Reflections - there is an array of definitions and terms for the word. Depending on one’s thinking, depends on how one references to reflections. When I hear the word, the first thing that pops into my head is the Supremes song! And now, I’ll have that song in my head for the better part of a week. For the most part, reflections are being able to look to your past, to think about the times a head or behind you – reflect on the times. It could also be your reflection in the mirror. Like I said, there are many definitions. For the purpose of this column, I’m going to think of reflections as thinking serious on something and to think about the times a head and behind us.

The New Year is a great time to reflect back on times, on times that were good and even some not so good. We learn from our mistakes; reflect on those and find ways to overcome them for the future. Reflect on the times that make us smile and to love the business we are all involved in. We as Maine-Anjou enthusiasts need to reflect on the past and truly see how far this breed has come. We also need to reflect on the future. Keep looking ahead, be open to new and progressing changes to keep the breed improving and growing. Reflect on the good times and the even the better times to come with this tremendous breed of cattle.

As I reflect back on my time at the association, I see many great Maine-Anjou breeders, promoters, junior members, exhibitors and all the people involved, and I am proud to be involved with such a great breed. I enjoy talking and getting to be involved with these talented cattlemen and women. They continue to improve the breed for future generations. It’s the people who have taken this breed to new heights, the cattle come second nature.

Let’s all reflect on the breed's past, when the breed first came to the states. The breed has come a long way since those early days. We are proud to have a majority of the early breeders and promoters of Maine-Anjou cattle who strived to bring the breed to the U.S. still with us today. They continue to breed and raise some of the best in the breed. Thank you!

Times have changed for Maine-Anjou cattle. From fullblood to purebred to MaineTainer genetics, the quality continues to remain true. Like any other breed, change is inevitable. Where will the breed lie in 10 or even 50 years down the road? What breeders will continue with the breed through time and more change? Time can only tell. There’s a lot in store for this popular breed.

Some may reflect back on times when the breed just started in the United States, others may reflect on just last year and how their show string did at the majors and still a lot will be reflecting on the future. I hope 2006 finds many of you reflecting on the good times of the past and the great times that lie ahead.


What’s In Store for 2006?

By now, we have all settled into 2006 and are underway for another year of Maine-Anjou activities. Keep an open mind for the New Year and gather ways to improve this growing and popular breed. Remember to pay your annual membership dues to keep you membership status and to keep receiving the Voice. If there is anything you would like to see changed, added or new ideas for the Voice, please let B.J. or myself know. We would love to hear from you.

The first big Maine-Anjou event of 2006 is the National Western Stock Show, or as we call it, the Denver National. Maine-Anjou happenings in Denver are thriving. Hopefully many of you were able to pick up this issue in Denver. The Maine breed is certainly keeping things hot and busy during the NWSS. With the pen shows, two sales, the Gold Standard and the junior and open shows, the Maine-Anjou breed keeps you busy during your staty in the Mile High city.

A very popular event during the NWSS is the pen-of-three bull and heifer shows. Last year marked the first year for the heifer division, both high percentage and MaineTainer divisions. All heifers entered into the pen show then sell in the Cattleman’s Choice Sale. These heifers topped the carts and brought outstanding prices in the sale.

The Cattleman’s Choice Sale in Denver is the sale of sales. Outstanding Maine-Anjou and MaineTainer bulls and females are offered. This is always a standing room only venue. People flock to this sale to get in on the chance to own top of the line Maine-Anjou genetics. Another sale that is the definition of “hot” in Denver is the Class Act National Maine-Anjou Sale on the hill. The best of the best in Maine-Anjou genetics are offered in this event.

I hope many of you will be able to join us for our National Maine-Anjou Show held in conjunction with the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Jan. 27-29. Friday will start out the national events with the committee meetings and the annual membership meeting. Saturday will be the AMAA Board of Director’s Meeting, the Cowtown Classic Sale and the Texas Maine-Anjou Futurity Show. The National Maine-Anjou Show will be on Sunday followed by the Fullblood show.

This year the association will be offering a summer internship. I hope we find many talented college students applying for the position. It will be a great opportunity to broaden your skills and see what goes on with the running of a junior national and helping with the production of the Voice. Please see the announcements page in this issue for further information.

I am looking forward to watching the breed grow and flourish in yet another year. The commercial acceptability of the cattle is growing. Dave Steen, commercial marketing director, has pushed the breed to new heights within the commercial world. With the national feeding trial, he has shown that Maine-Anjou cattle are capable of broadening the commercial acceptability of the cattle. The numbers are outstanding. We are excited to see what 2006 brings forth in the commercial part of the breed. The national feeding trail is underway and I’m sure the numbers will continue to improve.

Please let B.J. or myself know if there is anything you would like to see in the Voice. This is your marketing tool for the breed. We are always up for suggestions on what you would like to see done. I strongly encourage all of you out there promoting the breed to advertise with us. Like I said, this is the biggest marketing tool to reach fellow Maine-Anjou breeders, showers and promoters. Get your name out there.

Wishing everyone the best for 2006!