by Kyla Nesheim,  editor/director of  communications

A Year In Review

Is it possible that another year has flown by? It seems like only yesterday when we were in Denver for the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). Now, we have the 2007 NWSS right around the corner! It seems crazy how fast time can slip by and we don't even realize it. So much happens in a year at the American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) and Maine-Anjou Voice. I have to take extra time out of my busy schedule to sit back and think of all the travels and experiences I faced in 2006. This makes me realize I am involved with something I hold dear to me, the cattle industry, and it brings a smile to my face.

We tend to get so caught up in deadlines and travels, we sometimes forget to sit down and take in all the joys that take place within a year. A person can never be too busy to have a little time to reminisce about the past. Give it a try and enjoy.

It will be the start of my fourth year with the AMAA in January. I could swear I just started a few months ago. I have met so many great people and had the opportunity to travel all over the U.S. It's been quite the experience. I want to say thanks to everyone who has given me that warm smile, hand shake or hug at the numerous events I attend each year. It really brings a smile to my face knowing there is such an array of great and caring cattlemen out there supporting the Maine-Anjou breed.

Let me take time to briefly bring you through a year in "Maine-Anjou land. "The year starts out with the "big one, "the NWSS — is the mecca for all cattle shows. The Maine-Anjou breed is truly a sight to see at the NWSS. The Maine-Anjou activities in Denver are "it" for many who attend. The breed shines in Denver! Come see for yourself, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.

The start of the Maine-Anjou bang in Denver is the pen-of-three heifer and bull shows, quite the crowd pleaser. Top genetics compete in these inaugural pen shows. Then we are on to the Cattleman's Choice Bull and Female sale in the yards, a standing room only event, where the best of the breed is offered to cattlemen around the world. From there, we move up to the hill where the national sale and show take place. Note that this year there will be an open MaineTainer female show — the first ever! Be sure to come to Denver Jan.12-15,2007,for a little piece of Maine-Anjou heaven!

Not long after the Denver events wrap up is the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. This year's Maine-Anjou events during Ft. Worth are Jan.27-28, 2007.This is a great opportunity to see where the breed started with a fullblood Maine-Anjou show, along with It's your chance to talk to some of the breed's fullblood breeders, who have played quite a role in the history of the breed. There is also an opportunity to buy great fullblood and purebred genetics in the Cowtown Classic Maine-Anjou Sale, held Jan.27.

We then move into beef expos, start of the regional junior Maine-Anjou shows. A handful of beef expos hold breed sales and shows and the breed is well represented at many of these beef expos. Many spring sales help cattlemen seek out the best genetics in the breed. These events take up the bulk of the spring and before we know it, we're into summer.

The National Junior Maine-Anjou Show is my favorite event to attend during the year. The junior Maine-Anjou members are a phenomenal group of kids and work so hard to bring the breed to the forefront. They make our future look bright. The events and shows held during the junior nationals an incredible purebred show. futurity show on Jan.27. spring sales, spring shows and the gives junior members an opportunity to learn, have fun and meet new friends. The junior exhibitors make it worthwhile for so many of us. Their energy for the breed is exciting.

While the hectic travel season never seems to let up, let's not forget about my main responsibility at the AMAA, the Maine-Anjou Voice, the marketing media for all Maine-Anjou enthusiasts. Each year, six issues of the Voice are produced and distributed to  all adult members of the AMAA and other subscribers. The issues are also handed out at a vast amount of shows and sales. We work hard to publish and distribute Maine-Anjou news to the cattle industry through the biggest Maine-Anjou marketing means. I am always up for new ideas. Call me if there is anything you would like to see in the Voice or anything you don't care for. I'm here to listen and to get new ideas. The magazine is for you!

The staff at the AMAA is to be commended for a terrific job on another great year. We have seen our share of obstacles along the way, but have dealt with them professionally. We have also seen a great amount of success as an association, and we will continue to serve your needs.

As we wrap up 2006 and begin to plan for 2007, I want to say thanks to all who make my job worthwhile and a joy, especially the staff at the AMAA office. Let ’s give it our all in 2007 and show what this tremendous breed of cattle is all about!

It's easy to see how one can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of things throughout the year and not even realize it's all about to end and the start of a new year is right around the corner. Take time to sit and think back on 2006 and smile! I know I have! See you down the road in 2007!