April 1st is just around the corner and with it are the usual corny April Fools jokes that my family and myself try to pull on one another, you know that phone call “guess what such and such just calved and it was triplets, yes unfortunately there usually not very well thought out and are developed in the moment, so most often they fall flat without achieving that maximum effect we all look for when pulling such stunts. The one April Fool’s joke you don’t want happening in your household is having April arrive and still not having your room reservation at the Grand Sierra for the Western National Angus Futurity, April 24, 25, and 26.

Our hotel block is filling up fast and our entry numbers look like they just might surpass last year’s figures. To be certain the 2010 WNAF and Western Regional Junior Show are definitely something you’re not going to want to miss being a part of. The Grand Sierra Hotel and Resort has proved itself to be a great location for our WNAF headquarters, the hotel offers so many more things to do then the traditional casino/hotel space. Once again this year we’re extremely fortunate to have Cara Ayres and Beth Schreiber back in the musical production “Suds n’ Suds”, This is a truly exciting show written by Cara and Beth and has received amazing reviews. I encourage everyone and I do mean everyone to purchase their tickets as soon as possible before they do sell out. This is a special evening of Angus fellowship in a fun and inviting atmosphere and the opportunity to help the Futurity continue functioning as it also serves as one of our main fundraisers.

The juniors will have a lot to keep them busy. Carla Malson has once again organized a fun-filled evening for every junior, watch for details in this issue of Angus, The Magazine. One of the more fun ingredients of the WNAF is the Drawdown each year, even if you don’t find yourself in the “winner’s bracket” it’s great fun to watch the outcome unfold. Of special significance this year is the presentation to the WNAF honoree. For those of you who don’t know it this year the WNAF is dedicated to Mel Hansen, I can’t think of a better person to receive this tribute. Mel has been instrumental on so many levels of making and keeping this WNAF viable and thriving. I don’t think there are many of us that can’t recall a favorable memorable tale from futurity that doesn’t include Mel. You won’t want to miss this special tribute on Sunday during the open heifer show.

I want to encourage every Angus breeder in the west to make plans to travel to Reno for this very exceptional event. Its competition at its finest mixed with good friends, loads of fun and the opportunity always to meet new folks as well. Mix all that up with a sale of great cattle in the “Showgirl Revue” and junior heifer show that can’t be beat and the fun, relaxed atmosphere that Reno, Nevada provides. I look forward to seeing you there, and don’t forget those room reservations, your show tickets, and the purchase of that winning “Drawdown” ticket. To all making the trip, may your journey to Reno be a safe one.

Until Next Month.........