Shorthorns on the Move

By: Megan Brehm

Hello Shorthorn World! My name is Megan Brehm, the Director of Communications and Marketing at the American Shorthorn Association. Since taking my position in February, I have been busy working to update promotional materials, social media, coordinating press releases, and more. The American Shorthorn Association and the beef industry are abuzz with energy and activity.

It is one of my goals to increase the presence of the American Shorthorn Association through social media and other agricultural publications. The more people see information about Shorthorns the better! I will continue to make regular blog posts to Shorthorn: Right Now. The blog will be an informal way to share happenings at the association, events within the beef industry, and the occasional post just for fun! 

For my first post, I would like to take the opportunity to take time to share some information about myself. I grew up in Southeast Nebraska near Talmage on my family’s farm. Growing up on the farm I was extremely active with our cattle herd of mostly Shorthorn composite cows. Since my early days preparing my 4-H steers and heifers, I have continually built more and more of a passion for Shorthorns. I am thankful for those early experiences and how they have shaped me to this day.

Several Shorthorns grab a bite of new green grass on an early April day in Nebraska.

I live near Syracuse, Nebraska with my husband Randy and four year old daughter Lauren. Our farm consists of raising corn and soybean crops, hay, and cattle. Our cattle herd consists of Randy’s Polled Herefords and my Shorthorns. We've compromised on red and white cattle-they are just marked a bit differently. Lauren is our number one helper. She is anxiously awaiting her chance to enter the show ring. Mom of course hopes that it is with a Shorthorn at side.

My family: Megan, Randy, and Lauren

I believe that it is an awesome time to be in the cattle industry. Shorthorns continue to experience increased demand as more cattlemen are realizing their value. Shorthorn cattle have many attributes that can add value to any producer’s program. As the ShorthornPlus program continues to gain momentum, it is my hope that commercial demand for Shorthorn cattle will increase exponentially in years to come. The American Shorthorn Association is driven to make this a reality. I couldn't be happier to be a part of it! 

Until Next Time...

By Audrey Hambright

Looking back I can hardly believe it has been three and a half years since I made the trip north to Omaha to start my summer internship with the American Shorthorn Association. Little did I know I when I started out in Omaha that summer with my trusty sidekick who was a summer intern for Ak-Sar-Ben at the same time, that it would have led me down the path that it did.

From my time with the ASA to the Shorthorn Country magazine and back to ASA again, I have had some great experiences, met many people along the way and have a suitcase full of memories to take with me everywhere I go. More than anything, it has truly been an unbelievable learning experience from start to finish.

Those of you who know me well, know that I’m partial to my home state of Kansas. I have a great opportunity to keep working in the beef industry, close to home no less! My new position is with the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University as the Communications Coordinator.

Everyone I have worked with at Shorthorn along the way has been nothing but supportive and great to work with. Some of them have become my closest friends. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors – and that Shirley continues to keep everyone at the Shorthorn office in line!

Myself, Jake Alden and Gwen Crawford at the  2012 CYT Sale.

I am very thankful for all of the Shorthorn events I had the opportunity to attend and the people I met along the way. There are many of breeders and/or members who I only had correspondence with by phone or email, but I feel like I would know just as well if I had the chance to meet them in person.

As I have told a few, this is only “good-bye” for now. I’m sure I’ll see many of you on down the road. I look forward to seeing where the Shorthorn breed goes in the future as well as the activities of the ASA staff and membership.

Until next time…

From the 2012-13 National Lassie Queen

Since I was crowned as your National Shorthorn Lassie Queen this past November at the North American International Livestock Exposition I have gained a lot of experience, friends, mentors, and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  It’s hard to explain and summarize a whole year of my experience and gratitude in one small thank you article.  This time last year I would never have dreamed that I would be where I am today. 

I want to start off by thanking my amazing family.  Through this journey they have been with me every step of the way.  My mother and father have been a huge inspiration to me.  When I got discouraged I could always count on them to help me find my way and work through all of the planning, traveling, and finances.  I can never thank them enough for the countless hours they have spent with me on the road chaperoning me and assisting me when I needed it.  I also want to say thank you to my brothers and sister-in-law, David, Fran, and Jeffrey, for always being there for me and encouraging me, even when I didn’t think I needed it.  This experience has enabled me to become closer to you and I have loved every minute of it.  I love you all more than I can ever describe.   

