by Kyla Nesheim,  Editor/Director of  Communications

A New Year A Head
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, is it really possible another year has almost came and gone! As I sit here and think back on the year 2007, I can vividly remember sitting in the yards in Denver trying to keep warm, now we are only a short time away from the 2008 Denver National! As we round up another year at the American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) and Maine-Anjou Voice, a joy comes across for another successful year under our belts and whats in store for 2008 with a tremendous breed of cattle and an even more tremendous membership.
   All year we find ourselves saying “Can you believe it’s already March?” Then it’s on to spring months, “Can you believe it’s already May? Next, on to summer months, “Can you believe it’s already junior national time?” Before we know it we’re into winter and on the brink of a new year. And all year we are saying that very same thing, “Can you believe it’s almost.. With each passing year, the AMAA and Maine-Anjou Voice are constantly striving to better its membership and magazine and keep everyone pleased with an ever growing association.
   The end of each year is a great time to sit back and take some time to reflect on the memories from the past year and think ahead to what lies in store for 2008. Think back on 2007 and evaluate the areas in your operation or in yourself that need improving in 2008. I know I will look through the 2007 magazines and try to consider ways to better the Voice for our membership. I will sit back and think of ideas and means to help better our association as a whole. We also ask you do the same. Let us know what we can do to make things better for you and we ask you do the same for us. Regarding time flying by, we sometimes tend to get so caught up in the every day hustle and bustle, deadlines, travels and general every day work we forget to soak in the joys and memories that take place in a year. Remember the good times, but don’t forget how to overcome the “not so good” for the start of a new year.
   I will be going on year number five at the AMAA in January. I can hardly believe it myself! In those years at the AMAA, I have had an opportunity of a lifetime to continue to be involved in a business I hold very dear to me and grew up in. What is even more great is the people who are involved in this breed. You are truly a wonderful group of people with extremely successful operations. To all the junior members who have brought a smile to my face countless times, thank you! You are all very talented individuals and have bright futures ahead of you. And to everyone who has given me that smile, handshake or hug at the numerous events that take place each year with the AMAA, you make it so worth while and THANK YOU!
   I would like to take this time to give a sincere thank you to everyone at the AMAA office. You are all truly great to work with and I’ve had a great opportunity getting to work with each and every one of you. It’s been time well spent with a great association staff.
   Let’s take a brief moment to see what’s in store for 2008. First, we have the National Western Stock Show — the Denver National for Maine-Anjou enthusiasts. This is the “big one” of all cattle shows. The Maine-Anjou breed shines bright in Denver every year. The Maine-Anjou shows and sales are second to none. Come see for yourself Jan. 17-21, 2008 (please note the NWSS has moved back one week). We next move on to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Maine-Anjou events in Fort Worth will be Jan. 26-27, 2008. Come see where the  breed started with a fullblood Maine- njou show along with an incredible purebred show and the Cowtown Classic Maine-Anjou Sale.
   Next we are into beef expos, spring sales and shows and the start of regional junior Maine-Anjou shows held across the country. Keep up to date with all these happenings with the Voice and through our Web site, www.maine-anjou.org .
   Before we know it we are into summer time and the National Junior Maine-Anjou Show. The 2008 National Junior Maine-Anjou Show is going to be as special as ever in 2008. It will be a “Star Spangled Extravaganza!” The Chi’s and Maines will unite in Kansas City, Mo., June 28 — July 4, 2008 for a combined junior national show. The National Junior Shorthorn Show will also be held that week in Kansas City. Three great breeds of cattle in one week in Kansas City! Be sure to mark your calendars for a great time and an opportunity to see each of the breeds best all in one location.
   Think positive for 2008 — Maines are great in 2008. Let’s keep bettering this association as a whole. I know we have the potential with the breeders, producers, enthusiasts and to all who come into play in this breed. Think back on 2007 with a smile and look ahead for a great 2008! See you down the road!