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!!!

AMERICAN MAINE-ANJOU ASSOCIATION'S PAST AWARD WINNERS

Standing the Test of Time – Maine-Anjou Breeders

Calvin Fryar - Fryar Cattle Co.
Calvin Fryar, Brownwood, Texas, is one of the most influential figures in Maine-Anjou history.
He got his start in the breed in 1971 and continues to be a historical figure. He was instrumental
in importing the first Maine-Anjou cattle to the United States and continues to breed and sell
Maine-Anjou cattle extensively. He recently held his 30th annual sale.
In 1971, Calvin purchased interest in a Maine-Anjou bull named Caqui from the Morris Palmer
Ranch in Canada. "He was the first Maine I ever saw, and I decided that day to start breeding
Maines. I had looked and studied several other breeds from Europe and decided Maines looked
the best for us," says Calvin. In 1974, Calvin was involved in importing the first fullblood
Maine-Anjou cattle into the United States from England - three heifers and two bulls.
Calvin is a past president of the American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA). He served his
first term in 1974 and his second term in 1979. He continues to be enthusiastic about the breed,
promoting Maine-Anjou cattle wherever and whenever possible. He also serves on the Texas
Maine-Anjou Association Board of Directors.
Calvin's accomplishments in the Maine-Anjou breed are second to none. In 1974, he participated
in the World Maine-Anjou Conference in France. In the 1970's, he traveled throughout the
United States and Canada promoting the breed. In 1986, he exhibited the national champion
Maine-Anjou bull, Cando.
Calvin runs approximately 400 head of Maine-Anjou cattle, some fullblood and most
predominately black. "The breed is easy to handle, excellent for feeding, convert feed/pounds
and cross good with any other breed," claims Calvin.
Calvin believes the percentage female is the best in the industry. "You can breed a Maine to any
breed and it will improve the animal. We have crossed Maines with almost every breed - Angus
to Brahman - and the results have always been positive," says Calvin. "I think the Maine-Anjou
influence will contribute to beef production from this time forward."

Larry James - James Farms
Years of experience have brought James Farms, Paris, Mo., many accomplishments in the
Maine-Anjou breed. James Farms was named breeder of the year in 1982 and has also earned
several National Champions. James Farms is owned and operated by Larry and Helen James.
Larry grew up showing steers through 4-H and FFA, so it was no surprise when his two sons
began showing cattle. Soon came the decision to purchase some heifers as the beginning of a
cow herd for their two sons. They purchased four half-blood Maine-Anjou heifers. After
realizing their incredible disposition, the spark for Maine-Anjou cattle in the James family
started.
The year 1974 marks the beginning for the James family involvement in the Maine-Anjou breed;
it's when they began showing extensively. In 1976, they began entering their bulls in the
University of Missouri Performance Testing Station, winning the top rate-of-gain and feed
efficiency awards. In 1979, Larry's sons Ron and Rick exhibited the grand champion and reserve
grand champion heifers at the National Junior Show in Tulsa, Okla. The Maine-Anjou breed has
brought the James' family great accomplishments in the show ring, in the commercial sector and
most importantly within their family. "I feel the Maine-Anjou breed has influenced the lives of
our family in many ways," says Larry.
Larry started AI breeding his commercial cowherd of Angus and Herefords to Simmental and
Maine-Anjou bulls. He was very impressed with the calving ability and quality of the calves
from the Maine-Anjou bulls Epinal, Capone and Cunia. The decision to stick with Maine-Anjou
genetics was an easy one after seeing first-hand what Maine-Anjou genetics were capable of.
"Over thirty years, a great love has grown for the breed. Some of the cattle actually develop a
personality that grows on you. As long as I raise cattle, Maine-Anjou will be our breed. The fact
they are so docile is worth more than one can express," says Larry. He likes the breed for their
great temperament and the fact they offer great thickness with a beautiful, clean, stylish
phenotype.
Larry has promoted the breed to the fullest by his dedication throughout the years showing,
advertising, traveling to Maine-Anjou functions and serving on the AMAA Board of Directors
for twelve years.
Larry appreciates the many good friends and breeders he has met and worked with over the
years. Today, Larry especially likes to watch his grandchildren taking part in the cattle operation.

