Association Perspective
Get off the ranch.
Wake up. Check cows. Fix stuff. Repeat. There are so many days a rancher will only speak to their spouse, their dog and their cattle. Don’t get me wrong, I know tasks on a ranch are ever-changing as the cows really don’t care what you had planned in your schedule. However, it is so easy to go weeks or even months where the only time you leave the ranch is to go to the coffee shop or a trip to the local farm and ranch store. Most would agree that sounds perfect, but is it really taking your business to the next level?
The days of sharing ideas and passing along information with only your local neighbors are behind us. Trends and advances in technology are moving faster than ever before. There are many ways to stay informed and truly add value to your cattle. For example, find an up-to-date publication that provides information that matters, or a website you trust with informed web editors at the helm. Another option would be to visit with your local sale barn manager or marketing representative. If you sell through a video auction, attend the video sale. But, by far, the best way is to get off the ranch and take that trip to the conference or symposium you’ve been putting off the past few years.
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Tim Holt discusses PAP testing during the Angus Genomics Symposium. |
The individuals putting these events on seek out speakers, companies and workshops that will add value to your operation. Since Angus is near and dear to me, I will use the national Angus Convention to help emphasize this. This year at the 2019 Angus Convention you would have heard talks ranging from the new foot score expected progeny differences (EPDs) to succession planning, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) testing, effective cattle handling, feeder-calf marketing and so much more that directly influences the bottom line of your business. Also, ranchers had the opportunity to visit with various company leaders in the trade show to talk about how they can better apply products they either are already using or looking to use in the future.
Last, but certainly not least, these events are a great opportunity to converse with other progressive cattlemen, make new friends, see old friends, and have a great time improving the business we all love. Check your county and state cattlemen’s event calendars and see when these events may be taking place. If you have interest in attending the 2020 National Angus Convention, you can find the most current information at www.angusconvention.com.
Editor’s note: Regional Manager Jake Pickering covers the states of Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.
