Past, Present and Future

by Kyla Nesheim,
editor/director of communications

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.

Maine-Anjou cattle have enriched the lives of many, their disposition is second to none and their eye appeal leaves something to be desired. Anyone raising, selling, breeding or showing Maine- Anjou cattle will be the first to tell you how great their dispositions are. When asking those breeders who have short write-ups in this issue what they like most about Maine-Anjou cattle, the number one answer, by far, was their gentle nature. Who wouldn’t want that to be a top priority in their cattle operation?

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.