Commercial cattlemen challenge AAA in first focus group

"The Angus Association can be a group that equally represents the American beef industry with emphasis on production and development of the food chain." The challenge was issued to the American Angus Association Board of Directors by Dr. Doug Parrett, professor of animal science, University of Illinois, on behalf of six panelists representing a broad cross-section of commercial cow-calf production. The group was assembled to form the first ever Commercial Programs Focus Group held Sept. 6, in Saint Joseph, Mo., prior to the fall board of director meetings.

Panelists were provided a list of 15 discussion points ranging from the use of technology to crossbreeding. Each panelist described his operation and geographic demands, followed by a summary of how best the Angus breed can serve his operation and the beef industry.

Each panelist spoke extensively about production, marketing, consumer and government issues. The cattlemen discussed the lack of accurate data available to compare production and performance traits in the commercial beef sector. The panelists candidly discussed the Angus breed's ability to improve consistency in crossbreeding, yet challenged the board of directors to pursue evaluation tools to improve the accuracy of selection in a diverse genetic and geographic environment. "The American Angus Association can help information transport from the top down to us at the bottom to be able to make the right decision," stated Wayne Grigsby.

Several panelists discussed maternal strength as the primary reason for using registered Angus bulls, yet challenged the Association to continue research to develop tools to predict longevity and improve udder quality.

The board was asked to pose additional questions to the panel in an effort to clearly understand the perceived strengths and weaknesses experienced in each particular operation. In conclusion, Dr. Jack Cowley stated, "I believe the Angus breed is obviously the leader in the industry. With leadership comes responsibility. The responsibility is this: You, the Angus Association, the breeders, the directors control the direction of the beef industry. So, when you make decisions, you will make decisions that are going to influence the direction of the beef industry in the United States for generations."

The panel was comprised of six commercial cattlemen whose operations represent more than 16,000 cows. In addition, Dr. Doug Parrett, University of Illinois, oversees breeding programs for another 975 cows. The panel represented six states including California, Montana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri and Florida. Each operation presents unique environmental factors affecting management processes. Individuals included Wade Grigsby, vice president, Ranch Division, Alico, Inc., LaBelle, Fla. Alico, Inc., is a publicly-traded company with holdings of more than 130,000 acres. The ranch division runs 13,500 cows. Alico has retained ownership on 100% of the calves for 10 years. Dr. Jack Cowley, Montague, Calif., currently feeds cattle in the Harris Alliance and has collected carcass data on 100% of cattle processed for the past 9 years. John Grande, Grande Ranch Co., Martinsdale, Mont., is a fourth generation rancher. This diverse cow-calf herd runs on private and government land at an elevation of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Grande is a director of Montana Ranch Brand Natural Meats. Art Brownlee, JHL Ranch, Ashby, Neb., returned to the ranch after spending 20 years in the Fortune 500 business world. Today, Brownlee is responsible for the development of 28,000 acres of ranchland and 1,400 commercial cows. Dr. Charles Nichols, Davison and Sons Cattle Co., Arnett, Okla., served as an Extension Animal Breeding Specialist at Oklahoma State University before becoming a partner in Davison and Sons. This commercial cow-calf operation retains ownership of all calves. Mike Kasten, Kasten Ranch, Millersville, Mo., is president of the Missouri Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer program, a University of Missouri educational and marketing program targeted at improving production efficiency through increased use of existing technology. Kasten has been producing cattle for more than 30 years. Dr. Doug Parrett, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill., has been a faculty member for over 25 years. In addition to teaching beef production and animal evaluation, Parrett works with producers in the area of beef cattle breeding, cow herd management and high quality beef production systems. Current research involves strategies for high quality beef production, sire selection programs and the integration of DNA markers for practical beef selection.

The panel was comprised of six commercial cattlemen whose operations represent more than 16,000 cows. In addition, Dr. Doug Parrett, University of Illinois, oversees breeding programs for another 975 cows. The panel represented six states including California, Montana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri and Florida. Each operation presents unique environmental factors affecting management processes. Individuals included Wade Grigsby, vice president, Ranch Division, Alico, Inc., LaBelle, Fla. Alico, Inc., is a publicly-traded company with holdings of more than 130,000 acres. The ranch division runs 13,500 cows. Alico has retained ownership on 100% of the calves for 10 years. Dr. Jack Cowley, Montague, Calif., currently feeds cattle in the Harris Alliance and has collected carcass data on 100% of cattle processed for the past 9 years. John Grande, Grande Ranch Co., Martinsdale, Mont., is a fourth generation rancher. This diverse cow-calf herd runs on private and government land at an elevation of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Grande is a director of Montana Ranch Brand Natural Meats. Art Brownlee, JHL Ranch, Ashby, Neb., returned to the ranch after spending 20 years in the Fortune 500 business world. Today, Brownlee is responsible for the development of 28,000 acres of ranchland and 1,400 commercial cows. Dr. Charles Nichols, Davison and Sons Cattle Co., Arnett, Okla., served as an Extension Animal Breeding Specialist at Oklahoma State University before becoming a partner in Davison and Sons. This commercial cow-calf operation retains ownership of all calves. Mike Kasten, Kasten Ranch, Millersville, Mo., is president of the Missouri Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer program, a University of Missouri educational and marketing program targeted at improving production efficiency through increased use of existing technology. Kasten has been producing cattle for more than 30 years. Dr. Doug Parrett, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill., has been a faculty member for over 25 years. In addition to teaching beef production and animal evaluation, Parrett works with producers in the area of beef cattle breeding, cow herd management and high quality beef production systems. Current research involves strategies for high quality beef production, sire selection programs and the integration of DNA markers for practical beef selection.

The American Angus Association will use the information to assist in determining future programs and research to better assist beef producers and provide the necessary evaluation tools to make genetic improvements.

Date: 10/26/06

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