ACA Board of Directors Update

ACA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ryan Dunklau – President

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

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

Lyle Sexton, Treasurer

At Large • Iowa • Term expires 2021 319.461.6337 • lsgwp6337@gmail.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

Larry Garrett

Northeast Region • Indiana • Term expires 2021 765.969.0154 • larrygarrett058@gmail.com

Andy Higgins

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

Keith Schrick

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

Dr. Robin Sheets

At Large • Indiana • Term expires 2021 765.583.4565 • rsheets462@aol.com

Mike Stoppel

At Large • Kansas • Term expires 2021 785.445.2671 • mikestoppel@yahoo.com

Tyler Winegardner

At Large • Ohio • Term expires 2022 419.236.4375 • tylerwinegardner@icloud.com

What Goes Around Comes Around

by Derek Evans, At Large Director

Even as we continue to face uncertain times in the United States and more importantly in agriculture, the future within the Chianina breed is bright. Practically every breed association from their founding has had a cyclical rise and fall in memberships and registrations, some more than others. As most know, the ACA has struggled in the past recent years to grow, but we are finally seeing indicators that our breed is poised to experience a large increase in both memberships and registrations in the coming years, especially within the junior program. A prime example was the record number of entries and exhibitors this summer at the National Junior Heifer Show. We have a great staff to thank for a lot of this growth; it takes true leaders to host and organize a successful event. Our staff has gone above and beyond to see our breed succeed and that every member gets the help or opportunity they want or need.

With great growth comes more demand, particularly for shows. The ACA staff, yet again, has answered that request and has answered it well. Our breeders and members will see more opportunity with involvement in nationally sanctioned shows like the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo. We’re also continuing our presence in Denver at the NWSS and at the Fort Worth Stock Show in Texas. New opportunity comes as well with the Great Northern Livestock Exposition in Cheyenne, Wyo. There was also an overwhelming amount of support and participation at the inaugural Cattleman’s Congress in Oklahoma City, making the decision to return a very simple one. The North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., will return to “normal” this year and is fast approaching. What I believe has driven part of this growth is the recent addition of the Chi Composite show, offered at the NJHS, American Royal and Cattleman’s Congress. Giving those interested in becoming active in the ACA or AJCA the opportunity to start somewhere, especially if they’re passionate about showing, will only help boost those registrations and memberships.

We’re deep into sale season and the demand for Chianina genetics is overwhelmingly high. As demand continues to grow, the board is looking into additional options for breeders to market their cattle, grow their customer base and broaden the footprint of our breed. As our breed continues to grow and more people become involved, we must not forget that many of us were once in their shoes. Lend a helping hand or some words of encouragement to those new folks and embrace their successes as you would your own. Each member matters just as much as next and every member is important to the success of this breed.

Serving on this board has been an eye-opening experience for me. A lot of ups and downs and a whole lot of endless discussion because we collectively are working to build a better future for our cattle, our members, our staff and, most importantly, our kids.

Have a blessed fall and we will see you in Louisville!