Executive Summary

Ernie Dominguez ABHA Executive Director

Welcome to the American Black Hereford Fall Issue!

This summer brought many challenges for those in the cattle business. From drought in many parts of the country to high feed and fuel costs, many cattlemen have had to make difficult decisions. I, for one, kept saying each day that goes by is one day closer to a new season (and hopefully one with better weather). Like I’ve said before, our resilience is our greatest strength. We can and will overcome the biggest of obstacles. That is simply the way in which the backbone of this great industry, the people in it, live their lives. We also have a lot to be excited for because with great challenges also come great opportunities. I remain optimistic and believe we have an abundance of opportunity that awaits us this upcoming year.

As we roll into the fall season, I always look forward to this time of year. Cooler weather, crop harvest, cattle sales, and football. Does it get any better than that? We have a lot to look forward to before 2022 comes to a close. Our annual member meeting and A Royal Affair sale will again be held in conjunction with the American Royal event in October in Kansas City. This sale has historically featured some of the very best herd sire prospects and females that our breeders have to offer. This is an excellent opportunity to market your program to a large, national audience or to find that next impactful bull or female.

We will also be kicking off our first National Open Point Show at the American Royal in Kansas City; National point shows at the North American International Livestock Exposition and Cattlemen’s Congress and other ABHA member sales are all right around the corner. Events like these are a great opportunity for you to meet other ABHA members, share information on your programs and learn more about how to take advantage of all the things ABHA has to offer. I hope to see you at one of these events!

I believe that we must continue to advocate and educate the industry on what Black Hereford genetics have to offer. You will see that the Association is making a conscious effort to get the word out about our breed and what it has to offer to the industry. We recently hired a new Communications Coordinator, Sierra Franks, who we believe will make a significant impact in helping us tell the story of the Black Hereford breed to all in our industry. That said, it takes a village to realize the potential and opportunity we have with this great breed. Your one-on-one interaction with your neighbor or customer is often more effective and valuable than any social media post or literature that we can produce. So, folks, take the chance to tell our story and sell the breed that you believe in!

Please reach out if you have any questions or ideas for how we can continue to make a positive impact for the breed and this industry. We are all in this together, we will continue to work together to keep the ABHA strong, and American Black Hereford proud. We truly have some of the most dedicated, selfless people in the cattle business that support Black Hereford and its members.

I hope to see you at a future event this fall. Let’s show the industry what the American Black Hereford has to offer.

ABHA