Kenny Bremer - K&A Farm
Commitment, hard work and dedication are a few words that describe K&A Farm of Blakesburg,
Iowa. Kenneth (Kenny) Bremer and his wife Audrey established K&A Farm in 1968. They
started raising cattle in 1971 after Kenny returned from Vietnam. Maine-Anjou cattle were
introduced to the K&A herd in 1973. He started AI breeding his Shorthorn cows to Maine-Anjou
bulls and began purchasing cows bred to Maine bulls shortly after. K&A Farm became an
official member of the American Maine-Anjou Association in 1975.
Kenny decided on the Maine-Anjou breed because of their docile temperaments and their overall
excellent performance. He believes the females are good milkers and the calves grow well and
offer outstanding carcass ratings for packers and consumers. He believes Maine-Anjou cattle are
good for their efficiency and gaining abilities.
Growing up on a diversified Iowa livestock farm, Kenny knew what it would take to succeed in
the cattle business. Raising and showing cattle has been an important part of his life. He was
showing cattle before anyone had heard of the Maine-Anjou breed.
K&A Farm has taken the spotlight at numerous local, state, national and international shows.
Kenny and Audrey's children, Kevin, Keith, Raelynn and Kendall, have shared in the glory of
K&A Farm's wonderful show career. At the present time, K&A Farm is the only farm in the
breed to have bred and shown a Triple Crown Winner. In 1989-90, K&A Jinger won the
American Royal, The North American International Livestock Exposition and the National
Western. K&A Farm has also been honored with cornerstone dams within the Maine-Anjou
breed.
K&A Farm runs approximately 125 cows, 100 of which are purebred and influence Maine-Anjou
cows. Kenny puts heavy emphasis on calving ease and structural soundness. Cows are expected to raise their calves and breed back to calve at proper calving intervals. The cattle are expected to perform well and meet the needs of the customer and consumer.
Kenny has worked hard throughout the years promoting the Maine-Anjou breed however and
wherever possible. He has been involved in numerous organizations within the breed, including
the Iowa Maine-Anjou Association for 9 years and the National Maine-Anjou Board of Directors
for 6 years. He has also brought home some prestigious awards. He was awarded the National
Breeder Award in 1984 and named Maine Man of the Year in 1993. He has played a significant
part in organizing the National Junior Show and bringing it to what it is today. He is primarily
responsible for starting the popular bull sale at the National Western in Denver, Colo., now
known as the Cattlemen's Choice Bull Sale.
From red to predominately black cattle and to the increased use of the Maine-Anjou female,
K&A Farm has witnessed and taken part in the many changes within the breed over the years.
K&A Farm strives to keep the future looking bright for the Maine-Anjou breed.

JB Ranch - Jeff Bogaards and the late Jerry Bogaards
JB Ranch, Pella, Iowa, has stood behind the Maine-Anjou breed for as long as Jeff Bogaards can
remember. Jeff owns and operates JB Ranch, whose father, the late Jerry Bogaards had started.
Jerry and his wife Judye started out with Hereford cattle before making the switch to Maine-Anjou.
"I can say I had no choice in what breed my parents chose to be a part of," says Jeff. "I
am grateful they made the switch to the Maine-Anjou breed."
Jeff has grown up around the Maine-Anjou breed watching and helping his father run a
successful Maine-Anjou operation. "During the early 80's, I started showing Maine-Anjou
heifers in junior shows at the state and national level," says Jeff. JB Ranch is a name affiliated
with quality Maine-Anjou cattle. He took over the family operations after the sudden death of his
father and has been keeping the traditions of good Maine-Anjou cattle.
JB Ranch is very happy with the characteristics the Maine-Anjou breed has brought them.
Maternal ability, feed efficiency, structural soundness and of course hair and bone are a few
qualities they have been proud of. The docile nature of the breed is the most admirable quality JB
Ranch finds in their Maine-Anjou cattle. "Without a doubt, I believe this breed is the ultimate
all-around performer. You could stand toe to toe with any member of another breed and debate
feed efficiency, market ability, structural soundness and net worth," Jeff claims. "The
possibilities and future of this breed are endless. It seems no matter what breed of cattle you
decide to cross with Maines, they still have a positive return value."
JB Ranch has been a long-standing pillar within the Maine-Anjou breed and they are not close to
being finished. With two young children at home, Jeff and his wife Mary plan on attending more
regional and national events, state fairs and of course the junior shows in the future. Many years
of quality Maine-Anjou genetics have lived on at JB Ranch and there are many more to come!

