It is indeed an honor for me to be writing this article for the ACJ as a new board member serving you.

I have been humbled by the challenge of being part of the ACA board endeavoring to make the proper decisions for the present and future growth and acceptance of Chi-influenced cattle and breeding stock. Let me assure you, each board member is truly open, forthright and committed to serving you by adopting policies to allow for the continued growth and prosperity of the breed. It has been personally invigorating and a pleasure getting to know these men and women. Though diverse in background and opinions, it has been eye opening and reassuring to see your entire board place what is best for the ACA above any personal opinion or gain. I encourage any member with questions or suggestions for improving the ACA to call any board member. We need and want your input!

One area of great opportunity is fast approaching, that being the National Junior Heifer Show in Kansas City from June 29 – July 4, 2008. This year combining three National Heifer Shows (ACA-AMAA-ASA) at one site is an historical event. Please come and enjoy these great breeds of cattle and even greater young adults. Being more cost and time efficient (especially for families showing multiple breeds) is just a couple of the benefits that will come out of this joint event. It is our hope that each person, regardless of Association, will learn more about the other breeds and take back valuable and working solutions to boost our shared goals; the promotion and production of BEEF! Come enjoy, share, be courteous to all and learn!

Along the same line as being more efficient, a limited partnership with the AMAA is still being studied by both associations. Personally, I believe this can and should be done. As efficient and cost effective as the ACA staff has been, there are many situations where cost and event sharing would be a win/win for both associations without giving up their own identity and niche.

This would not be a merger, rather a sharing of some duplicated processing to allow for better use of limited assets and free up funds and staff to expand services provided to you as members of these associations.

Speaking of identity and keeping this Chi-influenced breed in view of the beef world, we have committed to having a National Sale at Louisville this November. Several of you have voiced your desire to have the sale again and the board concurs with you. Now, it is up to every ACA member to follow through and support the sale by either consigning top quality Chiinfluenced cattle and genetics, actively bidding or buying or enthusiastically attending this event. Neal Branscum and I are Co-Chairmen of the National Sale Committee and the ACA (i.e. ACA members) will be managing the sale in an effort to be as efficient and flexible as possible. A great National Sale can happen only if we all step up and make it so. Share those great cattle and genetics in the National Sale, you will be rewarded. Call Neal or myself with any questions, suggestions or offers of help. It will be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, I would like to say thank you to all of the ACA staff as you are doing a wonderful job and you are deeply appreciated. To the newest ACA staff member, Ed Creason, thanks for joining us and jumping right in and getting the job done. For those who have not yet personally met Ed, I urge you to step up and call him to welcome him to the ACA family. He has been a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with him for many years.

Again, please feel at ease to call me with any concerns or suggestions which can be used to help the ACA.

Thank you for lending an ear and hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,
Rob Sheets