by Kyla Nesheim,  Editor/Director of  Communications

Excelling Commercially
The “commercial” world of the cattle industry — it’s HUGE! More so than some dive into or think about much, especially in some of the so called “show” breeds. The Maine-Anjou breed has buzzed by that stereotype and shown that Maine- njou influenced cattle are right on for the commercial sector — the numbers are there to prove it! The Maine-Anjou breed has proven itself in the commercial world. Our commercial marketing director, Dave Steen, has taken the breed to the next level commercially with our annual National Maine- Anjou Influenced Steer and Heifer Feeding Trials. Over the years, these feeding trials have proven first hand the breed can and does excel commercially.
   The commercial world of Maine-Anjou genetics continues to shine upon the cattle industry and feeders are finding that out more and more. The breed offers the commercial cattlemen endless opportunities in numbers, carcass data and performance standpoints.
   Make sure to take the time to read Dave Steen’s Commercial Connection column starting on page 10 of this issue to review the outstanding numbers these Maine influenced cattle are bringing forth. There is a wide array of information in Dave’s column this month, it mainly focuses on the fifth annual National Maine-Anjou Influenced Steer and Heifer Feeding Trial. These trials continue to strengthen the breed and get the numbers out in the public’s eye. The sixth annual feeding trial will be underway October 24-25, 2007 (delivery dates). We strongly encourage you to get your cattle entered and show the entire commercial industry how Maine-Anjou cattle excel!
   This year marked the second year for junior Maine-Anjou members to enter cattle in the feeding trial. These juniors are taught the importance of performance and numbers within the breed. They are, at a young age, learning a wide array of information based on commercial standpoints. Congratulations to all the junior members for entering an outstanding set of cattle — you continue to shine bright within the breed and show the future of the breed is in good hands.
   A big thank you to all the consignors (both adult and junior) for entering cattle into these feeding trials, it goes to show your support for the Maine-Anjou breed. We need to continue to use and show these numbers, proving the breed works in the commercial industry — the breed excels commercially!
   We have some big events a head of us as a breed association. With fall sales and major shows coming up, we have our hands full and are ready to get out there and promote our breed and help in any way we can. Feel free to call the association or talk to any staff member at upcoming sales and shows. We are here for you!
   Our National Maine-Anjou Show and Convention will be held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (N.A.I.L.E.) this year. New to the national show will be a membership banquet. Come and join us for a fun-filled night of socializing, a great meal and Nashville humorist, Rik Roberts! Come and join Maine- Anjou enthusiasts from around the United States for relaxation and entertainment. The cost is $25 per tickets (payable at the door that night). If you are interested, please call the AMAA office and let us know. We need an RSVP. Call (816) 431- 950 for more information or to reserve your spot.
   Not long after our National Show and Convention, we will be gearing up for the National Western Stock Show and Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Please remember that Denver has moved back a week for 2008. The dates for the Maine-Anjou happenings will be Jan. 16-21, 2008. Don’t miss out on the “mecca” of Maine-Anjou events in Denver! The Fort Worth Stock Show will fall right behind Denver. Maine-Anjou events in Fort Worth will be Jan. 25-27, 2008.
   I hope to see a lot of you soon at the upcoming fall sale and show season! See you down the road!