At Every Turn Make Something Positive Happen
by John Boddicker
The future of the Maine-Anjou industry is alive and well. The recently held National Junior
Show in Springfield, Ill., rang true to that. A large portion of this issue is dedicated to the
participation of those juniors and their families that made the trip to Springfield.
There are many highlights at the National Junior Show – most are culminated at the banquet the
night before show day. It is truly uplifting each and every year to see families from across the
country coming together to share a common bond - their kids. It is particularly fun to watch
contestants from the junior division receiving their awards from various contests. The gleam in
their eyes could light up the world when they receive their first award from this important
national junior event.

a) The American Maine-Anjou Association (AMAA) is working on interim EPDs for first generation MaineTainer cattle, which in most cases are derived from a non-registered female base. When reporting the non-registered side of the pedigree, birth year and breed make-up will need to be given, along with a herd identification number. A “P” number will be given to that animal if, and only if, all three of the items mentioned above are present. From this information, Multiple-Breed International Cattle Evaluation (MB-ICE) will use breed averages to formulate parent estimates for reported progeny, assuming up-to-date performance data accompanies the application. The AMAA plans on having this project done by late fall or no later than January 1, 2005.

b) The AMAA is researching major changes in the methodology used in both performance and
carcass Maine-Anjou EPDs. A constant rule within the beef industry is that EPDs from different
breed evaluations cannot be compared to each other. The reality, however, is most commercial
cattlemen compare EPDs, which makes it particularly hard for Maine-Anjou numbers to
compete, given the present system. Remember that EPDs are differences within a breed, not
across breeds. If successful in our research, the proposed changes in the printed format will
reflect changes within each category making it easier for the commercial producer to understand
Maine-Anjou genetic differences and how they may relate to their commercial operation. This
positive change will affect how the commercial industry views the Maine-Anjou breed. The
project is expected to be completed for the spring run and the printing of the 2005 Sire Summary.

c) A new and exciting event will be added to the AMAA’s already successful National Western
Stock Show activities. A pen-of-three female show and sale will be added to the Maine-Anjou
yard activities. All female pens showing must sell. We plan on showing pen females prior to the
pen bull show. Heifers will sell after the bulls on Saturday, Jan. 15. Look for further details on a
special announcement page in this issue of the Voice.
More positive news

Under our Commercial Marketing Director’s watchful eye, Dave Steen reports another successful steer feeding trial has come to a close. A full report will be forthcoming in the October issue of the Voice. Preliminary results show: 65% choice; YG of 2.76; BF of 0.35; REA of 13.02; and an average of $58.15 profit above the grid.

What more can a person say – the cattle work!

It doesn’t seem possible, but we are already headed into the fall of 2004. The fall sale season
should be one of keen interest. Many prospective buyers will be looking for the right Maine-Anjou
genetics for their program. If you have registered Maine-Anjou breeding stock for sale, let the public know. If you are interested in contacting a targeted Maine-Anjou audience, give Daniel or Kyla a call and they will assist you with your Voice advertising needs. Thanks for helping to move this breed in a positive direction.