Emily posted on December 05, 2011 13:17
As published in the December 2011 issue of the SG USA...
The diversity of our membership (social, junior, show, commercial, performance, etc) makes the core of our association strong. Regardless of our individual reason(s) for being a breeder and aligning ourselves with SGBI we have always come together, through our board and committees, to making unified grassroots decisions. The leadership has and will continue to make these necessary decisions in order to keep this great breed of cattle relevant. Additionally, the majority of SGBI membership is on board with the decisions and is aware the direction our breed needs to take.
Thus, the primary message of my columns has been outlining the tremendous, numerous and diverse services SGBI offers its members, and how they are designed to assist Santa Gertrudis breeders in capturing market share. I have also tried to convey how I believe, while not unanimous, the board has developed more solidarity the past few years.
However, as Will Rogers said "Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there." I agree with Will and believe this statement is very applicable to SGBI. The aforementioned grassroots decisions driven at the committee level, and the services offered have SGBI on the proverbial right track. We have all the tools in place to compete and capture market share yet we fail, in many cases, to follow up and follow through by participating.
Marketing opportunities can be realized through participation in the Open Show Program, registered cattle sales across the country, new cooperative calf marketing program advertising in Santa Gertrudis USA, branding your Santa Gertrudis influenced genetics through the Star 5 program and sales and advertising in the new semen catalog. Performance measurement and improvement opportunities are available through the new national Elite Bull Test, TPR and National Steer Feedout.
I encourage every breeder to determine the service(s) that fits their niche and then participate in order to realize the true value of your cattle breeding efforts. If you have questions concerning the services contact your regional and/or district director or our executive director John Ford. They will be happy to explain the requirements for participation or get you in contact with someone who can.
Through continued hard work, dedication, progressive thinking and progressive programs we will continue to position Santa Gertrudis as the preferred American beef breed.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Scott Moore, 361-221-0340
"I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been." - Wayne Gretzky