ACA Board of Directors Update

ACA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ryan Dunklau – President

Northwest Region • Nebraska • Term expires 2023 402.369.2025 • dunkcattleco@gmail.com

Control the Controllable

by Neal Branscum, At Large Director

Justin Tracy – Vice President

At Large Director • Nebraska • Term expires 2023 308.962.4255 • justin@tracycattle.com

Segayle Foster – Secretary

Southwest Region • Texas • Term expires 2022 806.445.2496 • segaylef@yahoo.com

Andy Higgins, Treasurer

Southeast Region • Tennessee • Term expires 2023 615.330.6446 • higg1andy@aol.com

Neal Branscum

At Large • Kentucky • Term expires 2024 606.872.5395 • nealbrascum@hotmail.com

Ken Culp, III, Ph.D

At Large Director • Kentucky • Term expires 2022 859.227.7506 • ken.culp@uky.edu

Derek Evans

At Large • Kentucky • Term expires 2022 217.218.0242 • derek@summitflooring.us

Jeff Miller

At Large • Indiana • Term expires 2024 765.414.4547 • jeffmillershowcattle@yahoo.com

Colton Prescott

Northeast Region • Indiana • Term expires 2024 260.729.2713 • crprescott92@yahoo.com

Keith Schrick

At Large • Texas • Term expires 2023 817.366.64359 • wine@schricksliquors.com

Nate Tice

At Large • Iowa • Term expires 2024 717.926.0874 • tice152@gmail.com

Tyler Winegardner

At Large • Ohio • Term expires 2022 419.236.4375 • tylerwinegardner@icloud.com Ihope this note finds all of you in good health and spirit. The Spring calves are always fun to welcome, but we know that it isn’t always sunshine and daydreams. Agriculture, the most necessary and under-appreciated industry in the world, is under more pressure annually, due in part to production costs, public perception, and misinformation. Instead of getting wrapped around the axle over things out of our hands, my suggestion is to control the controllable.

Pay attention to the details…reproductive efficiency, udder and foot quality, respiratory health, performance and disposition. These are basic, but also the fundamentals that keep operations in business and moving in the right direction. Also, have a positive Social Media presence. Most of the platforms are free and reach SO many sets of eyes! (If you’re not comfortable with social media, I bet you know a teenager that is a Wizard…use their skills!)

I know we’re looking forward to another great Junior Nationals this summer in Kentucky and we are excited about seeing both new and old faces. My encouragement is to be there! Register your calves, transfer those calves and if you can support a Junior in need of a calf or transportation, do it!

Breed a few for yourself, breed a few for others and enjoy the journey!

The American Chianina Association is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2022. Watch for more information regarding the celebration in conjunction with the ACA National Show in Louisville in ACA 50 th November. AMERICAN CHIANINA ASSOCIATION ANNIVERSARY 1972-2022

What Impact Can You Have?

by Colton Prescott, Northeast Region Director

We all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We get caught up in our jobs, responsibilities, hobbies, family activities and anything else in our day to day lives. This is all good, and all of those need to be priorities. However, there’s more to it. Adults and older exhibitors need to remember as we are get closer to junior nationals, county fair and state fair season that it is not always about the banners, spotlight and glory. It simply boils down to the impact that you can have on others.

Saying hello to people and taking a few minutes of your time may not seem like it matters that much in the grand scheme of things. But the thing is, it matters! When people look up to you, those little interactions can make some of the biggest impacts on a kid’s life. They want to walk, talk, dress and act like the people they look up to the most. Be that person for a kid!

As I reflect on my childhood, I had many of those people who impacted my life and I know I would not be where I am at, or where I would like to be, without those people being in my life. Those interactions and dealings are difference makers. They can make a kid’s dream come true and want better for themselves. It encourages them to set goals and find out how they will reach them. We need to keep pushing them and helping them along the way help to make the next generation better than the one before it. Do all you can to help them be more efficient as producers and industry leaders, and better rounded adults as time progresses.

Just remember, every interaction you have with a younger junior can help make those dreams a reality and become successful young people!