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AdvertisementIBBA officers attend World Brangus Congress in Paraguay"Where's the beef and who needs more of it?"--That was a question on the minds of three officers of the International Brangus Breeders Association and others who traveled to Paraguay for the 5th World Brangus Congress in mid-October. IBBA officers attending the Congress included: Dale Kirkham, president from Eureka, Kan.; Don Cox, first vice-president from Katy, Texas, and Marcos Borges, chairman of the International Committee from Wharton, Texas. Other attendees from the United States were Buck Thomason of Cranfills Gap, Texas; Matt Reznicek of Aliceville, Alabama; Allan Goode of Dallas, Texas, and Brad Wright and Rick Warneke, both of Franklin, Texas. Activities held in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, from Oct. 12 to 18 brought Brangus enthusiasts from eight countries. For the IBBA officers, the main objective of the trip was promotion of Brangus genetics from the United States-- especially semen and embryos--for use in other countries around the world. Establishing personal contacts; assessing market potential, and exchanging of ideas and information regarding the breeding and marketing of Brangus cattle were other highlights. "Participation in an event of this nature will broaden the perspective of all cattle producers," Kirkham said. "We found the breeders in South America to be very enthusiastic about future growth of Brangus in the world market and actively seeking genetic materials from the United States. They recognize that Brangus cattle are well adapted to tropical and subtropical conditions found in countries that have much of the growing world population." Other activities at the Congress included technical presentations on world beef markets; improving pastures and grazing management; shows and sales of haltered and unhaltered cattle; field trips to ranches, and several social events along with numerous informal meetings among representatives from the different countries. The final event, an awards banquet and sale of winners in the haltered show, was attended by about 600 people. While in Paraguay, the IBBA representatives also participated in planning the next World Brangus Congress scheduled for May 2012 in Australia. Buck Thomason, a Brangus breeder from central Texas, has made previous trips to South America where he built a demand for his cattle. According to Thomason, "the enthusiasm for the breed in South America creates a great opportunity for me to market genetics beyond my local area. Building long-term personal relationships is very important in the Latin culture and a necessary step in international marketing of livestock. I was able to renew many friendships as well as create numerous new relationships." Additional information about Brangus cattle and international marketing is available by contacting IBBA at 210-696-8231 or www.GoBrangus.com. Advertisement
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