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[ November/December 2004 ]

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Iowa Maine-Anjou Association Gets Involved - Again!
by Darwin Luing

Last spring an Iowa Maine-Anjou member came up with an idea on how the Iowa Maine-Anjou
Association could show their support for a wonderful cause to one of their member families. The membership took hold of this idea and the board members went to work.

An easy decision was made – it was to be in memory of a little boy that was close to the hearts of all of us. The idea was to sponsor a steer in the 2004 Governor’s Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair in memory of Bret Golightly. Bret passed away on Sept. 6, 2003 after a 13-month fight against Leukemia; he was six years old. He was the loving son of Dan and Michelle Golightly and the loving brother of Karlee Golightly of Booneville, Iowa.

The steers shown in the Governor’s Steer Show are sold following the show in the Governor’s Charity Steer Auction with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House. During Bret’s fight against Leukemia, the Golightly’s stayed in the Ronald McDonald House for more than 120 days.

The task began with joyful hearts for Bret and the Ronald McDonald House. First, we had to secure a spot in the show with the Iowa Cattlmen’s Association. Next, we needed to find a suitable celebrity show person. Bret really liked girls, so who better than Miss Iowa, Carolyn Nicholas, Clear Lake, a third year law student at Drake University. Carolyn is one of the nicest young ladies you could meet – a perfect match. Then, we needed to find a steer that would fit the part and also represent the Maine-Anjou breed. We were fortunate to secure the Lucas County Fair Grand Champion Steer, owned and shown by Betsy Lukavsky, Chariton. Someone must have been guiding our moves, because again we found a perfect match – a lovely, bubbly young lady. Now we needed to figure out how the owner’s name would appear for the steer. After a little thought, it was decided to say just as it was – Iowa Maine-Anjou friends of Bret Golightly. We now needed a name for the steer. Dan and Michelle Golightly were contacted because we were looking for the name of one of Bret’s favorite toys or animals. The name of his favorite stuffed dog, Hunter, was decided upon. The arrangements were now in place, all we could do was wait for show day.

What a day it was for the Golightly family, the Lukavsky family, the Ronald McDonald House and the Iowa Maine-Anjou members, who were so emotionally involved from the preparation to the show and through the sale. Our steer, Hunter, was selected by judge Marshall Ruble as Grand Champion Steer and sold at the auction for $6,700 to Ritchie Industries and John Ruan Corporation, with the money going to the Ronald McDonald House.

It really feels good when you can say “A JOB WELL DONE” for a great cause and for people close to your heart.

Past, Present and Future This issue of the Voice marks a special time in Maine-Anjou history. For 35 years, Maine-Anjou cattle have made their mark in North America as an all-purpose cattle breed bringing outstanding qualities to the table. A lot has happened in 35 years, from the first fullblood Maine-Anjou bulls and females imported into the United States to the implementation of the MaineTainer program, Maine-Anjou genetics have left their mark on the cattle industry.

by Kyla Nesheim editor/director of communications

Please take time to read the special anniversary section in this issue dedicated to the 35 years of Maine-Anjou cattle. Included in this section is a history dateline outlining important milestones in the breed and a list of past award winners. There is a section dedicated to a few breeders and their families who have stood by the breed from the very beginning and continue to be avid supporters. These people realized what the Maine-Anjou breed could offer to the cattle industry and took action implementing the breed into their operations. These are just a handful of Maine- Anjou enthusiasts responsible for where the breed stands today. To all of those who have stood by the breed - thank you!

The Maine-Anjou breed has gone down in history and continues to live on, making new history every day. The chain of quality Maine-Anjou genetics progresses more and more with every new breeder. New breeders have come in and made their mark on the breed; new breeders will be drawn in after them and new breeders after them. The continuing progression of Maine-Anjou cattle will live on in the breeders who have faith and continue to breed Maine-Anjou cattle. You need to be commended for recognizing the great potential in the breed and implementing their genetics into your cattle operations. Like any other breed, change is inevitable, and with the great breeders and supporters we have standing behind the breed, change for the better is obvious. Take time to thank those who have stood behind the breed through the test of time. Thanks for your generosity and support and for standing by the breed in hardships and in good times.