Glen Elliott - 4E Cattle Company
Glen Elliott and his wife Judy own and operate 4E Cattle Company of Burlington, Okla. They
have been involved in the Maine-Anjou breed since 1974 when Glen purchased his first 1/2
blood black Maine-Anjou bull to breed to their set of Hereford cows. "It looked like Maine-Anjou
cattle would add muscle and performance to our Hereford cattle," says Glen. "With the
potential we saw, we were hooked on Maines."
Glen and Judy have been members of the American Maine-Anjou Association since 1974 when
they purchased their first Maine-Anjou bull.
4E Cattle Company runs approximately 80-100 cows. They focus on keeping their cattle
moderate framed, black, polled and purebred. Glen appreciates the broodiness and mothering
abilities of the Maine-Anjou cows. He also loves their gentle nature. 4E Cattle Company strives
to improve calving ease, milking ability, performance and marketability of their offspring. They
raise and sell a large percent of their females for show projects. Their bull calves are sorted and
the top bulls are performance tested.
"The breed has simply brought us better cattle. They are cattle we can compete with in almost
any situation," claims Glen. "The Maine breed has tremendous potential, topping tests all over
the country in performance."
Glen is, and always has been, an avid supporter of the American Junior Maine-Anjou
Association (AJMAA). He has supported the junior organization to the fullest extent possible.
He is currently the chairman of the youth committee for the AJMAA.
Garriot Maine-Anjou - Tom, Denise and Crede Garriott
The Garriott family of Scottsburg, Ind., has been members of the American Maine-Anjou
Association and breeders of Maine-Anjou cattle since 1973. Tom and his dad, Dave liked what
they saw within the breed and began to AI breed their herd to Maine-Anjou bulls. The breed has
brought the Garriott's great accomplishments and satisfaction within the cattle industy.
The Maine-Anjou breed has brought excellent dispositions to the Garriott herd. "We have a herd
of cows that are very easy to deal with," says Tom. They run approximately 120 mature cows,
100 which are purebred Maine-Anjou. They feel the breed also brings diversity within the cattle
industry. "You can breed for bulls, heifers, club calves and commercial cattle," claims Tom.
The Garriotts have been heavily involved breeding, showing and promoting the breed throughout
the years. A memorable moment for Tom was seeing a turnaround in the perception of Maine-Anjou cattle from breeders of other breeds.


On behalf of the American Maine-Anjou Board of Directors and staff, CONGRATULATIONS
on the breed’s 35th Anniversary!
While yet a relatively young breed, Maine-Anjou genetics have helped shape what is considered a desired product in the American beef industry. Quality can take on many faces; regardless if the discussion is phenotypic in nature or pounds of product produced, the Maine-Anjou breed has to be part of the discussion.
Over the history of any breed, change becomes an inevitable item. The breeds that survive and flourish must adapt to meet the ever-changing demands of our industry. Over the last 35 years the dominants of our breed have changed, from red to black, from fullblood to percentage and from a fringe breed to a more common place breed. The next 35 years will again bring on change. The best years are still to come!
To past and present supporters of the Maine-Anjou breed, thank you! Thank you for contributing to the growth and acceptance of the breed. May the next 35 years be filled with prosperity and happiness!
John Boddicker
Executive Vice President

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