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The 2008 Western States Angus
Futurity in Reno is once again in our rear view mirror. For all
of you that attended I’m sure you will agree that the quality of
the cattle shown in Reno was at an all time high. If you didn’t
make it to Reno for the show mark your calendar for next year,
it’s a great place to have a little fun, see your friends and
take in a great show. The weekend kicked off with a strong
junior show. This was even more evident on open female show day
when many of those same junior heifers found their way to the
winners circle again. I would like to thank all the parents of
the junior exhibitors for their time and support in keeping our
Western States Angus youth involved and at the show. The open
show saw about the exact same number of animals as years past.
With diesel over $4.00 a gallon these days we were pleasantly
surprised to see our numbers hold and still have exhibitors
representing states from across the country. Congratulations to
all the exhibitors and winners on a great set of cattle.
One of the big honors each year in
Reno is the dedication of the show. This year we had the honor
of dedicating our show to Hal and Lois Schudel of Holiday Ranch
in Oregon. Hal and Lois are two very special people that truly
love the cattle and community that is the Angus business. Hal
and Lois sold their Holiday Ranch in 2007 in preparation for
retirement, but I look forward to seeing them at many more Angus
events in the future. Congratulations Hal and Lois, its people
like you that keep our breed and our country great.
Another special award at Reno each
year is the Western States Herdsman of the year award. This year
Ron and Myki Simek of Canyon Creek Angus donated the beautiful
buckle given to the winner. Cattle and cattle people are a lot
alike, the good ones always seem to carry on to the next
generation. Thirty-four years after his dad won the herdsman
award Darrell Hanson of Have Angus was named the 2008 winner.
Congratulation Darrell and Mel.
Once again, the Big Draw was held as
our main fundraiser. If you purchased a Big Draw ticket, thank
you for your support of the Western States Angus Association.
The Big Draw winner was Jud Baldridge, congratulations. A big
thank you goes out to Dennis Lopez and his daughter Libby who
made sure every Big Draw ticket was sold, as they have done for
years. Talking of support I know that the WSA Auxiliary is
looking for a donation heifer if you think you can help please
call Carla Malson, these ladies do great things with your
support. I would also like to thank Carla for the great job she
does with the juniors at Reno each year. Putting together a show
and running it smoothly is never an easy task. The JDA staff
makes it look easy, Darwin Schweitzer, Sheila Stamnas, and James
and Sherry Danekas thank you and all your staff for a well run
show.
As we turn our attention to the next
Western States Angus Futurity in 2009 I would like to say we are
proud of our past as one of the most relaxed and friendly cattle
shows anywhere. So come join us in 2009, make some new friends,
and enjoy one of the best Angus shows anywhere.
Sincerely,
Doug Worthington
WSAA President
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