From the past years of building up the breed to the present times of quality programs within the breed - the Maine-Anjou future looks bright! What will the next 35 years hold in store for this dynamic breed? Only time will tell.

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STANDING THE TEST OF TIME
The American Maine-Anjou Association celebrates 35 years!
by Kyla Nesheim

The Maine-Anjou breed has been making a positive impact on the American beef industry for 35 years. The breed has gone through its ups and downs throughout the years and continues to grow and thrive today. The Maine-Anjou breed came into America with high hopes. The breed flourished and set record high prices making it a breed of high quality and acceptance. Maine- Anjou cattle are accepted into the many facets of the cattle industry, from the show ring to the commercial cattle producers - the breed is ideal.

The following pages give an overview of the breed throughout the years. Past award winners, a history dateline and brief biographies on long-time breeders are recorded on the next few pages. Read about a handful of breeders who have stood the test of time, supported the breed through it all and continue to show their support. They are the driving force that has brought the breed to the stardom it enjoys today. They have seen and experienced the changes within the breed from the very beginning. Congratulations to these breeders and all other breeders who have made Maine-Anjou cattle a part of their lives. To the many of you who have given your generosity and support to the Maine-Anjou breed over the years - THANK YOU!

A LOOK BACK
American Maine-Anjou Association History
-Information through 1999 was taken from the May/June 1999 issue of the Maine-Anjou Voice.

1969
- The Maine-Anjou Society, Inc. is incorporated in the state of Nebraska. Present are Hayes Walker III, president and acting executive director and Charles L. Tremain, secretary.
- The initial board of directors includes just four people: Hayes and Claudette Walker of Kansas City, Mo., and Charles and Marion Tremain of Beatrice, Neb.

1970
- The first annual membership meeting is held in Las Vegas, Nev.
- On display at the meeting are purebred bull, Shaver Bysantin and two half-blood heifers, owned by Donald McQ Shaver of Ontario.
- The first executive director is hired: Larry Aschermann.

1971
- A contract is signed with Boeing Computer Services to compile all registration and performance information.
- The second annual membership meeting is held in Denver, Colo. The name of the society is changed to the International Maine-Anjou Association.
- The fee to register a purebred bull is set at $1,000.
- The Association's office is established at the Livestock Exchange Building in Kansas City, Mo.

1973
- The second executive director is hired: Richard Sneddon.
- The first Maine Man Award is presented to Curt Rogers, Mo.

1974
- The Association is instrumental in organizing the World Maine-Anjou Council. It will work with foreign countries to help establish the Maine-Anjou breed.
- The Association's net worth is $107,000.

1975
- Data processing equipment is purchased for $56,000.
- The breed's first Sire Summary is published.
- Trish Huston is hired and joins a staff of 16.
- Dick Sneddon resigns as executive secretary.
- The first fullbloods are imported directly into the U.S. from France.

1976
- The Association's name is changed to the American Maine-Anjou Association.
- The fee to register a purebred bull is reduced to $500.
- The first AMAA Youth Committee meets in Kansas City, Mo.
- The Association's net worth is $39,000.

1977
- The third executive director is hired: J. Patrick Buchen.
- Performance calculations are no longer mandatory, but voluntary.
- The National Junior Heifer show is announced.
- The fee to register a purebred bull is lowered to $250.

1978
- The first junior show is held at the American Royal.
- The first National Breeder Award is presented.
- The fee to register a purebred bull is lowered to $50.

1979
- The National Women's Auxiliary is formed and is known as the Maine Dames. The name is later changed to Maine-Amie.
- The first national queen is crowned, Tracy Johnson, Mo.
- Pat Buchen resigns as executive director.
- The second Sire Summary is available; it is based on data processed by the final Boeing Computer Services run in 1978.

1980
- The fee to register a purebred bull is lowered to $25.

1981
- The fourth executive director is hired: Steve Bernhard.
- The active membership fee is $25 annually.
- The fee to register a purebred bull is lowered to $15.
- The Association's net worth is a negative $1,700.

1982
- The $2 checkoff for the promotion fund begins.
- The AI Certificate Program begins and remains until June of 1989.
- The AMAA purchases new computer equipment.
- The "fullblood" designation and the animal's color are added to the registration paper. All registration papers are still produced in-house and only carry in-herd performance information.

