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Oklahoma Angus Genetics On Tour

published: October 28th 2008
source: American Angus Association

             Oklahoma Angus breeders had the opportunity to showcase their top genetics to more than 365 Angus enthusiasts during the National Angus Conference & Tour, Oct. 7-9.  “An Angus Gathering” broadened to an international event, as representatives from Australia, Canada and Colombia joined attendees from 33 states this year.

The conference kicked off the annual event, hosted by the American Angus Association^® and sponsored by Purina Mills and Alpharma Animal Health.  Rod Nulik, cattle business group marketing manager for Purina, addressed the conference.  “Purina Mills has had a great partnership with the American Angus Association, Alpharma Animal Health, the Youth Beef Industry Congress, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Cattlemen to Cattlemen and many others,” Nulik said.  He added that a great partnership takes three P’s — products, programs and, most importantly, people.

            “If you’re not in business, we’re not in business,” Nulik said.  “Consequently, industry viability and cattlemen’s profitability are our mission and our passion.”

            Speakers focused on overcoming obstacles that will face cattle producers in the future.  They discussed the use of genetic selection tools, effective marketing and producing beef efficiently for the beef consumer.

            John Lawrence, director of the Iowa Beef Center, served as the keynote speaker.  The Iowa State University ag economist stressed that producers will need to change their business model to increase efficiencies and enhance profitability in their operations.   

            Other speakers included William Herring, technical operations manager for Smithfield Premium Genetics; Mark Allan, research geneticist with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC); and Paul Roach, director of meat for Reasor’s Inc. in Oklahoma.  A marketing panel comprised of Angus producers and moderated by Deb Norton, Graphic Arts of Topeka Inc., concluded the afternoon program.  Panelists Dick Beck, Three Trees Ranch, Georgia; Don Meador, Dreamcatcher Ranch in Texas; and Leo McDonnell Jr., Midland Bull Test, Montana, all shared their marketing philosophies.

            The tour kicked off later that afternoon with a stop at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.  An evening meal featuring Certified Angus Beef ^® filets graciously donated by Cusack Meats concluded day one of the three-day event.

            Sunny fall weather set stage for the following two days of tours.  The Oct. 8 tour headed east from Oklahoma City.  A stop at Smith Land & Livestock, Claremore, began the official cattle tour.  Several breeders, including Christenson 4-D, Delaware, Okla.; Finley Bros. Cattle Co. LLC, Wyandotte, Okla.; Gilbreath Enterprises, Summers, Ark.; R T Angus Farm, Bennington, Okla.; Hedgewood Prairie, Enterprise, Kan.; Van Nice Angus Ranch, Hanna, Okla., also displayed cattle at the stop.  A luncheon stop at the renowned Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve was next; followed by a driving tour through pastures at Buford Ranch LLC, near Hominy.  The day concluded with dinner and live music at Limestone LLC, Perkins.

            The final day included a breakfast stop at the Oklahoma State University Purebred Beef Center.  Other breeders that displayed cattle included Armbruster Cattle Co., Burlington; Saddle River Ranch, Jones; 74-51 Cattle Co., Oklahoma City; Pfeiffer Angus Farms, Mulhall; Rutledge Angus, Stillwater; J & J Cattle Co., Orlando; Graham’s Angus, Coyle; Blackjack Angus Farm, Seminole; Penner Angus Ranch, Mill Creek; B & M Angus, Edmond; Circle C Angus, Oologah; Circle G Ranch & Cattle Co. LLC, Okemah; Davis Angus, Foss; and Esco Land & Cattle Co., Allen.  Big Lake Ranch, Mulhall, was the next stop, where reining horses were demonstrated by renowned horseman Jody Brainard.  A lunch stop at Pollard Farms LLC, Enid, provided another nice display of cattle.  Express Ranches, Yukon, was the final stop on the tour.

            Angus Productions Inc. (API) provided online conference for this year’s event.  Speaker summaries and audio archives are available from the conference, as well as photos from each stop.  Be sure to read and listen more in depth to the conference content at www.nationalangusconference.com.

            The National Angus Conference is just one of the events the Association plans to provide educational and networking opportunities to its more than 36,000 members.  For more information, visit www.angus.org.