Cowboy Code Means Get it in Writing

Little but Big

by Steven W. Crow, general counsel of ASA

We all live by the cowboy code, and as such we believe our word is our bond. However, I believe the cowboy code is the we want to make sure everyone is treated fairly and according to our word when ever issues arise. As we age and get involved in more and more oral agreements are memory tends to fade and we mix up details of one agreement with another. The true cowboy code is to get the agreement in writing. There are several key reasons for this being an absolute policy for any breeder. Here are the best reasons:

On a beautiful April Saturday, the last fifteen animals of Dr. Raymond Ediger’s Green Spring Farm herd of Shorthorn cattle were dispersed at a public auction. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to get the special genetics he had dedicated his life to developing. The hallmark of Green Spring Shorthorns is they are sound, productive, and docile. A number of the cows were recognized as Dams of Performance. A small number of animals reach this distinction but in the Green Spring Herd, a number have attained this exclusive status. The fifteen animals auctioned consisted of seven cows with calves at their side, four yearling heifers, and four yearling bulls and were examined and studied by a huge crowd of repeat buyers, local and national shorthorn enthusiasts, and friends. 1. One of the parties may die and the family has no idea of the arraignment. 2. Memories are subject to fade. 3. Agreements with minors are not enforceable in most states. 4. Technology changes and new technologies create issues you didn’t even consider. (ie DNA, cloning etc.) 5. All relationships end in time, what will you do then? 6. Each agreement is unique you simply can’t remember them all.

Please understand that when issue arise the ASA is not a dispute resolution

The top-selling cow, RDE Bonnie Bee 701, a four-year-old daughter of JSF Broker 157Z sold for $12,800 to Mark and Will Iager of Jefferson, Maryland. She had a beautiful three-week-old roan heifer calf at her side sired by RDE Lancelot 901. The second high-selling cow, RDE Loretta 303, a daughter of RDE Raymond David 946, and granddaughter of TPS Coronet Leader 21 sold for $5,500 to Robert Boden of Hagerstown, Maryland. She had a powerful 6-week-old white bull calf at her side sired by RDE Lancelot 901. The top-selling yearling heifer, RDE Vanessa 100, daughter of RDE Lancelot 901, sold for $3,800 to a junior member Cora Coblentz of Thurmont, Maryland. The top-selling yearling bull RDE Diesel 107 sold for $3,900 to Donna and Michael Buck of Ijamsville, MD. forum. The American Shorthorn Association is not a mediator or arbitrator of disputes. The ASA will abide by the terms of written agreements among members until such time a Court order supersedes the agreement. Please do yourself and the association a favor =and get your agreements in writing.

Dr. Raymond Ediger has devoted his life to the development and promotion of Shorthorn Cattle. He truly exemplifies the recognition as a Builder of the Breed through his unselfish support of others and especially through helping FFA and 4-H Youth. Although 86 years young, when asked, Dr. Ediger admitted: “it was an emotional day when I viewed the empty pastures but I couldn’t help but be happy knowing that these incredible animals were going into herds where I hoped that they would give their new owners as much pleasure as they have given me over these many years.” The Shorthorn community is thankful for Dr. Ediger’s 50-plus years of outstanding =service.

by L. Kordzaia