1983
- The AMAA prints a membership directory.
- The "The All-Purpose Breed" slogan is adopted.

1984
- Steve Bernhard begins negotiations with the American Beef Records Association (ABRA) to have all registrations and transfers processed and performance information calculated. The ultimate goal is to compile records for a future sire summary and to calculate EPDs.
- The World Congress is held in Calgary.
- Bernhard tours Maine-Anjou operations in France, sponsored by the French government.
- Twenty juniors participate in the National Junior Show.

1985
- The fee to register a purebred bull is $20.
- ABRA keys in all pedigree and performance information for animals registered since the AMAA left Boeing in 1978. To establish a performance base for EPDs, ABRA also entered performance data on large herds dating back to 1971. This was due to Boeing's loss of 76,000 records.
- The AMAA begins registration for steers.
- The AMAA staff consists of two people for 330 paid members.
- The Association's net worth is $5,500.

1986
-The first ABRA computer run issues the new performance pedigree.

1987
- The first Summer Board Meeting is held in Kansas City, Mo.
- The AMAA staff consists of one part-time and two full-time persons for 460 paid members.
- Glen Ferris suggests that a junior steer show is held in conjunction with the National Junior Heifer Show in Oklahoma City, Okla.
- Junior board members attend the Youth Beef Industry Congress; it's the first time the breed has been represented at a junior leadership conference.
- The Association's new worth is $71,000.

1988
- The AMAA co-sponsors the National Beef Conference in Stillwater, Okla., with Oklahoma State University.
- The registration application form is changed in preparation to print herd inventories.
- 573 members paid annual dues.
- The first director of communications and youth is hired.
- The National Junior Show in Oklahoma draws 50 juniors from six states who exhibit 79 head of cattle.
- A volume sale of quality cattle is authorized for the National Western Stock Show.
- For the first time, Maine-Anjou cattle form a class for the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest at the American Royal.

1989
- A committee is formed to develop a scholarship program for the American Junior Maine-Anjou Association.
- The first Maine influence show of lower percentage cattle is held at the American Royal.
- The AMAA updates its in-house computer system.
- Steve Bernhard resigns as executive director after nearly nine years with the AMAA.

1990
- The fifth executive director is hired: John Boddicker.
- The Canadian Maine-Anjou Association hosts the World Congress in Calgary.
- The World Maine-Anjou Federation is reactivated.
- The Maine-Anjou Voice, the new official publication of the AMAA, begins with the September/October issue.
- Project 2001, a long-range planning project concerned with association management and goal setting, is proposed by Leonard Johnsen. The subsequent survey sent to industry leaders culminates in the successful "New Look Breed Symposium" held in conjunction with the 1993 National Junior Show.
- The Board approves the Deleterious Genetic Defects Program.
- Steers and heifers can be registered at the quarter-blood level.

1991
- The first Sire Summary since 1979 is published.

1992
- The Sire Summary contains yearling weight EPDs and information for young sires.
- The first herd inventories are mailed to the entire membership.

1993
- One of the largest showings of Maine-Anjou cattle up until now, 249 head, is generated by the National Junior Show held in Stillwater, Okla.
- Trish Huston, AMAA Office Manager, is the first National Junior Show honoree.
- Active adult members exceed 1,400; junior members exceed 900; more than 9,000 animals are registered in this year.

1994
- The AMAA begins its 25th-year celebration in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show.
- The syndicated bull program is put into effect.
- The Sire Summary is produced using a multiple-trait animal model to increase the accuracy of EPDs.
- The National Junior Show is held in Peoria, Ill., and attracts 127 exhibitors from 17 states. They show 200 head of cattle.
- The AMAA updates its computer equipment under the guidance of Bruce Huston.
- The fees for registering purebred and percentage cattle up to 400 days of age are $18, the first change since 1985.
- The AMAA Board establishes a Herdsman of the Year Award.
- Extensive EPD information is available and printed on the registration certificate.

1995
- The 1995 Sire Summary includes evaluations from more than 42,000 total cattle. This is a 30 percent increase in performance and pedigree information from the 1994 Sire Summary.
- The National Junior Show in Des Moines, Iowa, draws 147 exhibitors from 18 states. They show 210 head of cattle.
- 80 lots in the commercial bull sale held at the National Western average $2,798.

