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
January 2015 n ANGUSJournal n 81 Agriculture" program. While employed in agricultural fnance, the ffth-generation commercial cow-calf breeder remains part of the family operation near Springerville, Ariz., in the White Mountains. "For decades this part of Arizona was known for its good Hereford cattle, but over the last 20 years or so, we've seen a transition to more Angus cattle. A few years ago when we were restocking our ranch, we made the decision to go with Angus for our base genetics," says Hall. "We recognized the premium the breed demands at sale time, so it made good business sense. This was good for us because we were able to fnd high- quality, locally raised heifers and bulls which were accustomed to our higher altitudes, rocky terrain and variable climate." In addition to ranching, Hall is vice president and portfolio manager of Farm Credit Services Southwest. Even so, he fnds time to be an active member of NCBA, serve on the Arizona Cattlegrowers' Association Board of Directors and support such groups as the Public Lands Council and Farm Bureau. He says volunteer involvement is important for many reasons. "I enjoy the networking and educational opportunities these organizations provide. I can use the things I learn from being involved with them to improve my operation. I also feel that these organizations do a lot to promote and protect the cattle industry. They are truly grassroots, and producers as members are instrumental in setting policy and direction," he says. Otherwise, Hall believes the beef industry's freedom to operate is in jeopardy. "Democracy isn't a spectator sport. Our greatest strength is in our numbers. It is important that we speak with one united voice," he says. "We do not want to be viewed as politically insignifcant. That's a big deal now, when you think about how far removed from agriculture our population has become and how many take for granted our safe, abundant and inexpensive food supply." Hall stresses that producers should learn to relate to consumers on a personal level. "We need to be authentic, show them what we do on our operations and tell them who we are," he says. "There are a lot of misconceptions about agriculture. In the age of social media, we can do a lot more, individually and through organizations, to promote our industry and our way of life." Vaughn Meyer Sorum, South Dakota Angus breeder and Association director Sodak Angus Ranch was homesteaded by Vaughn Meyer's grandfather, Otto Meyer, in 1909 near the former town of Sorum, S.D. Today, the Sodak cow herd is composed of 400 purebred black Angus cows and 200 purebred Red Angus cows. The operation includes daily involvement by Vaughn's wife, Lois, and son Jeffery, and weekly assistance from two daughters, Jessica and Jeny, and their families. The Meyers target commercial operators for their bull sales. Personally, Vaughn also targets involvement in Angus and other organizations to represent fellow cattlemen at county, state and national functions, and to be a voice for agriculture in government and to those unfamiliar with beef production. "I am involved in many organizations to ensure a future for our youth, and to stress our contributions in feeding a nation. Agriculture as a renewable resource provides the economic foundation that contributes to the true wealth and security of our nation," he says. Meyer is active in both state and local Angus associations and currently sits on the American Angus Association Board of Directors. He participates in county cattle associations and is a director on the Perkins County Planning Board. Meyer also is a director on the Cattlemen's Beef Board and The Organization for Competitive Markets. As time permits, he likes to be involved with the South Dakota Farmers Union and Dakota Rural Action. He is vice president of Region 1 of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and is their marketing committee chairman. "Being involved with so many organizations and so many individuals means I am continuously subjected to new ideas and innovations that beneft my ranch and breeding programs," he says. "Through my privilege to be a part of these organizations, I am introduced to the latest genetics, research and innovations that can complement our operation." Meyer adds, though, that serving industry organizations is primarily about representing fellow beef producers rather than fulflling personal goals. "We are constituents of a shrinking industry where many voices and involvement are needed. I believe my involvement in the Angus breed represents a voice for progressive breeders who are incorporating genetic excellence into their programs and seeking new innovative programs and services from their association," he says. He encourages young breeders especially to get involved early in their careers in the Angus Association. "Leadership is a two- way street for the interaction of ideas that beneft both our herds and our association," he says. "Past aggressive leadership has spawned many industry-leading programs and services. Tomorrow's innovations are dependent on willing participants." Editor's Note: A former National Junior Angus Board member, Barb Baylor Anderson is a freelancer from Edwardsville, Ill. "We are constituents of a shrinking industry where many voices and involvement are needed." — Vaughn Meyer "Democracy isn't a spectator sport. Our greatest strength is in our numbers. It is important that we speak with one united voice." — Trever Hall