Executive Summary

Ernie Dominguez ABHA Executive Director

ABHA Officers

President: Rod Garman 497.957.2068

Vice President: Matt Marsh 912.425.0365

Treasurer: Don Hardin 515.313.8982

Secretary: Jacob Moreno 417.763.4233

Board Members: Darrell Selby 270.566.2624 Logan Hill 970.629.8807 Chad Jones 913-731-3428 Brock Johansen 435.749.1543 Jeremiah Malone 931.309.6805

ABHA Executive Director Ernie Dominguez 512.567.7840

Welcome to the American Black Hereford Winter Issue!

Even as we continue to face uncertain times in our country and more importantly in agriculture, the future within the American Black Hereford breed is bright. As we get set to close out 2021 and look forward to 2022, it is important to reflect on how Black Hereford cattle have improved not only in quality, but in demand and industry acceptance. The message of crossbreeding within the beef industry continues to be strong, and the use of Black Hereford genetics is proving to be economically advantageous to producers across the country.

Your American Black Hereford Association is going to close out another great year in calendar year 2021. The ABHA is growing in membership and registrations while marketing cattle to more commercial producers. The success of this association is due to the hard work and dedication by our members to improving genetics and making the necessary changes that the beef industry has demanded. Our membership is working hard to keep Black Hereford cattle at the forefront of the industry demands and is willing to make difficult decisions in order to continue growth and success. In the coming years, our challenge to keep demand strong will increase as we gain more market share. We must continue to make advancements in our genetics to improve our position in the industry, and I know we are up to the challenge.

We’re deep into sale season and the demand for Black Hereford genetics is overwhelmingly high. As demand continues to grow, the board is looking into additional ways for breeders to market their cattle, grow their customer base and broaden the footprint of our breed. As our breed continues to grow and more people become involved, we must not forget that many of us were once in their shoes. Lend a helping hand or some words of encouragement to those new folks and embrace their successes as you would your own. Each member matters just as much as the next and every member is important to the success of this breed.

I encourage everyone to get involved at your local, regional, and state cattle organizations. Your input and representation will only increase the American Black Hereford footprint and will help steer more commercial producers to consider using Black Hereford genetics.

As we continue to grow in both size and demand for Black Hereford genetics, we need everyone working together to continue to make advancements. We look forward to the new year with great anticipation of growth and demand for Black Hereford cattle and want every one of our members to help and be a part of this growth!

In addition to reflecting, it’s also important to give thanks. I want to thank our Board of Directors, our committees, and the entire membership for helping make 2021 a tremendous year for our association. The American Black Hereford breed is on fire! Let’s not even think about getting complacent, because we are just getting started. I want each one of you to pull your hat down tight and kick it in overdrive. Continue to make your cattle better and help push our breed to the next level. Let’s continue the ride!

Serving with this board over the last year has been an eye-opening experience for me (in a good way!). There’s been a lot of discussion monthly at board meetings and in regular everyday conversations because we are collectively working to build a better future for our cattle, our members, and most importantly, our youth.

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.

We are kicking off 2022 at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City! There were over 9,000 head of cattle entered at this year’s Congress and for the first time, American Black Hereford cattle will be on display and exhibited by fellow members of the ABHA. I hope to see you in OKC! Let’s show the industry what the American Black Hereford has to offer. Have a blessed start to the New Year! ABHA