1996
- The AMAA has $245,000 in reserve funds.
- Ten percent of the AMAA's operating budget is ear-marked for promotion, about $52,000. Half of this will be used for breed advertising in the national beef magazines.
- The commercial bull sale at the National Western averages $2,792 on 78 1/2 lots.
- The Cornerstone Dams recognition program is put into place.
- 7/8 bulls are now considered purebreds.
- The National Junior Show in Wichita, Kan., attracts 169 exhibitors from 16 states. They show 221 head of cattle.
- Trish Huston retires after nearly 22 years with the AMAA.

1997
- The AMAA's net worth is $322,210.
- 10,759 animals are registered, a 11 percent decrease from 1995.
- The commercial bull sale held at the Natoinal Western generates a $2,969 average on 100 head of bulls. The national sale averages $6,551 on 37 lots.
- The AMAA joins forces with the American Gelbvieh Association for the purpose of selling fed cattle through Gelbvieh/Monfort Alliance, a grid marketing program.
- The National Junior Show in Columbus, Ohio, draws 155 exhibitors from 15 states and Canada. They exhibit 219 head of cattle.
- The Royal Invitational Sale held in conjunction with the National Show in Kansas City, Mo.,averages $9,050  on 13 lots.
- The Maine-Anjou Performance Program (MAPP), a total herd reporting performance program, is enacted by the AMAA board.

1998
- $45,000 is budgeted for breed promotion.
- The AMAA chooses to participate in the NCBA Carcass Merit Research Project.
- The AMAA Board gives the go-ahead for the establishment of a commercial marketing program and the first director is hired.
- 116 bulls in the National Western commercial bull sale average $3,158.
- The National Junior Show in Sioux Falls, S.D., attracts 202 exhibitors from 17 states and Canada. They show 284 head of cattle.
- Beginning with the July/August issue, the Maine-Anjou Voice is now published by McCune Enterprises, Manhattan, Kan.
- Maine-Anjou registrations are now processed in-house.

1999
- $50,000 is budgeted for promotional materials, an advertising campaign and the commercial marketing program.
- Beginning Jan. 1, bull calves at the half-blood level are registerable when sired by a registered bull of another breed.
- The commercial bull sale at the National Western averages $2,968 on 110 bulls.
- The National Junior Show is held in Wichita Falls, Texas. 314 head of cattle were shown by 206 exhibitors.

2000
- The Cow Sense computer program for membership is approved.
- A People's Choice Award for the Pen-of-Three Bull Show at the National Western is announced.
- The Maine-Anjou Breed Conference is held June 21, in Enid, Okla.
- Dave Steen is named the Commercial Marketing Director of the AMAA.
- Terry and Mary Atchison come on board at the AMAA and bring the Maine-Anjou Voice back in-house.
- The largest National Junior Show was held in Enid, Okla., it attracted the highest number of cattle ever from a National Junior Show. 266 exhibitors showed 365 head of cattle.

2001
- A one year trial is approved for a new AMAA registration fee schedule.
- A two percent per month fee on overdue Voice accounts is approved.
- A genetic defect ruling is put into effect.
- The National Junior Show is held in Terri Haute, Ind., with 275 head of cattle and 214 exhibitors.
- The AMAA Strategic Action Plan is approved.
- The AMAA purchased an office building in Platte City, Mo. and moved the headquarters there in July 2001.

2002
- Entry deadline for the National Junior Show is changed from April 15 to May 1.
- Ring service is discontinued by the Maine-Anjou Voice.
- The MaineTainer trademark name is given to the Maine-Anjou percentage cattle.
- The sire testing program is in full swing.
- The National Junior Show is held in Des Moines, Iowa. 250 exhibitors showed 350 head of cattle.

2003
- Cloned animals may be registered by the AMAA.
- "First Class" mail is available to Maine-Anjou Voice subscribers.
- The Maine-Anjou breed video debuted at the Cattleman's Choice Bull Sale in Denver, Colo.
- MaineTainers are allowed to show in the Denver Junior Heifer Show.
- The first World Maine-Anjou Show is held in conjunction with the American Royal, Kansas City, Mo.
- The Maine-Anjou newsletter, the Maine Edition, begins publication.
- Daniel Meyers is hired as the AMAA's Director of Youth Activities and Special Events.
- The National Junior Show is held in Springfield, Ohio, attracted 171 juniors exhibiting 231 head of cattle from 22 states.

