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[ March/April 2004 ]

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Builders & Taters
When one stops to think about it, God put some people on the earth to be builders and some people to tear down what the builders had built. If there weren’t any builders, then those responsible for the tearing down would have nothing to do.

Are you a builder?
The Maine-Anjou breed, for all of its past successes and future expectations, depends on builders who have the courage, forethought and individuality to make a positive difference. Builders are ones that believe in something, build a strong foundation to work from and expand their thoughts from that foundation. Of course, builders are the first to be criticized, used and abused, but as stated in the beginning, it’s hard to tear something down that hasn’t been built! The Maine-Anjou breed, with all of its diversity, has so much to offer to the cattle industry. The builders within our breed recognize the positive influence of pedigreed Maine-Anjou livestock. The pedigree is a contract of that animal’s genetics, performance and now, the possibility of carcass traits. The Maine-Anjou breed finds a way to make sure that the contract of their program is passed on to their customers. The builders know that with a strong support system the whole will prosper and grow with time. Builders make decisions only to be questioned on the very reasons for those decisions. Builders are flexible in their design—they attract the widest possible customer base. At the recent Texas Maine-Anjou Association meeting held at the Fort Worth Stock Show, Jerry Gibson, the outgoing President, said it best when he said, “Don’t tell me it can’t be done, tell me ways in which it can be done! Give me ideas don’t give me excuses.” Builders have ideas, visions and convictions to press forward. A little item came across my e- ail the other day about  “Tater People,” which depicts different kinds of personalities. The cattle business is a people business. What kind of “tater” are you?

Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work. They are called “Spec Taters.”

Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called “Comment Taters.”

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don’t want to soil their own hands. They are called “Dick Taters.”

Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet. They are called “Agie Taters.”

There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing
the promised help. They are called “Hezzie Taters.”

Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not. They are called “Emma Taters.”

Then there are those who love others and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others. They are “Sweet Taters.”

“Sweet Taters” can help build a better future for the pedigreed Maine-Anjou business. Be a builder of a better tomorrow. It has been said that great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events and small minds discuss people. The bright future of the Maine-Anjou breed has
“Sweet Taters” building better programs from great mind.

Greetings, I am very excited to be working for the American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) as the new Maine- Anjou Voice Editor and Director of Communications. My name is Kyla Nesheim, and I am from Baltic, S.D. My duties at the Voice include preparing editorial and advertising content for the current issue, writing feature articles for the Voice and press releases when needed for the Maine-Anjou breed, as well as helping out with special events.

by Kyla Nesheim editor/director of communications

In December, I graduated from South Dakota State University with a major in ag journalism and a minor in animal science. I had no clue that I would eventually be working for the AMAA. My plans were pretty much undecided. I heard about an opening at the Maine-Anjou Voice from a very good friend and a couple weeks later I received a phone call from John Boddicker and the interview was set!

My excitement was soaring as I thought to myself, “This is always what I’ve wanted to do—continue to work with the cattle industry through a breed association and publication.” I couldn’t wait for my interview. My excitement rose as I began my fourth trip to Missouri. Let me tell you, the difference in temperature from when I left home to when I arrived in Missouri was shocking. It was about twenty below with the wind chill when I left home; it was about fifty degrees when I arrived in Missouri. Wow, what a change, for the better, of course. I found my way to Platte City, Mo., and met everyone at the office. I was warmly welcomed into a wonderful atmosphere.
My interview with John went well and I was told he would call me in a couple of days. Two days never seemed like more of an eternity! I ventured back home to South Dakota to wait out the phone call. I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when my phone rang and it was John telling me I got the job! Finally, out into the real world, no more college classes. I had a job! I never thought the day would come.

Now, I had to tell everyone my wonderful news. For the first time in my life I was moving out of South Dakota. I had a week to get packed up and ready to go. I never realized how hard it would be to leave home, my family and friends. Well, I made it down here and I’m starting to get settled in. Everyone at the office is great. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with or a better place to work. I feel that I’ve scored my “dream job.”

I have been involved with showing cattle for most of my life and made many lifelong friends in the process. I have been an active member in the AMAA for seven years. The number of people involved with the Maine-Anjou breed is exciting. I find it wonderful that people can put so much pride, joy and commitment into such a great breed. I am looking forward to working with each of you and I hope to meet many new faces along the way.

The Voice is published for you, the breeders, exhibitors, sellers, promoters, etc. If there is anything you would like to see in the Voice, don’t hesitate to call. I am open to your ideas. Let me know if you want to see more editorial or Maine-Anjou related articles. If you have any ideas for article of your own, don’t be afraid to give me a call. We want to make you—the readers— satisfied and happy with the publication. Also, if there is anything you don’t like or any things you would like changed, let me know. I’m glad to be working for the AMAA, give me a call anytime!

I would also like to send out a big thanks to my parents. Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today. You encouraged me throughout my years of growing up. You pushed me to do the best for myself in everything I was involved in. I want to thank you for never missing a cattle show, basketball game, or any other activity I was involved in; it meant the world to me that you were always there for me (and Grandpa too). I love you and thanks again. Also, a big thanks to Fred and Jeff DeRouchey for keeping me informed and always being such good friends. I also want to thank Ron Bruns for always taking me along to cattle shows and giving me a chance to get involved in such a great past time and to show such great animals. We put on a lot of miles going to cattle shows. I had a blast, and I will never forget all the memories and champions!