News Update

Angus News Update
July 23, 2008

Laughlin Assumes Role as Member Services Director

Don Laughlin, a longtime American Angus Association regional manager from Guilford, Mo., has been named director of member services for the American Angus Association. He’ll step into the role immediately.

His primary responsibilities will include assisting members and affiliates with registrations, transfers, memberships and other daily activities. He will schedule workflow through the office while explaining and enforcing Association rules and policies. Laughlin will also administer the Association’s parent verification program and monitor the genetic defect program.

“Don brings an extensive knowledge base of Association programs and policies to this position, that should ensure a smooth transition for the membership when dealing with the Association,” says Bill Bowman, Association chief operating officer (COO). “Don already has experience working with Association members in the states he traveled as a regional manager and will be a familiar face to many of our members and affiliates.”

Laughlin has represented the Association and its entities as a regional manager for the past 28 years. He has spent the past 16 years traveling Iowa and Missouri, and prior to that worked in Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma. As director of member services, he will fill the position vacated by Bryce Schumann, the Association’s new chief executive officer (CEO).

“It will definitely be a change of pace, working in an office environment on a daily basis,” Laughlin says. “I am looking forward to continuing the relationships with those breeders that I’ve worked with in past decades and will enjoy meeting other members and helping them succeed in the Angus business, as well.”

A native of northwest Missouri, Laughlin grew up on his family’s registered Angus operation where he is active in management, artificial insemination (AI) and keeping Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®). He is a graduate of the University of Missouri.

Junior Angus Members Lead Champions at 2008 National Junior Angus Show

Members of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) celebrated “Christmas in July” during the 2008 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 13-19 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. The young exhibitors between the ages of 9 and 21 years old showcased 1,141 head during the week, which includes 669 owned females, 235 bred-and-owned females, 72 bred-and-owned bulls, 14 bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs, 31 owned cow-calf pairs, 73 steers and 47 carcass steers.

Three cattlemen evaluated the entries during the four days of cattle shows. Blake Bloomberg, College Station, Texas, evaluated the steers; Mark Duffell, Aldie, Va., placed the bred-and-owned animals and the owned cow-calf pairs. Chris Sankey, Council Grove, Kan., judged the owned females.

A complete list of winners is available at www.angus.org/newsroom/releases/2008_NJAS_Show_Results.html.

Michelle Rieff Named Advisor of the Year

Enthusiastic, encouraging and inspirational are words used to describe Michelle Rieff, Bentonville, Ark. She exhibits these characteristics as she serves the Arkansas Junior Angus Association in all aspects from guidance in meetings to helping juniors make important decisions.

For her dedication and leadership to the Arkansas Junior Angus Association, Michelle Rieff was recognized as the 2008 NJAA Advisor of the Year at the NJAS.

During her six years as an advisor, Rieff worked hard for the juniors and helped to implement officer training, create a state awards program and compile etiquette guidelines for state queens and princesses, and hosted three preview shows.

In addition to her involvement with the Arkansas Junior Angus Association, Rieff is currently serving as the 2008 American Angus Auxiliary president-elect. She continues to be active in the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association and is a 4-H leader.

Thomas, Stannard, Wallace and Brown Inducted to Honorary Angus Foundation

Each year outstanding supporters of the NJAA are selected to join the Honorary Angus Foundation. Inductees have shown significant interest and dedication to junior members. This years honorees included Stan Thomas of Three Trees Ranch, Sharpsburg, Ga.; Shelia Stannard, American Angus Association director of communications and events; Tammy Wallace of Stotts City, Mo., and C.J. Brown, Lindenwood, Ill.

Stan Thomas. Possessing a compassionate and giving character, along with his advocacy for hard work, Stan Thomas of Three Trees Ranch, Sharpsburg, Ga., has become a highly respected and appreciated man in the Angus industry.

Thomas became an Angus breeder in 1994 when he purchased 100 head of bred cows. Since then, his herd has grown to be the second largest within the American Angus Association membership based on the 1,865 registrations of the last fiscal year. He has generously used his growth to support the NJAA, the Angus Foundation and future leaders of the breed.

Thomas donated the 2005 Angus Foundation Heifer and purchased a portion of the 2003 Foundation heifer. He also contributed to the success of the annual youth leadership conference, Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference when he welcomed nearly 200 people to Three Trees Ranch.

