisions of the Board of Directors but the decisions of every breeder and how they design their matings. The mold begins to form on how Shorthorns will fit and go forward. Yes, there will be different types selected over the next
150 years, look at the past 150 years and the mistakes made and corrected. One thing is for sure technology and artificial intelligence (aka AI) will play a significant role going forward. As we celebrate the holiday season with family and loved ones think about how our leaders 150 years ago celebrated the holiday season. Then think about how this special time may be celebrated 150 years from now. The one thing that I think is unchanging will be family. Our past, present and future all have and will cherish family and we enjoy the celebration because of family and loved ones. The Shorthorn Family is no different. The bond among our members and breeders is like none other and may be the secret of our longevity. There will be good times and bad times but that special Shorthorn connection is forever. It pulls the breed through regardless of success and adversities. As we celebrate the holiday season, please consider your family needs and sustainability for the future. Be positive and supportive of family and friends as you raise them up, who knows when you may need a helping hand. Let’s toast this great Shorthorn Breed for all the love it has provided families over the past 150 years and the next 150 years!!! =
Happy Holidays to you and your families from the ASA family in Kansas City! May the New Year be Prosperous and Bountiful for You and Your Family!
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shorthorn country = december 2021
