A Word from the CEO…Dustin Hurlbut

A WORD FROM THE CEO

by Dustin Hurlbut, CEO, American Chianina Association

Happy Anniversary! That’s what we have heard a lot this year as this is the Association’s 50th Anniversary! 50 years is a major milestone in anything that we do. As an association, we have had ours ups and downs over 50 years. We have seen many changes in the industry from what the packers have pushed upon us for industry standards to what the show ring has done over the years. There have been highs and lows in registrations and memberships over the years. But one thing is for sure – we are a very resilient group of breeders always pushing to be the best we can be and telling our story to the world.

Whether you raise commercial cattle for the feed yard, breeding seed stock or raising steers and heifers for the showring, there is a part in our association for everyone. That’s what makes us so unique! We have members who love the Fullblood cattle, we have members who love the Chiangus part of our association and we have people who believe that under 10% Chianina blood is the perfect amount. This mix of members and ideas is what makes our association great! We are a very diverse group of members who have different thoughts, but at the end of the day we all come together to make it great! That is why I believe we have stood the test of time and I am excited to be a part of the next 50 years!

On my travels I have been through many pasture sales this fall and have seen some high quality stock sell for a very good premium. The demand for high quality show cattle is at a all-time high!

I have also looked at some bulls for our sales coming up in the next 6 months. One of those sales is our -C- The Difference National Sale which is our annual sale held in Oklahoma City during the Cattleman’s Congress in January. If you are interested in consigning, please let us know. Consignment forms are now live on our website and social media channels.

The other sale we are rolling out this spring will be held at the Ohio Beef Expo in March. We are looking for highquality cattle for the Ohio sale, so if you are interested, please get in touch with me.

Another exciting opportunity for our members is the Midland Bull Test. We have a group of breeders who have sent bulls to this test and in April, they will sell as part of the Midland Bull Test Sale. The data that these cattle will sell with is second to none. If you are looking for a new herd bull or a show heifer I encourage you to check out the offerings in these sales.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Louisville for our National show and Annual Meeting in November. We will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary with a celebration and reception on Monday, Nov. 14 from 3-5 pm in the West Hall. We invite everyone to attend, catch up with members from across the country and share some history.

It sure seems that starting October 15th through February 15th that it is a fast-paced marathon of traveling and being on the road! I would like to thank everyone for their hospitality while I am on the road stopping by for herd visits.

See you soon –Dustin