Brangus Association Awards Cattlemen

Five of the most elite cattle producers and Brangus breeders were honored by the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) for their outstanding achievements and their contributions to the Brangus breed as well as the beef cattle industry.

Joe Fuller, Connie Morrow, Martha Morrow, Carly Morrow, and Dr. Tommy Perkins

The Pioneer Award recognizes an IBBA member, past or present, for his/her service, loyalty and contributions to the Brangus breed. Jerry Morrow served as IBBA’s Executive Vice President from 1980 to 1988 and had an influential role in the association. Several advancements were initiated under his leadership including the first National Junior Brangus Show, first National Brangus Sire Evaluation, first Brangus bull sale at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, and the first of any breed to have ultrasound enhanced carcass expected progeny difference (EPDs).

Trey Kirkpatrick, David Vaughan, Susan Vaughan, and Dr. Tommy Perkins

David Vaughan also received the Pioneer Award for his influence both domestically and internationally. Vaughan was the owner of Salacoa Valley Farms in Fairmount, Ga., which sold to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. He served the IBBA in several capacities including a term as president in 2007-2008, and he was awarded the Brangus Breeder of the Year award in 2005 for his progressive ideas and successful operation.

Steve Densmore, Dr. Robert Vineyard, and Traci Middleton

Steve Densmore of Bryan, Texas, was one of two recipients of the Breeder of the Year Award. The substantial amount of carcass data the IBBA has received on fed Brangus steers is, in part, due to Densmore’s dedication to the Brangus breed. He has a passionate devotion to the Junior Brangus Association and was the recipient of the Georganne Myers Award in 2011 for his support of the Junior program. Densmore also served on the IBBA Board of Directors from 1997 until 2003 and was elected President in 2002. He was elected to another three-year term from 2010 to 2013, which collectively totals 10 years on the IBBA board.

Tracy Holbert, Penny Coggins, Mike Coggins, and Traci Middleton

Mike Coggins was another recipient of the Breeder of the Year Award for his progressive ideas and outstanding seedstock operation. Coggins is a truly progressive breeder who produces some of the best genetics with the latest technologies available. Coggins owns Blackwater Cattle Company in Lake Park, Ga., where he oversees a purebred Brangus cattle business along with a diversified agriculture operation. He is very knowledgeable about all sectors of the industry and understands the needs of commercial cattlemen, seedstock producers and consumers alike.

The Commercial Producer of the Year award was presented to Russell Trefney of Weimar, Texas, in recognition of his achievements and success of incorporating Brangus genetics in his commercial cattle operation. A fifth generation cattleman, Trefny found Brangus to be the best breed for his crossbreeding operation in Central Texas in order to maintain a consistent product that resulted in higher quality carcass grades at the harvesting stage, making it more profitable for him to retain ownership through the feedlot.

Don Cox, Jessye Trefny, Michaelanne Trefny, Russell Trefny, Traci Middleton, and Dr. Tommy Perkins

Award recipients were presented their awards Friday, March 7, 2014, by the IBBA in Houston, Texas, at the IBBA annual convention. Award recipients are nominated and selected by the IBBA Awards Committee. Please visit http://www.gobrangus.com for more information.

 

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IBBA Concludes Successful Convention

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) welcomed members and show exhibitors to its annual convention in Houston March 4-8, 2014, in conjunction with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Dr. Milt Thomas discusses genomic indicators to IBBA members.

To kick off the events, a welcome reception was hosted in the show barn Tuesday evening to engage with members in attendance. The next morning, several committees met to discuss developing plans for advancement and IBBA staff members provided informative presentations to the group. Jason Bates, Director of Field Services and Commercial Marketing, provided his thoughts about how to market and promote Brangus to the commercial sector and positively positioning Brangus in the beef cattle industry. Emilio Silvas, IBBA Product Manager, discussed Total Herd Reporting (THR), Genetic Performance Solutions (GPS), Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), and gave an update of other relevant topics to the membership.

Later that afternoon during the Board of Directors meeting, a new slate of officers were elected to the Executive Committee. New officers for 2014-2015 are President Traci Middleton, First Vice President Mike Vorel, Second Vice President Danny Farris, and Secretary/Treasurer Brandon Belt.

On Thursday following the membership breakfast, IBBA’s Executive Vice President Dr. Tommy Perkins addressed the membership and presented his vision and his goals for his role in unifying the association and advancing the breed. Following in the IBBA business meeting, the outgoing president, Ron Flake, gave his year in review and the outgoing directors were recognized. The new elected directors introduced and seated at the table along with the other board members. Cody Gariss of Lamar, Mo., was elected to a second term, and the new directors include Mike Kammerer of Montgomery, Texas; Eddy Roberts of O’Brien, Fla.; and Bill Davis of Concord, Ark.

IBBA Board of Directors meeting

The Sixth Annual Global Roundup hosted Thursday afternoon brought together domestic producers, international guests, and industry professionals. Dr. Tommy Shields, McNeese University, gave a presentation on live animal evaluation, and Leslie Frenzel, Texas A&M University, gave a demonstration on consumer product evaluation. Delegates from Mexico were also present to promote and extend invitations to the 2014 World Brangus Congress. The Ideal Video Productions Customer Appreciation Sale immediately followed.

Dr. Tommy Shields uses a Brangus heifer in his live animal evaluation demonstration

Leslie Frenzel gave a live demonstration in deboning and processing a rib roll to an engaged crowd of producers..

The IBBA recognized five award recipients at the banquet Friday evening March 7 to showcase the achievements and contributions these breeders have made to the Brangus breed and the beef cattle industry. Congratulations to all the award recipients.

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2014 IBBA Annual Convention & Global Brangus Roundup

Registration is now open for the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) Annual Convention and Global Brangus Roundup in Houston, Texas. The 2014 Convention will be hosted March 4-7, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at 8686 Kirby Drive. This year’s convention promises new and exciting updates with the introduction of new leadership and staff members as well as educational information for convention attendees.

Scan the QR Code with your smart phone to submit the form online!

REGISTRATION: Download the form here.
Convention registration is due before February 14, and late registrations are accepted until March 3.

SCHEDULE: Download the convention schedule here.

ROOM BLOCK: Open until February 10.
Call 1-877-270-1393 to make reservations at the Crowne Plaza under the IBBA room block, and use code IBB.

Sixth Annual Global Brangus Roundup

Everyone is invited to join us at the Sixth Annual Global Brangus Roundup Thursday, March 6, in the Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza. This event will feature presentations from U.S. experts on Brangus body composition and Brangus consumer products, as well as a trade show with many of our Brangus breeders who will feature their best herd sires and donor cows by video. Don’t miss this fun and informative event!

If you would like to participate and have a booth at this event, download the participant form and return it to Lindsey Matli before February 7. Please adhere to all deadlines.

REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE: Download participation form here.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Download the Roundup schedule here.

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Get in Front of Cattlemen at NCBA

Partner with IBBA and come face-to-face with other cattlemen at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Annual Convention and Trade Show February 4-7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. The oldest and largest convention for the cattle business, the NCBA trade show provides a unique, fun environment for cattle industry members to come together. Do not be the one missing out! Join us in Nashville to help promote Brangus.

Download the flyer for package options and more information. Commitments must be made by Friday, December 13. Email Lindsey Matli or call her at 210-696-8231 today to reserve your spot in the GoBrangus booth!