My How Time Flies

by Ricky W. Guidry, ASA Board member and Past President

It doesn’t seem like it but it has been six years since you elected me to the Board of Directors of the American Shorthorn Association.  While I had managed a Business and Ranch most of my life this was my first experience of being a director of an Association consisting of members from all parts of the Country and having diverse interest.

 While I have only been involved with Shorthorn cattle for 15 years it has been a pleasure meeting other breeders from all parts of the country.  I have never been involved with any other group that has a love for cattle as I have seen with Shorthorn breeders.  In the last 6 years I have grown to understand the diverse goals that our breeders have with their individual programs.  I have even seen my goals as a breeder move from the show ring to using Shorthorn cattle in a crossbreeding program that works in our southern region.  As a board member it is key to listen and learn as much as possible from all facets of the breed.  Only with an understanding of the various needs of different programs can we continue to serve the needs of all members.  As a board we should always remember that we are in that position because our fellow members elected us to that position to protect and promote programs that aid all members in reaching their goals.  We have seen a lot of issues with genetic defects, show programs, management, etc. in the last 6 years and feel the board has always strived to move the association in a positive direction.

 At the National Show and Annual meeting in Denver 2014 there will be 3 of the 9 seats on the board of directors up for election.  Anyone with the passion to work as a board member to continue to direct the breed in a positive direction should consider running for the board in January.  A diverse board both geographically and program orientation is key to ensuring all members issues are considered in making decisions.

Interested in running for the ASA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver? Please submit your intent to run along with a write-up of yourself and photo to the ASA by November 1, 2013. All candidates will have their write-up and photo published in the December issue of the Shorthorn Country.
View the By-Laws of the ASA for complete protocol of election to the board of directors - click here.