by Kyla Nesheim,  editor/director of  communications

Endless Opportunities

The Maine-Anjou breed continues to shine upon the cattle industry, offering yet another opportunity to cattlemen, the commercial sector. The breed has proven itself in the commercial world to many and continues to grow each year. The Maine-Anjou breed proceeds to rise to fame in the commercial cattlemen's eye offering endless opportunities in numbers, carcass data and performance in a feedlot situation.

Dave Steen, American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) Commercial Marketing Director, has  continued to add light to the breed in the commercial world. His time and effort has ended with the fourth annual national feeding trial for the breed. These feeding trials show that the breed is capable of offering the commercial cattleman outstanding numbers and a reliable source for a tremendous end product.

The numbers are there! The recent AMAA National Influenced Steer and Heifer Trial ended with outstanding results proving the breed is capable of excelling wherever it is used including the  commercial industry. Those who use and continue to use Maine-Anjou genetics on the commercial side see a breed excelling in feed efficiency, performance, carcass EPDs and carcass traits. They have experienced tremendous success with the cattle in the feedlot and on the rail.

Breeders supporting Maine-Anjou cattle and Maine-Anjou influenced cattle in the commercial sector have stepped up showing the breed is a strong force to be reckoned with. Breeders need to continue to use and show numbers, proving the breed is working for commercial cattlemen.

This year's national feeding trial offered an opportunity for junior Maine-Anjou members to get
involved, giving the future of the breed ample time and opportunities to shine. These junior members are the future of the breed. With the junior division of the feeding trial, these juniors are taught the importance of performance and numbers within a breed.

This issue of the Voice focuses on the commercial side of the Maine- Anjou breed. Turn to page eight to see complete results of the fourth annual national feeding trial. These trials continue to strengthen the breed and get actual numbers out to the public. The fifth annual feeding trial will be underway in October. Get your cattle entered to show the entire commercial industry Maine- Anjou cattle excel!

On another note, I had the opportunity to travel to Kinta, Okla., to J&J Cattle Company, Joe and Judy Ogle, owners. Their passion for the breed is something to be commended and copied. They are true supporters of Maine-Anjou cattle in the commercial industry. Every year they sell bulls that work in the commercial industry and their customer support continues to grow. They have also built a tremendous cow herd consisting of top quality high percentage Maine- Anjou females. Their cattle work! Thanks to Joe and Judy for giving me an opportunity to visit with avid supporters of the Maine-Anjou breed. Turn to page 27 to read about their operation. Thanks again Joe and Judy!

Maine-Anjou cattle offer endless opportunities to every sector of the beef industry. From commercially accepted to show ring accepted, the breed is doing it. For cattleman seeking numbers and performance in a feedlot setting, look to Maine influenced cattle to make you profits; for the serious showman looking to bring home top honors, look to Maine- Anjou cattle to bring home the purple; and for cattlemen seeking all around females who will produce top of the line cattle and make money, look to Maine-Anjou to get it done. The opportunities are endless for this breed!