Over the course of this year I have traveled to Denver, Colorado, Fort Worth Texas, The Kentucky Beef Expo, Junior Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, The Missouri State Fair, The Kentucky state fair, Star Search Sale at Cates Farm in Modock, Indiana, The Keystone Show.   It’s hard to focus on one specific event I have been to, each trip has brought a new experience but the most influential trip I have taken this year was to the California Shorthorn Junior and Open show.  The hospitality from them was so warm and accepting.  This trip opened my eyes to a new side of the Shorthorn industry.  I had time to sit down and actually get to meet the breeders and exhibitors and learn of their hardships over the past year with the drought they have been experiencing.   

A few more people I want to be sure to mention are the wonderful breeders and members within the state of Kentucky.  You have been so generous and supportive of me on this journey.  I especially want to thank Faye Korthaus and Fran McCall.  You have both been there for me from the very beginning when I decided to become the Kentucky State Queen three years ago.  From the loaning of the tartan, to helping me with my crown, to advice on how to walk, talk, and even wave, you have been there and because of your help I have become the third National Queen to come from the state of Kentucky, which I consider to be a huge honor.   



I am sad to see this year come to an end, as I walk across the green shavings for the last time, in November.  I will soak in every moment and remember how blessed I am to have had this once in a lifetime opportunity.  No words can ever describe how honored, thankful, and greatful I am.     
I love you all so much,

Jessica McCall

2012- 2013 National Shorthorn Lassie Queen

Retiring Address

By Billy Zack Taylor, ASA Board Member

It is a true honor and pleasure to have served on the Board of Directors for the American Shorthorn Association.  During the two terms, I have had the privilege of representing the wants and desires of any member which conveyed any concern or idea.  Furthermore, as a Board we have made several changes for the future of the Shorthorn breed.  There will need to be several changes in the future as well. 

I encourage any member which has a love for the future of this great breed of cattle to run for the board.  We have a great Executive Secretary with a great vision.  The remaining Board is very progressive and truly has a great desire for the Shorthorn breed to succeed in all aspects of the cattle industry.  It is vital that the entire United States is represented. I encourage any member to run that cares about the progressive future of the Shorthorn breed, not only in your area but the entire United States. 


Interested in running for the ASA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver? Please sumbit 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.

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.

 

Jump In and Enjoy the Ride!

By Les Mathers, ASA President

 

I have been fortunate to be a member of many boards and participate in the governance of many organizations both small and large. Some have been privately held, some publicly owned, some for profit, others not for profit. They have been C corps, LLCs, S corps, limited partnerships, 501 c3s and others. Some have been in health care, some financial institutions, some in agriculture, some in real estate. None of the organizations have more people with more passion than ASA members and staff.

I have long known many of the Shorthorn breeders and have been able to get to know many more in the USA and throughout the world. Many have some differences in their personal goals of their programs, but all support the wonderful breed in their own way. How often can one travel thousands of miles across oceans and continents and be able to introduce your children to people who have known you and your family for four generations through Shorthorn cattle?

Being a board member and taking on a key governance role is not for everyone. Broad dedication to the advancement of a variety of ASA goals is necessary. We need continued focus on the service to our members and improvement of the breed and its relevance in the beef industry. Board members need to give the time and focus as may be needed to govern and give our ASA executive and staff clear priorities.

Skills and knowledge about governance, business development,  finance, strategic planning, marketing, and legal issues are needed. Being chosen to be a board member for the ASA is a great honor and top candidates are needed to provide leadership and continuity. We must preserve the many great assests and continue to put ourselves in a good position to go forward.

 

If you or someone you know can provide the passion as well as the skill and knowledge then jump in, or push them to consider running for the board.


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.

Catch You Down the Cow Path...

From Patrick Wall -

It’s been a pleasure to work for the American Shorthorn Association for the past 5 years. I want to extend a sincere thank you to all Shorthorn breeders for their dedication to the breed and for the hospitality they’ve shown me and my family throughout my tenure. Though my beef industry role will be changing, I still hope to be a helpful resource to the ASA moving forward. I have accepted a position as an Area Beef Field Specialist with Iowa State University Extension & Outreach. My territory will shrink from about 30-some states to 17 counties in an effort to spend more weekends with my young family. I certainly loved what I did for ASA, and I hope the future will prove there was some value in my efforts. I truly believe in the potential of the Shorthorn breed to the beef industry, and I know you have the necessary tools to make ‘em better! Rest assured, I will be in tune with your progress…thanks again!