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Let me start by
thanking Larry Jacobs, the out going president of the Western
States Angus Association. Larry, your dedication and service to
the Western States Angus Association is greatly appreciated.
Congratulations on a job well done. As the new president of the
Western State Angus Association I hope to keep our organization
moving forward as you have done the past few years.
The futurity at Reno is
behind us once again. This year we witnessed a strong show with
exhibitors from across the country. Congratulations to all the
exhibitors and winners on a great set of cattle. Once again, we
sold all the big draw tickets (Thank you Dennis) this is a very
important part of our funding for the show. If you participated in
the Big Draw you’re a winner, if you’re Tony Martin you’re a big
winner. This year’s show was dedicated to Jim and Sue Coleman of
Vintage Angus Ranch, two very special people that I know very
well. Jim and Sue chose to raise their eight children with a
ranching and more important an Angus influence in their life. Ever
since those junior project days Jim and Sue have been strong Angus
supporters and seeing them being recognized at this years show
seemed most fitting.
Although we had a great
show, there are still challenges ahead. FUNDING-that is the four
letter word when you belong to any association. For the moment, we
are treading water, but as we go forward and our costs keep rising
along with the National Junior Show for the west, in the not so
distant future, we need to take a long look at ways to pay for it
all. Some people ask how we spend the money we get; the short
answer is that we spend it on the futurity and your children’s or
grandchildren’s junior activities. Nobody that serves on the board
is paid, they travel to the board meetings at there expense giving
up there time and money only to help the Angus breed in the west.
With the Angus
Association recording more Angus breeders each year, it is
somewhat disheartening that the membership of the WSAA continues
to decline. These membership dues are the lifeblood of the WSAA
and the fairest way for “everybody” that loves Angus to help
support our show and our juniors. Too many times the same small
group of Angus breeders are asked to pay the bill. I know that
most Angus breeders would be more than happy to support the
Western States Angus Association by paying a small annual due if
asked. Therefore, I am asking you now to help support Angus in the
west by joining the WSAA, contact information is available in
every Angus the Magazine. If you need more help give me a call at
Vintage Angus Ranch and I will make every effort to help you help
the WSAA. If you are already a member, I would like to thank you
for your continued support of the WSAA.
They say a good
challenge brings out the best in people. I know we will meet the
challenge and move forward with an even stronger Western State
Angus Association.
It was great seeing
everyone in Reno and if you could not make it this year we will
see you there next year for the biggest and best Angus show in the
west.
Sincerely,
Doug Worthington
WSAA President
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