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As I am sitting down to write this
editorial the holidays are in full swing. This is the time to
reflect on the good things that have happened to us this year
and count our blessings. It is also a great time to put the bad
things in perspective and allow them to fade away as a New Year
begins. Many people will
start this year with a brand new set of resolutions, some easily
kept and some discarded before the page on the calendar flips to
February. My main resolution is to focus on the positive things
around me and believe the best of people rather than let my
cynicism run rampant. With all of the problems our breed has had
in the following year, from curly calf to the tanking economy, I
am trying the “glass half full” philosophy with the industry as
well. I thought that possibly by refreshing our memories
concerning some of the great assets the Angus breed has we could
all take a needed breather from the bad news.
In my personal opinion I think
our foremost asset is our junior members. Their enthusiasm and
excitement for cattle and the breed is the best thing we have
going for us. I have three youngsters; ages 13, 11 and 9 and it
constantly amazes me how much little things make them happy. We
had the first calf of the year the other day and even the
teenager couldn’t wait to head out to the barn to see it and
immediately began the quest for a perfect name for it. Details
about show heifers and mama cows and calves from years past that
have long ago fled my brain are fresh in their minds. One of my
favorite things is watching how all of the juniors interact
together at events, whether they see each other all of the time
or only once a year at Junior Nationals. The way they aren’t
afraid to just jump in and help each other and the way they are
quick to forget who beat who in the ring reminds me that the
future of our breed is in very capable hands.
Despite a few bumps in the
genetic road this year, sales that I have attended this fall
have been pretty solid. This tells me that the traits our breed
offers are still in demand, the sky hasn’t fallen just yet.
Basics like good mothering traits, structural soundness, high
quality carcasses and feed conversion don’t magically disappear
with the appearance of one defect. Most commercial cattlemen I
have visited with tell me that the curly calf issue hasn’t
impacted their buying strategy as much as many people feared.
They are aware of it but aren’t abandoning the positive impact
we have on their herds because of it.
This fall has provided a good
reminder to us how valuable the American Angus Association and
its staff is to us. Everyone doesn’t always agree with
everything that goes on or is decided by the powers that be, but
no one can argue about how hard everyone in the organization
works for us. I have especially been grateful for our regional
managers. They have had to bear the brunt of the fear,
misinformation and questions from every faction of the beef
industry. Being out there at all of the sales and functions in
contact with producers and customers has allowed them to keep
everyone updated the instant they know something new, keeping
the flow of information current and helping avoid panic. We are
truly lucky to have such a strong organization.
Finally, I’d like to end with
the best thing about this breed and that is all of you. It might
sound a little sappy, but I do think all of the people involved
in raising Angus cattle are special set and the main reason we
are still going strong as a breed. Hopefully thinking about the
assets I’ve mentioned leaves everyone with a positive mindset
and looking forward to a wonderful New Year!
Best Wishes,
Jeanette Fuller
WSAA Director
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