Vice President Outlook

Joe Bales

ASA vice president

Let’s Celebrate!

For many of us, annual birthday or anniversary dates are reason enough for a celebration. These special events help remind us of where we came from, how we got where we are today, and who the people have been in our lives who contributed to our success. Usually shared with family and friends, these celebrations bring us closer together and build a shared sense of community.

In just a few months, your American Shorthorn Association is nearing its own special occasion – one that has been 150 years in the making! Established in 1872, the American Shorthorn Association is the oldest breed organization in the country and Shorthorn cattle are universally considered to be the mother of many modern breeds. Some of you may remember the old advertising that showed the importance of Shorthorns genetics in the development of over 40 other breeds. That fact alone is worthy of celebration!

For the past couple of years, the ASA Board and a 150th Anniversary Committee, chaired by Dr. Tom Turner, have been planning for this yearlong event. Kicking off in October at the American Royal and our annual meeting, and continuing throughout 2022, there will be a series of events and activities designed to bring attention to the Shorthorn breed and the important place it holds in the development of purebred cattle in America. As part of our meeting, we will also spotlight a new promotional video, one that will be part of our national advertising campaign; highlighting our anniversary celebration and featuring several familiar faces.

In addition to special recognitions and programs at your annual meetings in 2021 and 2022, there are a number of activities and events that, as Shorthorn breeders and enthusiast, you will certainly want to be involved in. While space does provide room for everything, there’s a few that I want to mention.

At the 2022 National Western’s famous catch-a-calf show, for what we believe is the first time in the history of the stock show and thanks to the generous support of the Leone family and Peak View Ranch, all the steers exhibited will be Shorthorns. In addition, at all our major shows, including Junior Nationals, there will be special 150th Anniversary recognitions and promotions for exhibitors and guests. And, working with the staff at Shorthorn Country, the 2022 Herd Bull issue will be designed to be a keepsake issue, one that every breeder will want to be a part of. The goal is that this will be the largest, most inclusive issue ever produced, providing all breeders with a great marketing tool for their programs.

Without question the centerpiece of our celebration is the publishing of a special 150th Anniversary book on the history and development of Shorthorn cattle and the American Shorthorn Association. Written by Bob Hough and Bert Moore, this book chronicles the people, cattle and events that have shaped our breed over the years. Having read a couple of chapters, I was amazed at some of the stories (and the backstories) that have led us to the place we are today.

Elsewhere in the Herd Bull issue, you will find information on pre-ordering the book. Whether for your own use, as a gift, or to thank exceptional customers, this commemorative book should be on every Shorthorn breeder’s bookshelf.

The next year and a half promise to be one that brings renewed attention to our breed and provides each of us the opportunity to celebrate our shared love for the people and cattle that make the Shorthorn breed, America’s First! =

What is your go-to SNACK AT A CATTLE SHOW?

Pop & candy!

What is your favorite beef recipe?

Prime Rib

What is your one must- have item at a cattle show?

My family, they help me get ready and are always by my side.

Annalynn Beach Junior Sp li t w h

aGE: 9 Palmyra, ne