Media Releases
Attend the 2023 Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup to Deliver the Value and Make the Grade
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup will once again take place at the 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association Convention held November 29-December 1, in Omaha, Nebraska. This year’s event will focus on the importance of end-product quality to ensure Gelbvieh and Balancer® cattle continue to deliver the value and make the grade.
This year’s symposium will be held on November 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. CST following the industry tour at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capital District.
Dr. Scott Howard will kick-off the event with his presentation focused on carcass quality and value-added opportunities. Howard currently serves as the director of operations for Meyer Natural Foods, focused on the production of steaks, grinds and the growth of branded beef programs.
Michaela Clowser will present the results of the 2022 Beef Quality Audit and the role sustainability and Beef Quality Assurance certifications play in the United States beef industry. Clowser is the director of producer education at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) where she leads the development and implementation of NCBA’s educational programs.
Dr. Matt Spangler will provide attendees with guidance on how to make genetics progress to improve end product quality. Spangler is a professor of animal genetics and an extension beef genetics specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and serves on the Beef Improvement Federation board of directors.
The program will conclude with a panel of all three speakers to allow event attendees to ask questions and gain further insight into how the information presented can help their herd deliver the value and make the grade to move the beef industry forward.
The event is free and open to all beef producers to attend. More information can be found on Gelbvieh.org.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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Wellsandt Announced as American Gelbvieh Association Fall Intern
LINCOLN, Neb. – The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is excited to announce the hiring of Sydney Wellsandt, Unadilla, Nebraska, as the AGA fall intern. In her internship, Wellsandt will be assisting in all aspects of AGA operations including member programs and services support, member education, and preparation for the 53rd Annual AGA National Convention and AGA National Show activities.
“Throughout the fall, Sydney will gain experience with all facets of a beef breed association,” says Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “We are excited to have her joining our AGA team to assist with customer service, communications and planning our annual convention.”
Wellsandt grew up on an acreage in Unadilla, Nebraska, where she showed cattle with her sister across the state and was actively involved in her local 4-H and FFA programs. Through these activities, she grew a deeper passion for the beef industry and became dedicated to finding ways to give back to the industry. She is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she is studying Animal Science with minors in Agribusiness, Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars and Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship. She is also involved in Block and Bridle and serves on the Young Nebraska Cattlemen board of directors. Wellsandt plans to pursue a career in the beef industry where she can share her passion with others and work alongside producers.
“I’ve always had an interest in breed associations and the role they play within the beef industry. I look forward to working with members of the AGA and learning how the association works with them to grow the breed,” said Wellsandt. “The team at the AGA is consistently working hard for the members and their cattle, and I’m excited to be a part of the positive impact they have on the industry.”
Wellsandt began her internship on September 8 and can be reached at intern@gelbvieh.org or at the AGA office at 303-465-2333.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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American Gelbvieh Association Hosts Genomic Webinar Featuring UNL Specialist, Dr. Matt Spangler
LINCOLN, Neb. – How can breed associations position seedstock producers to better serve their commercial customers? The answer proposed by the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is the identification of genetically superior beef cattle – sooner, with fewer generational intervals, and definitively.
In an upcoming September 7, 7:00 p.m. central standard time webinar, Genomics: Improving the U.S. Cowherd, Dr. Matt Spangler, beef genetics specialist for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will share his research and insights on the merits of collecting genomic information.
“We can genotype young animals and increase the accuracy of their predictions, or EPDs, to the same level as if they already had 10 offspring. We can increase an animal’s EPD accuracy and decrease their generation interval, or the average age of the parents when the next generation is born. Those two things together allow beef producers to make faster genetic gains,” he says.
The one-hour webinar will focus on the basics of genomics, different testing opportunities, getting started: from which test to select to how to best apply the animal data, and wrap with a live Q&A session with Dr. Matt Spangler.
“Weights, carcass and fertility are on the mind are on the mind of every commercial producer when they purchase a seedstock animal,” says Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “The goal of this webinar is to help provide resources on the importance of genomics and equipping producers with the tools needed to better leverage the technology for more desirable phenotypes, to ultimately help maximize profitability and resources.”
The webinar adds to the ongoing educational efforts of the AGA in helping familiarize members and stakeholders with the resources they need to best utilize technology and new practices for their own herd.
Register for the upcoming webinar; Genomics: Improving the U.S. Cowherd here. To learn more about leveraging genomic testing for your herd, visit www.gelbvieh.org or reach out to the office at 303-465-2333.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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Registration Open for 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association Convention
LINCOLN, Neb. – Registration is open for the 53rd Annual American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Convention to be held November 29-December 1, 2023, at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District in Omaha, Nebraska.
