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I pen this editorial the National Junior Angus Heifer Show is
currently taking place in Denver, Colorado. There is a part of
me that wishes that I could be there to take in the big show and
then there is that part that is just as happy to be the one to
stay home and take care of things. For many years the National
Junior Heifer show was part of the fabric that made up our
summer months, while I enjoyed every minute of it, I’m just as
happy not to be logging hours and hours of drive time with a
full load of cattle. I can’t say that I miss spending sometimes
almost a month in hotels, depending on the location of the show.
What I do miss is watching so many young people come together
and experience something so positive, and I miss connecting with
so many friends made all over the United States.
Thankfully there is so much to the
National Junior Heifer show then just the cattle competition,
because I am still having trouble accepting the Association’s
ruling in letting cattle that are positive for genetic defects
to enter any show ring. As I’ve stated before and will continue
to question is, what the heck are we accomplishing as a breed
when our top champions in some cases are positive on two counts.
Really, what is the point for any of us and in particular those
folks dragging the cattle, is the ribbon really that important?
I thought the whole reason we showed cattle was to get those cow
families that make up our programs out in front of the public
eye. Enough of my soap box and believe me; you don’t have to
call me, because for the many that agree with me, I know there
are those few vociferous individuals that don’t.
Moving on, I hope your summer is
going well, things are just beginning to heat up around here
like any normal July and we’re busy keeping up with irrigation
and pasture rotations. My main job, as I stay home this week, is
getting the show cattle out of the heat and into the cool show
barn each day; this I have to say is my least favorite job of
the week. Show cattle are a spoiled lot and ours are no
exception, they will walk up and over you to get in that barn,
then they’ll sleep the day away until it’s once again feeding
time. Show cattle, you gotta love them. My favorite time of the
day has been around 6:30 a.m. when I walk through the momma cows
and calves, doing heat checks, and general health spots. They’re
all just waking up and the calves are anxious to start nursing.
Nothing like a cool summer morning sunrise in a cow pasture to
make it all worthwhile.
The summer shows are going to be
here before any of us know it, and I once again I encourage all
Angus breeders to find the few hours in the day to make it over
to your state fair and take in the Angus activities. I’m sure if
your anything like me, there are not enough hours in the day to
get everything done, that needs to get done, but do try to find
the time because it’s a great way to connect with other breeders
in your state and see what’s happening in our breed. Just as the
summer shows are just around the corner, so is the end of summer
and fall on its heels. Once again this fall the breed is blessed
with an abundance of Angus bull sales and a very hot cattle
market going into sale season. Pencil in few sales you can take
in and make an effort to support the breeders in your local
areas.
Along with the fall comes even
more chores as we get ready for the winter months ahead and for
those of you that farm, harvest blends in there as well. I wish
you all wonderful remainder of summer and a big congratulations
to all the winners and participants from the West that made the
trip to Denver. Look for more of the point at weaning time.
Until September…..
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