What a weekend in Reno! It was nice to get out of the rain and
into the sun! The 70 degree weather for the WNAF this year was
terrific and a much needed change of pace. Throughout the years
we have encountered everything from snow, wind, rain, hot
weather and yes, the occasional earthquake. Days when you needed
sunscreen, and the next day you needed your insulated coveralls.
Yes, Reno’s weather can offer some packing challenges to say the
least, but nothing that can’t be remedied by about five extra
suitcases and gigantic box full of shoes, boot and sandals
thrown up in the gooseneck. It’s really a wonder that we had
room for anything else and a good thing we had a small dog. I
always wondered what the bellboy thought as they lugged all that
stuff to our room. What the maid thought as they vacuumed up the
sawdust and manure everyday. They certainly earned their tips
when we came to town. I remember the years of dragging three
little boys, their heifers and all the gear that entails to
spur-of-the-moment weddings. Our trips to Reno for the WNAF have
been full of wonderful and irreplaceable memories.
Well, the list of people to thank is long. The countless
numbers that it takes to make this show the tremendous success
that it is should not go unmentioned. Without all of you that so
unselfishly donate your time, money, efforts and energy, none of
this would be possible. Jim and Sherry Danekas, Shelia Stamnas
and staff are at the top of the list for all they do each and
every year.
The WSAA Officers and Board of Directors, all who sold and
purchased Drawdown Tickets, sponsored classes and division
winners, donated and purchased semen in the silent auction,
donated to the Auxiliary raffle, purchased raffle tickets and
supported the donation female. For those that spent countless
hours on the phone rounding up advertising, securing award
sponsors, reading through scholarship applications, shopping for
the breakfast buffet and decorating the showring. For all those
that those that make the hotdog feed possible, arrange Jr.
Activities, weighing bulls, checking in animals and check
tattoos. The list goes on and on. The jobs are endless. There
are those that do more then their fair share and for that, we
thank you! As you can see, it takes an army to make this show
run smoothly. If you are wondering how you can help, check with
Jim or I. There is never a shortage of jobs to be done. It is
your support that makes this event the tremendous success that
it is and one that many other breeds try to emulate. You have
set the standard. You should be proud!
Congratulations to our new Western States Angus Queen,
Michelle Malson of Parma, ID. We are so proud of you and know
you’ll do an outstanding job representing the Western States at
various events around the country! Also, a big congratulations
to Mr. Mel Hanson who’s many years of dedication and service to
the WNAF as well as the Angus breed, makes it only fitting that
this year’s show was dedication to him. Another job well done
goes to the Creamer family in honor of receiving the coveted
Herdsman Award.
The Show Girl Review started with two special semen lots
donated to benefit the WNAF. The first was given by Express
Ranches and RayMar Angus and was purchased by Vintage Angus for
$2,500. The second was a donation from Vermillion Ranch and
purchased by J/V and Westwind Angus for $1,000. Our hats are off
to all of you for your outstanding support of the show. As cost
continue to rise, the extra donations and assistance help out
greatly in maintaining and continuing the long and well love
tradition of the WNAF. The Western States Angus Auxiliaries’
outstanding donation heifer lot this year helped to raise funds
for scholarships and the many things that the Auxiliary does for
this show as well as youth awards they sponsor throughout the
western states. This years heifer was generously donated by
Rathbun Angus of Moses Lake, WA, and was purchased by the
following group of Angus supporters: TCL Angus, 101 Angus,
Pristine Springs, Bell Key Angus, Blue Sage Acres, Malson Angus
and Herefords, Silveira Brothers, Alderhurst Farms, Colyer
Cattle Co, Nelson Angus, Triple L Angus, J/V Angus, HAVE Angus,
JR Ranch, Kessler Angus, Camas Prairie Angus, Buchanan Angus,
Sunny Okanogan, and Corey A Ranch. The Heifer was then donated
back and purchased by Brad and Buckley Cox. In total, over
$8,000 was raised for the Auxiliary. Many thanks to all of you!
It was great to see several of our Association officers and
Board Members from the American Angus Association in attendance
this year. Here was your opportunity to speak directly our
President- Bill Davis, Treasurer- Jarold Callahan, CEO- Bryce
Schumann and Director- Darrell Silveira. Yes, numbers were up
this year and the Reno Livestock Event Center was filled to
capacity. 153 junior entries were exhibited in front of Judge
Jeannie Yardley from Beaver, Utah on Saturday. Over the next 2
days 148 females and 48 bulls were shown making this one of the
largest WNAF ever! The exhibitors didn’t make Judge Shane
Lindsey of Prairie City, Iowa’s job easy. The quality ran deep
in each and every class that was presented.
On Sunday our own Cara Ayres and Beth Schreiber put on their
new act, “Suds and Suds” the Musical. A great crowd of Angus
enthusiasts showed up to see these two perform. The show is
about two sisters, one married to a “Fitter” who is never home
and the other sister who is continually looking for love in all
the wrong places. As down right funny and clever as their act
is, the highlight of the evening was when Cara and Beth sang.
Their appropriately placed and carefully chosen score of past
and present county favorites hit the mark and brought a range of
emotions to the crowd. It isn’t hard to believe that the same
little girl that used to sing her head off in the barns at the
Oregon State Fair has made such a success out of doing what she
loves most, entertaining people.
If you have never had the opportunity to attend the Western
National Angus Futurity or just didn’t make the trip this time,
be sure make plans to join us next year. Come make some
memories, check out the Grand Sierra Resort, see some
outstanding cattle, visit old friends and just have some good ol‘
Reno fun!
Troy Van Roekel
WSAA President