The convention will feature annual AGA committee meetings, the Bull Pen Session, Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup educational symposium featuring industry-leading speakers, industry tours, and the awards banquet honoring individuals for their outstanding contribution to the breed
AGA members are encouraged to attend and exercise their right to vote at the AGA Annual Meeting. During the meeting, the election of five members to the AGA board of directors will take place, along with other important association business.
The AGA and American Gelbvieh Foundation (AGF) will host an evening awards banquet to celebrate the achievements of the membership and customers. Awards will be presented to the newest AGA Hall of Fame inductee, Breeder of the Year and Commercial Producer of the Year.
“The annual convention is one of the most important events the AGA puts on all year,” says Megan Slater, AGA executive director. “Not only is important business conducted during the committee meetings and annual meeting, but it also allows time for AGA members to network with one another and learn about various industry topics that impact their day-to-day business.”
Continue to watch the AGA Facebook and Instagram pages for convention news and speaker announcements. Register today to reserve early bird pricing at gelbvieh.org. For questions regarding the event, please contact the AGA office at 303.465.2333 or email info@gelbvieh.org.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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Pope Chosen as 2023-2024 American Gelbvieh Junior Association Ambassador
LINCOLN, Neb. – Congratulations to Justine Pope of Ravenna, Nebraska, daughter of Jeff and Jeanne Pope, for being chosen to represent the American Gelbvieh Junior Association as the ambassador for the 2023-2024 year.
Justine is a six-year member of the AGJA, and a junior at Shelton Public Schools in Shelton, Nebraska. In addition to her new role as AGJA Ambassador, she is actively involved in 4-H, FFA, school sports, dance and several competitive teams. Pope has served in various leadership positions within her respective associations/organizations attending numerous events related to career development, leadership, skill building and much more.
“While showing at Junior Nationals, I also competed in all the contests throughout the week. From quiz bowl to giving speeches on Gelbvieh-related topics, I have gained much more knowledge about the breed and associations. Aside from competing at Junior Nationals and showing Gelbvieh cattle, I have also begun to raise a small herd of my own. Most of my cattle are shown and once they have completed their show career, I return them to the herd to create more high-quality offspring. I sell my bulls privately and if I choose not to show one of my heifers, they are retained as breeding stock. Within this growing involvement and background, I have gained many beneficial experiences. This year, I have had the opportunity to serve on our state junior board as the treasurer. This position has helped me be more involved with other junior members in my state as well as Gelbvieh breeds,” Pope said.
The AGJA created the Ambassador program to encourage and support youth development in the breed’s activities. The ambassador will represent the AGJA at Gelbvieh functions throughout the year, including shows at the local, regional, state and national levels. We wish Justine the best of luck in her new role as the 2023-2024 AGJA Ambassador.
The American Gelbvieh Junior Association is the junior division of the American Gelbvieh Association. The AGJA provides members up to 21 years of age the opportunity to participate in youth activities.
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Justine Pope, 2023-2024 Ambassador
Tony Hayek Memorial Award Presented in Huron
LINCOLN, Neb. – Each year the Tony Hayek Memorial Award is presented at the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) Junior Classic to the exhibitor of the Champion Bred and Owned Gelbvieh Heifer. This year’s recipient at the 2023 AGJA Great Dakota Classic held in Huron, South Dakota, was Lily Judd of Pomona, Kansas.
The Tony Hayek Memorial was established 20 years ago. Tony loved cattle, kids and having a good time. Junior Nationals was his family vacation nearly every year. Tony’s children Tina, Stan, Shellina and Janelle were all active in the Junior Gelbvieh Association. Three of the four have chosen to continue with their own herd (Cib’s Gelbvieh, Herink Gelbvieh and Taubenheim Gelbvieh). Tony’s influence in the breed lives on through his kids and grandkids as they participate in many shows and other Gelbvieh activities.
Tony was passionate about Gelbvieh cattle and knew the breed’s future was in the hands of the younger generations. He found great joy in teaching the youth about the Gelbvieh breed and helping them with their livestock projects. He loved watching his kids exhibit cattle, but he always wanted them to understand the skills that are needed outside of the show ring to breed quality cattle. Showing cattle takes a great deal of skill, but competing in the bred and owned division takes that skill to a much higher level. It is for that reason the Bred and Owned show was always one of his favorites.
Congratulations Lily Judd on achieving the Champion Bred and Owned Gelbvieh Heifer honor. Tony would be very proud of your dedication to breeding outstanding Gelbvieh genetics.
The American Gelbvieh Junior Association is the junior division of the American Gelbvieh Association. The AGJA provides members up to 21 years of age the opportunity to participate in youth activities.
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From left to right: Barb Wieben, Lily Judd, and Tina Cibula