The Angus Journal® is a monthly magazine known for in-depth coverage of American Angus Association® programs and services; the Angus business; herd management; and advertising reflecting genetics and herd philosophies.
Issue link: http://angusjournal.epubxp.com/i/789531
March 2017 ■ ANGUSJournal ■ 111 Carload & Pen Show attracts Angus breeders from across the country who showcase their highest-performing and the most uniform set of genetics they have to offer. "Our cow herd is relatively small, consisting of about 300 cows," Hamilton said. "By bringing a carload of bulls we are able to show off the consistency of our herd, and that's quite a feat in itself." During the Carload & Pen Show, Angus bulls and heifers are evaluated on their production power phenotypically, as well as genetically. Hamilton and other breeders spend months feeding, gathering data and training their cattle before making the decision on which pen of three or carload of 10 head creates the most consistent and best offering. "In Denver, you see so many cattle and so many different bloodlines, there is no greater place to be to see what's happening in the industry," Hamilton said. "We get more people through our pens here than we would at any other show in a week." Prior to the Carload & Pen Show, this year hosted Jan. 14, cattle are on display throughout the Yards, open for cattlemen and women to view pedigrees and the lineups in person. This is a marketing dream each year and an opportunity for seedstock breeders to showcase their elite genetics. It also provides an opportunity for potential buyers to learn each operation's specifi c and unique philosophy and goals to see which fi ts their operation best. "Customers are key," said Bill Conley of Conley Angus Farms near Clarksdale, Mo. "We get all four corners of the country to come to this show, and you never know who you might meet, develop a friendship with and maybe a new customer." Top genetics on display On the day of the show, livestock enthusiasts fl ood the arena in the Denver stockyards to watch as the panel of judges evaluates each exhibitor's offering. With hardly an open seat, ranchers, with data sheets in hand, watch class after class and division after division, as quality Angus genetics funnel through. "The Pen and Carload Show allows breeders like myself to evaluate cattle which we could potentially buy," said Elizabeth Nixon, a young Angus breeder from Rapidan, Va. "It is always important to look for the next latest and greatest sire out there in order to stay ahead of the curve." The walls inside the National Western Livestock Center are covered in photos of past breed champions from throughout the Carload & Pen Show's history. "History surrounds the ring and trends are set here," Nixon said. "You look on the walls and see when cattle started small, then got big in a hurry and now see we are moderating them out, but each change has taken off here in Denver." Throughout the show, those sitting ringside are invited to attend breeders' sales and ranches, adding to the publicity and level of exposure breeders are looking to gain by spending time at Denver. "It is advantageous for us to come out here and bring bulls to get them out in the public eye for people to see what our program is about," says Rob Fanning, manager at Werner Angus near Cordova, Ill. "Having uniform bulls and showing the quality of what we've got at home is a good representation of what will be in our bull sale, and will hopefully get us some prospective buyers." For nearly 75 years, Angus breeders have met in Denver for the National Western, showing the best the breed has to offer. Whether competing down in the Yards or up on the Hill, each breeder is vying for the championship title, but even more importantly, the handshake of a fellow cattleman. Editor's Note: Angus Media's 2016 communications intern, JD Rosman is an Angus member and continues to contribute to Angus Media communications. @ Above: "The Pen and Carload Show allows breeders like myself to evaluate cattle which we could potentially buy," said Elizabeth Nixon, a young Angus breeder from Rapidan, Va. @ Left: On the day of the show, livestock enthu- siasts fl ood the arena in the Denver stockyards to watch as the panel of judges evaluates each exhibitor's offering. "By bringing a carload of bulls we are able to show off the consistency of our herd, and that's quite a feat in itself." — Robert Hamilton PHOTOS BY DALE HEIKES PHOTO BY JOSH COMNINELLIS