Brangus Southeast Field Day Generates Big Response
The Southeast Brangus Breeders Association (SBBA) hosted its annual field day at the Draggin’ M Ranch in El Dorado, Ark., August 22-23, 2014. With more than 225 producers in attendance, the event was fun and informative for all who participated and demonstrated a growing interest in expansion opportunities.
The event kicked off Friday, August 22, with a social and steak dinner in which Evon Crooks, President of the SBBA, and John Milam, host and owner of Draggin’ M Ranch, addressed the crowd. A dance and private concert from the Ray Johnston Band provided fun entertainment for guests that evening.
Saturday’s schedule began with a preview of a few well-known herd sires, including Guardian, Landau, Onstar and Coronado just to name a few, and their progeny from several different breeding programs. Following the display of these great genetics, Dr. Noah T. Cosby, representing Purina, talked to field day participants about the importance of a nutrition plan and products available to improve herd condition and health. Dr. Andrew McPeake of VitaFerm spoke about the added value that can be gained from balanced nutrition programs.
"Nutrition is one of the big issues that is always on the breeder’s mind," Crooks said. "How can they get more pounds for the same amount of feed…because that is what it’s all about."
Lorna Marshall and Justin Hergenreder, representatives of Genex, gave a presentation about the benefits and trends of artificial insemination and the value of data reporting.
Dr. Tommy Perkins, Executive Vice President of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), addressed the group regarding the positive outlook for the Brangus breed as the industry begins to rebuild the cow herd and answered questions about DNA testing procedures.
"The Field Day was very organized, extremely educational and well attended," said Perkins. "Having several mature herd sires and their progeny on display was just ‘icing on the cake’ for an already outstanding event".
Later that afternoon participants directed questions and topics to a panel of producers representing both the commercial and seedstock sectors. Jason Bates, IBBA’s Director of Field Services and Commercial Marketing, moderated the panel consisting of Lorna Marshall of Burlington, Colo.; Mike Vorel of Luther, Okla.; Zak O’Brien of South Coffeeville, Okla.; Chad Parish of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; and Chris Heptinstall of Fairmount, Ga.
Video highlights and coverage will be available at GoBrangus.com. Sponsors of the SBBA field day were the city of El Dorado, Stockman’s Supply, VitaFerm, Purina and First Financial Bank.
The IBBA, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, strives to provide the commercial cattle industry, domestically and internationally, with the best genetics possible. It was founded as the American Brangus Breeders in 1949 and has since evolved into the IBBA. The purpose of the IBBA is to enable members to serve the commercial cattle industry. For more information, visit GoBrangus.com.
Source: International Brangus Breeders Association
