David Gazda
Association Perspective
Sound advice
Technology available in today’s cattle industry offers cattlemen a host of genetic selection tools. Artificial insemination (AI), ultrasound, embryo transfer (ET), DNA technology, and the use of expected progeny differences (EPDs) and performance records are but a few of the tools cattlemen may incorporate into their breeding programs to make better, more informed and accurate breeding decisions that will enhance the profitability of their operations.
However, one of the most underutilized resources available to cattlemen is that of the American Angus Association regional manager.
The American Angus Association’s field staff of 13 regional managers covers all 50 states and serves as a liaison between the Association’s headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., and its membership. A regional manager’s primary responsibility is to assist the membership and users of Angus genetics in understanding Association rules and guidelines, as well as implementing and utilizing the programs and services offered by the Association. In addition, regional managers represent Angus Productions Inc. (API), an affiliate of the American Angus Association that publishes the breed’s official publication, the Angus Journal, as well as the Angus Beef Bulletin, the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA and the Angus e-List.
Regional managers are well-versed in all aspects of the Angus breed and are knowledgeable in many other segments of the industry as well. Through their extensive travels, regional managers will attend a combined total in excess of 600 sales per year and will have the unique opportunity to view many of the breed’s most successful seedstock and commercial operations firsthand.
On-farm herd visits are possible, if arranged in advance, and as time and travel schedules allow. However, most consultation and communication with the membership is conducted via phone, e-mail and through other breed and industry events, such as field days, state association annual meetings, cattlemen’s conventions, shows and sales. Through their travels and contacts, regional managers have become, over the years, an invaluable asset to producers in offering sound advice in areas such as sire selection, marketing and procurement of Angus genetics.
Remember, the next time you need sound advice, call someone who knows Angus cattle and Angus people — call your American Angus Association regional manager. For a complete listing of regional managers, contact the American Angus Association at 813-383-5100 or follow the “Contact us” link at www.angus.org. Click here to go to the regional manager listing directly.
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