2004
- A new record is set at the National Western commercial Maine-Anjou bull sale in Denver, Colo. 99 bulls sold for an average of $4,120.
- Pen-of-Three Female show is approved for the 2005 National Western.
- Kyla Nesheim is hired as the Maine-Anjou Voice Editor and Director of Communications.
- The Maine-Anjou Voice schedule is changed to allow faster junior national coverage.
- Carcass EPDs are published for the first time within the Maine-Anjou breed.
- The National Junior Show is held in Springfield, Ill. It brought in 215 exhibitors from 21 states. They exhibited 296 head of cattle.
- THE AMAA CELEBRATES 35 YEARS!!!

Ohio BEST Program Wraps Up 2004 Season

The 2004 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association BEST (Beef Exhibitor Show Total) Program wrapped up on June 11, 2004 with its annual awards banquet held at the Clark County Fairground in Springfield. Several representatives of the program’s corporate sponsor, Steve R. Rauch Excavation and Demolition of Dayton, were on hand to help with the presentation of nearly $23,000 worth of awards in the form of U.S. Savings Bonds, luggage, clothing and show supplies. In addition, Scott Puzacke of Tuscarawas County was the lucky winner of a full year’s use of an 8’ x 20’ Wrangler livestock trailer donated by Eby Trailers as a result of a BEST participant drawing based on the number of shows and entries each participant had throughout the November through April season.

The 2004 BEST program featured 19 sanctioned shows and weaved its way across the state, from as far west as Montgomery County to as far east as Belmont. A record of nearly 500 head of cattle and almost 300 youth were entered in the program. Madison Clark of Covington exhibited the 2004 Champion High Percentage Maine-Anjou Female. Madison’s heifer, DDKC Kristie’s Kagney, is a Feb. 21, 2003 daughter of Calberta Black Impact. Double Double K Cattle of Ohio bred the female. In addition, Madison was the champion beginner showman. Madison’s parents are Scott and Shannon Clark. Alexis Johnson of East Liberty exhibited the 2004 Reserve Champion High Percentage Maine-Anjou Female. Alexis’s heifer, FSJC Campbell Lucky Lady is a Feb. 24, 2003 daughter of Strictly Business. Monahan Farm in Wisconsin bred the female. Additionally, Alexis was 6th overall junior showman for the season. Alexis’s parents are Tod and Tonya Johnson.

The 2004 Champion MaineTainer Female was shown by Paige Kiesewetter of Piqua. Paige’s heifer, Nicole is an April 6, 2003 daughter of Strictly Business. Mike Taylor and family, Indiana, bred the female. Paige was also the 3rd overall beginner showman for the year. Paige’s parents
are Fred and Julie Kiesewetter.

The 2004 Reserve Champion MaineTainer Female was exhibited by Ben Martindale of Cedarville. Ben’s heifer, BDF Lucky Lady 4N is a March 2, 2003 daughter of Strictly Business. Agle’s Beaverdale Farm in Ohio bred the female. Ben was the champion intermediate showman. Ben’s parents are Greg and Gail Martindale.
Leah Geuy of Conover exhibited the 2004 Champion Maine-Anjou Steer. Leah’s steer NER Wholio 501N is sired by Who Made Who and was bred by Neer Show Cattle in Ohio. Leah was the 3rd overall junior showman for 2004. Leah’s parents are Steve and Debra Geuy.
 
The 2004 Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou Steer was awarded to Hans Baltzly of Navarre. Hans’ steer, Broker, is sired by Strictly Business and was bred by Marci McDonnell of Ohio. Hans is the son of Nathan and Elisabeth Baltzly.

BEST is a youth program of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of shows, sponsored by Steve R. Rauch.

Excavation and Demolition of Dayton. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placings at each show. The OCA BEST program promotes educating Ohio’s juniors about the beef industry’s issues and rewards the successful accomplishments and hard work of those junior beef producers. For further information, contact Terri Smith at (614) 873-6736.