Shelia Stannard. A dedication to juniors and Angus breeders that goes beyond her job description has made Shelia Stannard, director of communications and events for the American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, Mo., a standout contributor of her time and abilities to the Angus industry.

Stannard has shown outstanding devotion by serving eight years on the NJAA advisory board. Junior members and Angus breeders know her as a person with a friendly smile who is enthusiastic to meet new people.

Stannard is considered a mentor, role model and good friend to many junior members who have formed a relationship with her through their involvement in the NJAA. Her guidance and involvement with juniors and the NJAA has left an impact on many and has helped to make the organization stronger.

Tammy Wallace. A caring person who knows no end to giving of time and energy makes Tammy Wallace, Stotts City, Mo., an exceptional individual who feels like family to many in the Angus industry.

Wallace is involved in many facets of the Angus breed and her passion for the members and Angus cattle radiates in each undertaking. She is active in both the Missouri Junior Angus Association and the NJAA, along with being an American Angus Auxiliary member. Among her many involvements, Wallace has served as the Southwest Missouri Junior Angus Association advisor, a contest workshop cochairperson and a regional show cochairperson. Wallace has also served six years on the NJAA advisory board.

Being involved in breed associations all her life and now the mother of two junior members, Wallace has a deep understanding of how experiences with the NJAA can have a positive effect on members. She was able to bring a unique perspective to the role of NJAA advisor.

C.J. Brown. By capturing the serenity and beauty of the Angus breed, C.J. Brown, Lindenwood, Ill., uses her artistic talents to support the Angus industry.

Growing up on a farm in northern Illinois, Brown appreciates the rural lifestyle and having been around cattle, her interests turned to painting the animals she is so passionate about.

Brown is known for her willingness to provide originals and prints for fundraising efforts for the Angus breed.

Her recent involvement includes the commissioned piece titled “Angus Blessing” that was created to raise funds for the 2008 NJAS. The original watercolor was auctioned off for $7,500.

Brown has a charitable spirit and takes pleasure in sharing her talents. She is a wonderful example of how creativity and philanthropy can offer countless opportunities to others.

Young Angus Exhibitors Earn “Top Showman” Honors at 2008 NJAS

NJAA members from 27 states competed for the title of “Top Showman” at the 42nd National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest at the 2008 NJAS. The 46 competitors first qualified at the state level, and can only compete one time in the national contest, sponsored by the American Angus Association, American Angus Auxiliary, Hamilton James Memorial Fund and Andis® Clippers.

Jennifer Ann Smith, Elysian Fields, Texas, won first place after being named one of the top 15 juniors to compete in the final round. The esteemed Dean Hurlbut Award includes a silver Revere bowl as well as a monetary award provided by the Hamilton James Memorial Fund.

Lindsey White, Staunton, Va., earned second-place honors. Garrett Knebel, Winamac, Ind., claimed third place, and Gretchen Frost, Tallula, Ill., won fourth. Lauren Moss, Lancaster, Ky., rounded out the top five contestants, who each received a monetary award as well as a silver Revere bowl provided by the Auxiliary.

Exhibitors show animals chosen by random selection, and a panel of top showmen evaluates their performance. They are judged on skill, their ability to follow instructions, use of equipment, courtesy, sportsmanship, and general appearance. After four preliminary rounds, 15 finalists are chosen and receive clippers provided by Andis.

Judges for this year’s competition included Holly Gamble Meier, Clinton, Tenn.; Jim Pipkin, Republic, Mo.; and Donnie Robertson, Yukon, Okla.

Other finalists in the top 15 include Garrett Blanchard, Firebaugh, Calif.; Austin Perry, Prather, Calif.; Kylee Carr, Elwood, Ind.; Kyleigh Santee, Langdon, Kan.; Ericka Waggener, Harrodsburg, Ky.; Jessica Willis, Union Bridge, Md.; Ben Warfield, Marriottsville, Md.; Kourtney Nelson, Crete, Neb.; Marcie Falleur, Gearhart, Ore.; and Staci Anderson, Parkston, S.D.

Juniors who received honorable mention include Kelsi Retallick, Glen Haven, Wis.; Klaire Jorgensen, Exeter, Neb.; Cameron Clark, Rochelle, Ga.; Sydney Geppert, Mitchell, S.D.; and Ryan Hollenberg, Mexico, Mo.

— Adapted from releases provided by the American Angus Association.