The Angus Journal is a monthly magazine known for in-depth coverage of American Angus Association programs and services; the Angus business; herd management techniques; and advertising reflecting genetics herd philosophies.
Issue link: http://angusjournal.epubxp.com/i/435083
66 n ANGUSJournal n January 2015 O n October 25, 1920, my great-great- great grandfather, R.M. Peek, and his son joined the American Aberdeen-Angus Breeders' Association after purchasing a few Angus heifers and a bull. A few years later, the era of "baby beef " began, and so he purchased a smaller Scottish-bred bull in order to meet the need for a different type of "ideal" Angus cattle. In the middle of an early spring night, his frst generation of the new calf type was born, but to his surprise there was not an all-black Angus calf, but rather a calf with several white markings. Now, no one really knows for certain the accuracy of this family Angus lore, but I do know my great-great- great grandfather was not pleased with the results. Instead of giving up on the Angus breed, he took this adversity, returned the new bull, and continued to improve his herd's genetic value. Adversity — one of life's main challenges has many different faces. As a child, one of our biggest adversities may have been losing a favorite toy. To a teenager, not having a prom date can be monumental. As we grow older, the adversities become more personal, depending on our paths. Even our government faces adversity in dealing with other countries or in facing disease outbreaks. Adversity challenges us, makes us grow, and ultimately, changes things for the better. Just about 50 years prior to my family's start in the Angus breed, George Grant, a pioneer in the breed, brought four Angus bulls from Scotland to the Kansas prairie in 1873. The breed faced many adversities in the beginning. Cattle breeders wanted to shy away from using these black-hided, polled "freaks," as they were called, but as they began to realize the value of these cattle, the breed began to experience tremendous growth. Use your resources A primary tool in dealing with adversity is making wise use of all the resources possible. Being selected as the 2014 National Junior Angus Show junior chairman was a huge honor, but little did I realize the enormous amount of work, responsibility and obstacles the title entailed. Lots of young people in Indiana enjoy showing Angus cattle, but I felt it was extremely important for all of these showmen to be a part of the decision-making for our show. Whether it was requesting class sponsors, selecting awards or simply preparing the fairgrounds for our thousands of guests, I felt it was critical for all members to have a role beyond just showing their cattle. By constant communication and through meetings and team-building activities, this obstacle was overcome. What started as adversity led to a very cohesive group of Indiana Angus juniors. The American Angus Association provides a plethora of resources to all cattle producers. Whether it's a prestigious group of American Angus Association Board members making diffcult decisions affecting our industry, a select group of junior board members planning a LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Angus Development) conference for many junior members to enhance their leadership skills, or the Angus Auxiliary continuing to support the junior association through cook-off and Facing Adversity Newly crowned Miss American Angus shares her perspective on facing adversity. by Madison Butler, 2015 Miss American Angus 35 Keys to Success Industry Involvement & Networking @ Madison Butler present- ed this speech to a packed room as part of the Miss American Angus contest at the Angus Means Busi- ness National Convention & Trade Show. PHOTO BY KASEY BROWN